My Eyes Pick Up What Most Leave Behind

Chapter Seventeen

Sorry for the very short, and late chapter. But it is pretty intense. I've had it written for a while. But never uploaded it. Enjoy!

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Recap: Scarlett's dad shows up *gasps* and tells her he got married. She runs to the park and falls asleep, and Erick brings her to his house.

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Chapter 17

I hung out at Erick's house for a while. Once I looked at the clock, and saw it was 8, I announced I had to get home. I still have homework to do.

"Alright. I'll drive you home," Erick said. I smiled and followed him out to his car.

The short drive was over quickly.

"Bye, see you tomorrow!" I said, before sticking one foot out of the door. "And thanks," I added.

"For what?" He asked.

"Being there for me." I responded, before shutting the door and going up to my porch. I slipped my key into the lock and twisted, and a click announced it was open. I swung the door open, and halted. My dad was here. I could feel it. His voice and my mother's proved that I was right. I snuck up the stairs, laughing once I got to my room. "Huh. My dad and my mom in the same house. No- same room!" I said, out loud to no one but myself.

"Who are you talking to?" Tanzie nearly scared to death. No pun intended.

"Myself," I responded, nonchalantly.

"You do that often?" She asked, sarcastically.

"Yeah. If you didn't notice- I'm not normal. Normal people don't have convos with their ghost friends about talking to oneself." I said.

"Touché." She replied. My dad's raised voice brought my stomach into my throat. That's what it feels like, at least. I think it has do go way back to when I was a baby. I don't remember them fighting, I was too young. But whenever people yell at each other I get this horrible feeling.

"Scarlett, you need to step in," Tanzie said.

"What? No," I replied.

"You always withdraw from any kind of family- related discussions or arguments. You need to go stick up for yourself," she ordered.

"They are talking about me?" I asked. She nodded. I thought about it. I should! I never do anything for myself like that. "Okay. Fine," I said, instantly regretting it. She looked at me expectantly, and I left my room.

"She's my daughter, too, you know!" My dad yelled.

"Really? Are you the kind of person who thinks it's acceptable to never talk to your daughter!? To neglect to invite her to your wedding?!" My mom shouted back. I flinched. At least my mom was sticking up for me. That gave me courage. I walked into the room, and they did not even notice. They were too busy screaming at each other.

"Maybe I was busy!" He bellowed.

"To busy to talk to your own daughter?" I asked, the quietness- the sincerity in my voice caused my dad to look at me, head tilted.

"Well..." He trailed off. He was actually at a loss for words! He's had plenty to make up excuses, and even more to make empty promises. But I actually brought him to a stand still. Wow.

"Yeah. I thought so," I put a hand on my hip and raised my eyebrows.

"But-" He tried.

"No buts. You have officially screwed everything up. For good. Now get out."

"Honey!" He pleaded.

"Don't call me that. You may be my father, but you sure as heck are not my dad. NOW GET OUT."

I stared, expressionless, at the stranger in my kitchen. The anger was emerging from the pit of my stomach. I wanted him anywhere but here.

"Okay. Your right. But I-" he attempted to continue.

"Yeah, I am right. Now would you be so kind as to leave my mom and I alone? Thanks," I spat out. I was shaking. My mom stepped towards me and clasped my hand in hers.

"You heard her, Mike. Get out of my house," My mom demanded.

"Fine. But just for the record- I never loved either of you," he said, grabbing his jacket.

I stood there, completely still, my eyes stinging, and my heart numb. He left the house with a slam, and I sunk to the ground. My eyes blurred with warm tears, and I let out a pitiful sob.