Silence

Life sucks

Elliot's POV

It's the next day, and feel, happy. I haven't really paid much thought to mom cheating, I don't blame her. And when i think of it, i don't like the feeling it gives me.

I ended up falling asleep last night laying next to mom. I had woken up due to a nightmare, but I don't know what time. I had gotten up to go to the restroom, there was dry tears stained against my cheeks - from the night before - making them seem redder than normal.

Then I just went to my room, I didn't want to go back to my moms' because two things: 1. I don't want to wake her up 2. I'd rather not be here when dad comes up.

I know that I am happy about being an older brother. Even if it isn't dads, maybe this baby we'll make him realize what he's doing. He could change. But I know I'm only hoping.

Laying here, I keep daydreaming about what it'd be like when the baby is born. I imagine a little brother attempting to defend mom as dad yells at her, standing in front of her legs as she tells him to go to his room.

Or a little sister, bugging me to get on my back as I run around the house, with her feeling as if she's flying.

More than likely being more of a father figure than our actual father. It just sucks this baby is going to be born into this life, our horrible messed up life.

Checking the time on my phone, it's barely 10am. I've been up for at least 2 hours, when I came in here around 3, I fell back asleep. And school started about 4 hours ago so I'd be in 3rd period right now which is choir.

I already hear them arguing. Maybe moms telling him about the pregnancy. I wonder what his reaction is, or will be when he finds out. Which he will of course, it's inevitable.

Curiosity getting the best of me, I quietly make my way to the bottom of the stairs and just sit there. Eavesdropping on them, maybe its because I'm worried for mom. Or because I'm scared for her.

We aren't always close, but we try to be. We help each other by sticking together. After the 'Eli and mommy forever' thing, she told me if things get bad promise you won't avoid me, promise you won't change. And right now, I question if she knew this would happen, that dad would become abusive.

And if she did, why didn't she leave him before. Was it because of me? Or was she just scared for us? Of course at the time I was only 6, so maybe she didn't want me to watch our family fall apart at such a young age.

I don't know anymore, I give up. Life shouldn't have to be this complicated, I shouldn't have to come home being afraid of what will happen when I step through the front door. Let alone being able to help keep another human being safe.

Maybe having a younger sibling isn't such a good idea.

"I'm pregnant, Don!" She says, her voice cracking. Using the short version of dads name.

It stays quiet. And peaking at them, I can tell moms tense and dad sets his beer on the table. "And who's fault is that!?" His voice was loud, so loud I could've heard it from in my room.  I can see as she opens her mouth to speak, but shuts it quickly. "It's yours, i wasn't the one who went and slept around." He lifts his hand making her flinch. But before he does anything, he puts it back down.

"Elliot!" I kinda expected I'd get called sooner or later, was hoping it'd be later. Sighing, I slowly stand up, and walk towards them, standing next to mom. "Donovan, don't hurt him. He has nothing to do with this." She says her voice quivering but quickly covers it.