Anger Issues

102

Two Days Later

Jessica

"Dad, stop," I heard Noah's voice again. I closed my eyes and put my AirPods in, playing loud music to drain out the arguing.

Ever since Mom found out, I gave up on trying to control him and his drunk self. I barely talked to him anymore. Mom was so sad she barely talked to us.

Noah and I wanted so bad to help her and make her feel better, but it seemed impossible. At least whenever Dad was home.

A few minutes passed, and I paused my music, waiting to hear something. Anything, really. Dad dragged on these arguments far longer than necessary.

When I heard.. nothing, I sighed in relief. Then, my phone started buzzing in my hand.

Austin and I were still not on the best terms, but better than before. We didn't fully discuss what was happening, but we did start talking again about other topics.

"Hey," I answered. "H- what's wrong?" He asked.

I feel like it's my responsibility to make you feel better, and I don't always know how to do that.

Remembering his words, I hesitated to answer. "Nothing, I'm just tired," I lied.

"Jess," he sighed.

I shook my head, looking at the ceiling.

"It's my dad.. again," I said.

"What's going on?" He asked. Just as he did, I heard Nite scratching against my door, bringing me to my feet.

"He's just drunk again, that's all," I said, opening the door and picking up Nite.

I knew he hadn't eaten yet, so I took him downstairs, setting down. Noah was sitting at the kitchen island, scrolling through his phone.

"Where's Mom?" I asked. "Upstairs," he bluntly said. "Dad?"

"I don't fucking know, and I don't care," he shook his head.

I poured Nite some food, continuing to converse with Noah for a minute.

"What was he saying?" I asked. "Same shit as usual," he said. The annoyance was more than visible in his voice.

"Just stay upstairs, I'll deal with him whenever he comes back in-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the front door opened and Dad stumbled in.

Noah put his phone down and looked at me, nudging his head upstairs.

I didn't want him to do it alone, but nothing I could do would make the situation any better. Jogging back upstairs, I shut the door in my room and sat by my desk.

"Everything okay?" He asked. "Will be," I nodded.

"Why'd you call?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

He stayed silent for a few seconds, making me look at him through the screen.

In those seconds, I heard footsteps go downstairs.

Mom.

"Are we okay, Jess?" He asked. I paused, shocked at his question.

I thought I was thinking worse in this scenario, I guess not.

I immediately softened for him, knowing he was worried.

"I- yeah, of course, Austin," I softly said. "You promise?" He asked.

I nodded. "I promise."

He closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair, worrying me even more. Furrowing my eyebrows, I immediately grew concerned.

"What's wrong?" I asked. He sighed, and by the look on his face, was gathering his thoughts.

"I don't know, I-"

He continued talking, but the sound of something crashing downstairs made me jump.

"What was that?" He asked.

"I'll call you back."

I immediately hung up and sprinted downstairs, the sound of voices gradually getting louder. Nite started barking- and he almost never barked unless he was riled up.

When I got downstairs, the first thing I saw was Noah standing between mom, who was by the kitchen island, and dad, who was in the living room.

"Dad calm the fuck down, nothings happening," Noah said with his hands up.

"Jessica, go upstairs," Mom pulled my arm, as Dad continued talking.

"It's all a game. They try to fool us all the time," he said. "Dad," I heard Noah's voice.

Noah came up to Dad and tried calming him down, but Dad reacted the same way and pushed him off.

"She's lying," Dad spat, pointing at Mom who was already in tears. "What's he talking about?" I asked Mom.

"I don't know," she sobbed. "Go upstairs," I told her. She shook her head. "Mom, please," I begged.

She still refused. "Dad stop, please, please," I pleaded towards Dad.

"She's doing this to me!" Dad shouted, grabbing a towel and throwing it in Moms direction, but missing.

"Dad!" Noah and I synced.

"Get off!" He yelled at Noah. "Dad, you need to calm down," Noah calmly spoke.

I felt tears well up in my eyes and before I knew it, I was crying.

As if I couldn't he more scared, Dad walked over to the fan in the living room, throwing his fist at it.

"Dad, quit it," Noah urged, trying to pull him back, but failing. Nite continued barking.

"What happened?" I asked Mom. Both of us were in tears. "I don't know. He's drunk and just got so angry," she shrugged.

"Dad!" Noah yelled again, catching our attention.

Dad finally stopped, but his knuckles were busted open. He was bleeding, but to him, it didn't matter.

"Ben, stop it!" Mom said. "Shut up, you played me," he argued.

Why was he suddenly acting like this? So violently?

"Mom stay back," I kept my hand on her shoulder. The thought seemed wild, but I didn't want him to hurt her.

"I need to fucking leave," Dad spat. "Stop, please," I practically spat. "Don't cry," Dad shook his head, looking disappointed.

Grabbing his bottle from the table, he dropped everything else and went out to the backyard.

A/N: I'm splitting this into two chapters, I've had this in my "plot" book for quite some time. It shows how bad things are getting. Keep in mind that Austin doesn't know half of his because Jess is really embarrassed about the whole situation. He knows vaguely what's going on.