On the Upper East Side, the wealthy live a complicated and scandalous life. Betrayal, drugs, alcohol, gambling, and chaos are common among Manhattan's elite. The only way to fit in is to be approved by New York royalty. if you're not then you become...
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My grandma taught me how to bake.
She knew about the problems I faced at home, so she decided to ignite light into my life by making me love something.
My grandma lost her husband, my mother's father, right after I was born, so she lived on her own in a home close to mine. The highlight of my week was Sundays because those were the days I got to see her.
I was eight when she taught me how to bake cookies. It was quite simple, but I instantly loved it.
It was always fun to see how some random ingredients could make something so delicious. And it was a bonus when I got to steal some cookie dough. My grandma always scolded me for it, saying that I'll get a stomach ache, but I always caught the slight amusement on her dark eyes.
The thought of her smile was the only thing that kept me from breaking as I held my brother close to my body. Joshua was trembling in my arms and I had a hard time not crying right then and there.
Shouts and screams were heard outside my room. Then crashes and more yelling. I should be used to this, but I couldn't help but flinch at the sounds. Still, I had to stay strong for my ten-year-old brother, who was growing up too early.
Right now all I can do is think about those memories and happy times with my grandmother and how it felt like when she was still alive.
"G-Gracie?" Joshua mumbles against my chest.
"Yes, Josh?" My voice didn't tremble and for that I was thankful.
"When is this gonna end?"
I almost burst into tears right then and there. My parents who were supposed to love us and protect us. Instead, they ruined my little brother's childhood the same way they did with mine.
"I don't know buddy. Just try to think happy thoughts, Okay?" I kiss his forehead and he nods.
I'm sure most people would think that living on the Upper East Side, money, and being well off must be the best way to live. Most people would think that money is everything.
They're wrong.
Money made my parents this way. They're greedy now that they know about the power of money. Now our home and our family is damaged and I don't know if we'll ever be able to fix what had been broken so long ago.
I can't remember a time were everything was happier, but then again maybe it never was.
The only thing I'm holding on to is my brother, who I hope will never be like my parents.
He doesn't deserve to be treated like this. All I wanna do is get him the hell out of this place before something worse happens. They aren't physically violent, but the verbal beating is too much sometimes.
