Burned Intentions

An Incredulous Visit

I heard a knock on the door. It's probably Aunt Claire.

Jaydon I'm coming now, wait here. I walk off and stop by the door. And this time please listen to me.

Going down the stairs I feel like I'm dragging my body along. Looking around the house, seeing all the pictures of us as a family. They seem to follow me down the stairs, taunting me with the joyous memories we once experienced. Everything in this house seems different,  a little darker. Like my mom left with all the happiness.
I open the door and my heart stops.

Hello Skylar. He says.

William. I say glaring at him.

William, he says chuckling What ever happen to being called dad. The lack of respect from children these days.

Oh, he died the day he chose his work is more important than the life of his family. I reply.

Ah that, you know I meant no harm Skylar. It was a simple experiment.

I laugh humourlessly.

And you call yourself a father. What a way to degrade the meaning of it. You don't even know the first thing that comes with being a father!

His eyes darkened and his smile slowly faded. He grabbed me by my shirt and pulled me close to him.

Listen to me, you little brat! his breath reeks of scotch. I know this smell all too well.

Ew, ever heard of breath mints. I exclaim trying to speak over the lump in my throat.

I need you to get your mother's body for me and you will get it for me or else-

Ahh, William what a pleasant surprise. Aunt Claire interrupts him.

Claire, Alas. Glad to see you could make it.

He says slowly loosening his grip on my shirt.

Not abusing the children again, now are we William?

Uncle Kurt says appearing behind Aunt Claire. I always love him and his snarky remarks.

Not at all Kurt. he said releasing me from his grasp, we're just having a... minor disagreement. He says straightening my shirt.

Minor disagreement my ass. I snort.

William turns and glares at me.

Sky, where is your mother? Let's go check on her and Jaydon, let the men sort out their differences.

I look at her and gulp back the lump that formed in my throat and just nod.
I looked at my fath- arg even saying it brings bile to my throat. I looked at William and something flashed across his face, but he composed himself quickly. Too quickly if you ask me. I let her walk me into the house and as we get to the room I break down and Jaydon explains everything that happened.
Like I can't stop thinking about how much dad just pitched up here after all these years, then he threatens me like what the hell! Who does he think he is! Coming here and making threats and telling me 'or else'. Or else what? He'll kill me? It's not like he hasn't tried already!

************

I haven't spoken to anyone for the past week, it's just a series of hello's and goodbyes. I don't even feel like going to school. Too many people and I really don't have the energy for all their pities.
Everyone apologising and I don't know what to say. Honestly, what is there to say? We'll just end up making small talk and I definitely don't have the energy for that. Plus with everyone walking on egg shells around me like they are scared I'll break at any point and time. I haven't actually cried since aunt Claire was here. I did lash out at Jaydon on Thursday and ever since then it's been me and my thoughts. Aunt Claire would come in from time to time to bring food or Jaydon to sit and talk to me about his day, I just can't pull myself out of this trance. It's like I want to scream and shout but nothing seems to come out of my mouth. I'm stuck in a box with tape all around me and no form of light. I hate this.

Pain never comes with a notice, it just strikes and you're left in all the blemishes. Trying to love them because hating them would be hating what's now a part of you. I hate William for all he has done, but hating him I can't bring myself to it. Besides it's partly my fault. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was young and gullible. When do we start fearing family, when they are the ones who should be protecting us?