Behind The Glasses

Chapter 2

Dedication to @Georgiexx22 for the amazing cover! :D Thank you!  

I stand, waiting at the gate; the latch in my fingertips, cold, metallic and real. I can hear no guitar playing, I see the plants are still unwatered, my heart sank. Today Hunter was here, with my parents; why did it have to be him? Hunter was so scary! He was always angry. I see the curtains twitch; I grimace. Hunter, with his brunette hair like mine, was glaring at me from the window, I can see his face twisting in frustration. He signals for me to come to the door; I unlatch the gate.

   In a couple of steps I am at the door of my house, it is like going into it for the first time. It feels cold, lifeless; as though no one lives in here. The old door creaks on its hinges as the door opens. “Why are you late?” Hunter demanded, I trembled, my knees felt weak. My school bag slipped from my shoulder, I bent to pick it up; a firm fist clamped around my arm. “Answer me” he snarled. My voice caught in my throat, I opened my mouth, words barely forming, “I had to go to Amya’s to pick to talk to her about something privately” I replied. Hunter eyed me up and down, then gazed me squarely in the eyes, a stare so intense it made you want to flinch away; it made your eyes burn.

   “You’d better not be lying to me. Anyway, mum and dad will be here in an hour so get the house ready” Hunter snapped, releasing me; I quickly squat down to pick up my bag, “Are you seeing anyone?” Hunter barked, I scooped up my bag, pulling it up hurriedly, wanting nothing but to escape. “No sir” I reply; just as the party invite flutters down from my bag. Hunter, with lightning speed catches it, pulling it up to his face. “Krish, I know that name. Brooklynn Krish. Where do I know her from?” Hunter demanded. My knees were wobbling now, I could feel a cold sweat forming on my back. “Her brother, Tom Krish, he comes and puts bets on track”.

   “Is her brother going to be at the party? Will his friends be there?” Hunter demanded, slamming his hand against the wall beside my head; I flinched, thinking I was going to be hit like so many times before. “Yes I suppose, he has a couple of friends invited, but it’s mostly Brooklynn’s friends in our year and that above” I answer as strongly as I can; which isn’t very. I sound like I’ve had a balloon of helium. Hunter’s face twists again. “WHORE!” he screamed, slamming the wall again; once more just for good measure. He slapped my face and stormed out.

   An hour later mum and dad arrive home, the car draws up on the road; then the engine cuts. Two tall figures get out of the car slowly, my dad holding his hand out to help mum out of the car. They carry two cases each, on sliding wheels, they wheel through the front gate to the door, they knock once and push the door open where Hunter and I are waiting. Thankfully my face has stopped swelling.

   “Hello darling” mum said shaking my hand, dad did the same. It is like meeting a great aunt and uncle; you don’t know these strangers, but they are family and you have to act like you know them. “What’s for dinner darling?” mum asked me. She is wearing black heels and a tight black dress, revealing a bit of cleaverage and hugging her curves. Her skin is pale as chalk despite her being away, her hair is dark brown, almost black; cut short in soft waves around her perfectly done up face: mascara, liquid eyeliner, foundation, concealer, a touch of blush and bright red lipstick. In her ears are small silver danglers, around her neck a necklace with a ring on it; her wedding ring. Mum says she would wear it on her hands, but the ring makes them hurt.

   Dad stands ridged beside mum, his suit perfectly pressed, his little hair perfectly combed. He says nothing just turns away from us, taking mum by the arm and leading her up the stairs. “Sausages and mash” I sigh into thin air, my parents couldn’t even be bothered to listen to the answer of a question THEY asked. “Woman, get in the kitchen; I’ll sort out the cases” Hunter barked. By this he meant he would lug the four hefty cases to the laundry and dump all the clothes on the floor for me to deal with later. Thanks.