Predator [UNDER EDITING]

Chapter Ten:

~Point of View: 1st~
~Character: (F. Name) (L. Name)~
~Location: (L. Name) household~

Can I consider this an awkward moment in my life? I wonder as I sit in the bathroom. My cramps feeling merciless - and murderous - as the blood temporarily stains my hands; as my parents shout outside the door. My mother is arguing - once more - that I should go with her. She claims that she can understand and relate to me easier, but she clearly fails to see I don't overly like her. Ironically enough my father, who "can't comprehend girls", helped me through my first period a couple years back. After that mother scolded him for being helpful, however that's besides the point.

"(F. Name) will clearly be happier with me. I understand her, can relate to her, and I can give her the absolute best," my mother snaps at my dad. I say nothing as I stare at my hands. I've taken care of the flow for a while with the supplies Kuroko got me. How will I be happier with you mother? You have caused me nothing but headaches, frustration, tears, and useless words to cover my own lie of being"fine".

"(Mother Name), please, see this reasonably," my dad begins. "We should allow our daughter to choose. Life is about choices and she needs to begin making her own. We can't leave our little girl lost -- any farther -- in the world than she already is. Our disagreements have cost her a happy childhood, her mind is now fragile, she doesn't fully embrace life, and she feels alone. What else do you want to take away from her?" My father raises his voice so much I sit stunned. Never have I heard his voice grow so loud.

"(Father Name) . . ."

"(F. Name) is old enough to decide," my father says as he softens his voice. "She's no longer young enough to mistake our feuds. If she wishes to go with you, I'll allow it. If she wants to stay with me, you will accept it without a fight," he says sternly. I mentally cheer my father on, he understands my own dilemma brought forth from theirs.

"Very well, I'll agree to those terms. However, if I were you I wouldn't be too upset when she comes with me." Then my mother walks off, the sharp click click click of her heels resonating long after she heads downstairs.

"How are you holding up (Nickname)? Doing all right?" A soft rapt on the door, two short ones following suit. Our secret code. I realize with a small smile. I clench one of my crimson stained hands and lightly knock three slow times. My message for "I could be better."

"I know sweetie. I'm sorry you got dragged into this," my father whispers outside the bathroom. I look at the ceiling and sigh.

"Dad, it's all right. You don't intentionally mean to," I reply simply. I hear a soft thump as my dad sits against the door.

"No. It's not all right. I should've have made sure not to involve you in our pitiful spiel. I should've been a better father to you when you were you still little." The words come out so pained I almost I cry myself.

"Dad . . ." I murmur. I never could have imagined my father in this state. You're always so strong father. I admire that about you. Always have and always will. I remember.

"Can you forgive me (nickname)?" His voice is so strained that a tear slides down my cheek.

"I can; but we have all the time in the world to mend the past," I sniffle as I let the tears fall. I can't keep it all bottled up within me. I reason.

"Do you mean-"

"I'm staying with you. I've said it before, and I can say it again and again. I'm staying with you. I refuse to go with mother," I say a little more confidently. My father gives a soft laugh and rapts the door two times in succession, pauses and knocks twice more, but slower.