Torn Apart

Ripped Purse

Before my uncle died in a terrible car accident, he used to tell me stories of who my parents were before they changed. He told me how loving and caring they were to each other and others. Shockingly, I was told that before I was born, my mom used to donate to charities, volunteer at animal shelters, hold neighborhood gatherings, etc. I remember a time when it was near Christmas so there was a guy dressed as Santa at our local grocery store, holding a bucket where people could put in change. The man asked my mom if she would like to donate to the St. Gabriel's church and my mom cursed at him and dumped all the money out of his bucket. I helped the man pick up the money and apologized for my mom's behavior. It should've been my mom apologizing to the man, but she already was in the store, not caring about what the man was feeling. My uncle also told me that my dad used to be a teacher at an elementary school. Now, he stays away from children at all cost. My family could've been a sturdy building, but it became a pile of rubble. Sometimes, I wish that my parents were normal like the parents I see who take their children shopping or throw them special parties. Today was my fifteenth birthday, but it seemed like a normal, boring day. There weren't any presents, no special breakfast, not even someone that wished me happy birthday. The one fun part of my day would be going to my friend's house because she was throwing me a party at her house. I had been saving up money for months to buy a new dress for the party. Several hours of walking pets, mowing lawns, cleaning garages for the neighbors, and I finally had enough for the dress I want. There was still one problem. Who would drive me there? I'd have to ask my parents. I quickly got dressed, brushed my blonde-dyed hair, brushed my teeth, and put in the brown contacts I had to wear everyday. I slowly walked down the creaky stairs and spotted my parents. They were eating breakfast and drinking coffee. I walked over to them, hoping they were in a good mood. Sadly, I doubt they will take me because they are always in the worst mood on my birthday and the holidays. I could feel sweat beading on my forehead and my heart was pounding as I worked up the courage to speak.

"M-mother...um could you or father...please drive me to the mall?" I said quietly. No reply. "Mother? Mo-mo-mother? Father?" I heard a single grunt from my father.

"What is it Chelsea?"
   "Canyoupleasedrivemetothemallit'simportant?" I slurred out in a single breath, getting higher pitched as I gained speed. 

"Chelsea," my mother said, "Come on now dear. Keep your composure and speak clearly." Mother took a sip of her steamy coffee, not even turning her head to look at me. I sighed, and stated,

"Mother, Father? Could you please drive me to the library?" I asked, remembering that the library was about a five minute walk from the mall. Father took his glasses off, as if thinking. Then, he reluctantly sighed, answering,

"Only if it is for school, okay?"

"Yes sir! It is, father. Can you please take me?"

"Very well Chelsea."

"Yay! Thank you!" I yelled as I ran up the stairs to grab my purse.

I glanced at my closet door and expected to see my purse hanging on the knob, but it wasn't there. I frantically searched my room, hoping to see the familiar black handbag with the rip on the strap. I quickly walked down the stairs and approached my parents.

"Do you know where my money is at?" I asked, remembering to speak clearly even if I was struggling to speak because of all the panic going on in my head.

"You don't deserve that much money so I used it to buy a new outfit." my mother said coldly.

What! I had been saving that money up forever and she just took it from me! The anger inside me, that until this moment was buried deep inside me, was begging to be let out. I decided to let it be free and released the anger that had been building up inside me.

"Why the hell did you take my money!?" I screamed.

"Chelsea, you do not raise your voice like that or use that kind of language. Because you just did that, you will not be going to the library or the party tonight. Go to your room!" my father's voice boomed in my ears.

I ran up to my room, but not because he told me to. I realized I only had two hours until the party and I had to get ready to go.
————————————————————————
Hello readers! We hope you are enjoying this story. All of us will be on Winter Break in a couple days so we may not post as much. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Stay Tuned!