The Fight

Prologue

"You worthless piece of shit!" His angry voice calls before I hear the crash of another vase being slammed into the ground.

"Jessy, why is daddy screaming?" Nicholas asks me. I don't reply, I only hug his tiny nine-year-old frame tighter in my arms

"Lewis, just calm down, please! The kids are sleeping!" I hear my mother cry.

"Kids?" Lewis drunkly laughs, "you mean those stupid, bratty, who keep eating my money? They're monsters, not kids."

It's funny because I can't remember the last time I bought something nice for myself, or something for myself at all. Lewis' money is being "eaten" because he spends it all at the bar. Pathetic.

"Why is he calling us the monsters when he's the real monster?" Nicholas asks quietly.

I felt my heart break into a thousand tiny glass pieces. This is how every night goes in the Roberts' household. A long day at the office for Lewis means drinking, gambling, losing money, and coming home to take it all out on his poor wife and kids.

More crashes and bangs are heard and I wrap Nicholas tighter into the blanket we're huddled under, behind my bed.

"No, Lewis! Please, put down the-," was all that could escape my mothers lips before another crash was heard and a lot sob sounded echoed through the house.

"Dumb bitch!" Lewis yells. "Now, where are those wastes of space that you call kids? I'll show them not to waste my money anymore."

"Lewis, don't touch them!" My mother yells. But it's too late. I already hear his heavy foot steps coming up the stairs.

"Listen, Nic. I'm not going to let him or anyone hurt you ever. I promise. Do you trust me?" I say frantically to Nic. I study his face, he's scared. Terrified.

"I trust you," Nic says, his voice barely above a whisper.

I let out a breath and untangle myself from my baby brother, making my way over to the door.

"Where are you going?" he asks.

"To protect you," I answer.