Saving Shay

1.

My face strained from the scowl I kept on for the whole entire day. I washed my face with water and looked up at the mirror. I hope David doesn't come home tonight, I think before going outside the bathroom and head toward my room. I don't get why mom married David honestly. He makes her miserable. And she still claims that she loves him. I roll my eyes, right 'love'. I ponder for a moment if I should go out and check on my brother. Gabe. He's the main reason I still stay here at this hellhole. It's surprising how he's so cheerful and me... well not cheerful. I'm like the opposite of him. He's happy, caring, creative. While I'm dull, violent, and can't draw a straight line for my life.

I sigh, I wish we could go back to the times where we could sleep peacefully, without waking up in the middle of the night from screaming and yelling. I get my homework out, and start doing it. But every time I look at a question I can't seem to think. Every question I read sounds like something that's judging my life. Great even a homework is insulting me.

I decided to do my homework at homeroom so I stand up. I check on Gabe if he's still watching, spongebob square pants eating animal crackers. I walk over to the couch where Gabe is sitting and steal one of his crackers. Theses are so good. I hear a, "Hey" before I go to the kitchen and look into the fridge. Empty, why am I not surprised. I roll my eyes, I seem to do that a lot now these days. I debate if I should go grocery shopping, or face the wrath of my stepfather. Grocery shopping it is.

"Gabe, get ready. We're going grocery shopping." I holler before I grab my keys and wait outside for Gabe.

"Coming." He says back while still putting on his shoes. He still hasn't learned to tie his shoelace, so bend over to do his shoelace for him and strap the seatbelt for him.

We arrive at the grocery shop, as we get into the shop we grab a cart, we're going to have to buy a lot to supply for a month. We get some snacks and food on our way, and I buy a toy car for Gabe. We're not poor nor rich, I guess. From the outside we look like the perfect family. Right, perfect.

We purchase our items and head home. When we get home, I can finally relax. If he doesn't come home.

"I'm going to go make some dinner, if you need me, holler. Alright kiddo?" I asked as we head in to our house carrying the grocery bags.

"Okay" he said before heading to the living room with his toy car to watch sponge bob probably. He's so damn cute, I smile.

I make some potato salad and macaroni and cheese. I don't feel so fancy today. Gabe won't mind, at least the macaroni is in a dinosaur shape.

"Gabe dinner is ready." I said entering the living room. He's intently watching the tv, not taking his eyes off the screen. I chuckle and grab the plates and pass it to him. "Don't spill it alright." I said as I sit next to him and eat my own food.

I see Gabe's already clean plate. I swear this boy doesn't eat food, he inhales it. I take the plates and clean it while I finish mine.

I notice that it's about 8:00 so I tell Gabe to go take a shower and change into his pajamas. He protests a little, but I made a deal that if he do this right now he can watch sponge bob in the morning. It always works.

He finishes his shower and come out with his pajamas on. I take him to his bedroom and tuck him inside the blankets. I kiss him goodnight and before I go to my own room I make sure I lock the door before closing it. He'll be safer that way. I take my own shower and change into my pajama before taking one of my books out to read.

When I finish the chapter I was in I go to sleep, it's about 10:00. Perfect.

I hear the door open and close. I look over at the clock and notice it's about 12:30.

"SHAY, COME DOWN HERE." I hear him yell. I cringe, I really don't want to deal with him. But I obey his command anyways. I notice that Gabe was peaking out of his door, and I quickly walk over there.

"Gabe close the door and lock it alright." I said quickly. He doesn't usually bother Gabe but I don't want to take any chances.

"I'm scared Shay." He said weakly.

"You don't have to be kiddo. I'll protect you no matter what. Got that?" I asked him.

He nods and I kiss his head before closing the door. I hear it lock and I sigh.

"SHAY, I SAID COME DOWN HERE." He yells again.

I sigh. This is going to be a long night.

---
I sometimes run into my bedroom door because I always assume that it's open but really it's fucking locked and then you face plant on the door and feel bad for myself.
-E