No Way (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 1

A/N: Okay, first thank you for reading, and second this first chapter and next couple chapters are gonna be really bad because I'm not good with the first chapters or beginnings for books. Okay, again, don't stop reading though! Thank you! Okay and also please don't question why this one chapter is in past tense and the rest is not! I plan on fixing it, okay? Thank you again!

Ella

"Ella May January! Get your ass up!" My older sister, Justice, smacks me in the face with my pillow. I cry out and push her away. She stands above me, her hands on her hips and her blue eyes glaring down at me. "We're going to be late to school."

I groan. "Is Mom awake?"

"No. Not yet. I left a note for her though." Justice says. I nod and stand up.

"And Daddy is home?" I roll my neck and shoulders as I walk over to my dresser.

"No. He's still not back." She says, softly. I nod and pull out clothes to get changed into, crushing the small part of me that's disappointed my dad isn't home and probably won't be for a while. It isn't anything new though. He left us alone with our mom a lot even though he knows what happens when he does.

"Get out so I can get changed." I flick my wrist at her, impatiently. She leaves my room and I change into my clothes: a white V neck T-shirt, ripped jeans, my favorite leather jacket, and combat boots. I pull my blonde hair into a messy knot on top of my head, grab my phone then meet Justice by the door. "Can't I just skip today?"

"You skipped Monday and Wednesday, so no. And besides, if you skip again you'll be in serious trouble." Justice says, firmly. I sigh and walk along side her to school, pouting about the fact I can't skip.

"Just, do you ever think life could've been different or... better?" I ask, looking at her. "I mean, if our parents tried more...?"

"Sis, I don't think about that because then it'll make me mad and upset towards our mom. And I love Mom despite her mistakes." Justice tells me, give me a soft, sympathetic look. I could see past that look though. I could see the grief and the anger towards both our parents. Neither of us mention little Cori, our half little sister who doesn't even live with us.

I nod and stay quiet the rest of the walk. I look at the graffiti that is all over buildings and even houses. But as soon as we step onto school grounds, it's well manicured and there's no graffiti in sight. Justice and I say goodbye then I stalk off over to my best friend, Ivy, who's behind the school smoking a cigarette.

I pull out my own pack of cigarettes and light one. "There's a party tonight. Are you coming?" Ivy says, looking at me.

"Whose house?" I ask, blowing smoke.

"Evan's."

"Are you going?" I look at her. She shakes her head, looking slightly disappointed that she isn't.

"I'm watching the kids tonight." She replies. I nod and finish off my cigarette right as the bell rings. Ivy and I walk in, ducking and weaving even though I can scare football jocks with my glare.

Usually, I don't come to school. It's a waste of my time when I know my family doesn't have the money to send both me and Justice to college. I know Justice will probably make it, not me, therefore I leave the smart shit to her. Whereas, I'm the protector of the family. I box and I have quite a rep on the streets, making people understand that they should leave my family alone.

Boxing is also how I bring in money for groceries when my dad or sister can't pay for it.

"Damn, I'm starving. Justice woke me up then dragged my ass to school." I yawn as I walk into first period. I carry my books limply at my side as Ivy and I take our usual seats in the back of the room. The final bell rang and a boy walks in right as the teacher is about to talk.