After The Road Trip

7

It's been a week. Everything feels different in the house. Roni is less mouthy. Amber is more mouthy. Billie isn't as hyperactive. Liam is in his room a lot more. The two older swear and fight each other like cats and dogs. I'm very spaced out from everything. I hardly notice anything nowadays because I'm always thinking about what I can do better. It might just be my anxiety playing up again. I'm just sat in the lounge thinking.

"AMBER I'LL SNAP YOUR NECK IF YOU TAKE MY STUFF AGAIN" Roni screamed as loud footprints came down the stairs.

"DON'T WORRY. I DON'T WANT YOUR GERMS OR YOUR SHIT STUFF" Amber screamed back sounding like she was at the top of the stairs.

"ENOUGH" I shouted in anger as I stood from the sofa. I stormed into the hall where I was met with an angry Roni. She startled and looked at me annoyed. "Amber get down here now!"

"No! Not with her"

"NOW"

"Fine" Amber huffed as she came thumping down the stairs in anger.

"I am sick and tired of all this! If the two of you don't stop all this nonsense then I'll split you up! One will go to your father to live and the other stay here. I can't deal with any of you" I snapped in so much anger at them and myself about all of this.

"Send me away! I don't wanna fucking stay here with that little bitch" Roni snapped as she pushed Amber's shoulder to move her out of her space.

"Fuck off" Amber shouted as she shoved her older sister back.

"ENOUGH" I screamed to get both their attention. They looked at me angry. I'm so stressed from everything that's going on. "I can't take this anymore. The pair of you are acting like children"

"So are you" Amber cut in as she looked at me like I knew I was a hypocrite.

"Me? What have I done" I asked still looking confused at her.

"Leaving dad for a 12 year old girl" Amber replied with a huff as she started to walk away.

"She's 23 and you said you were ok with it" I questioned now looking worried at her that I made the wrong choice.

"I am but you still did it. That's fucking childish" Amber snapped from the stairs in more anger at me than at Roni.

"Storm off like a bitch as usual" Roni commented as she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"Roni shut up. Amber get back here" I demanded as I looked at the pair annoyed.

"No. I'm fucking done" Amber snapped while still storming up the stairs.

"Enough with the swearing! Both of you! Your 10 and 16 years old! I'm making a swear jar and you'll both abide by the rules! Got it" I shouted looking at both of them in so much anger at their language.

"Boo fucking who" Amber mocked while disappearing up the the stairs.

"Get out of my sight! Your the eldest! Your suppose to be the most responsible" I demanded to Roni annoyed at how she has reacted to all this.

"I came down for a reason. I'm going out" Roni shrugged as she began walking towards the front door.

"No your not! Get to your room now" I ordered as I looked at her angrily like she was crazy.

"Fuck sake" Roni huffed while storming up the stairs just as Amber had done.

I sighed and rubbed my head. I can't deal with the pair of them. I took my phone from my pocket and clicked on Ethan's number. I let it ring a few times before it finally answered.

"Umm... Hey Gina. I mean Regina" Ethan asked sounding confused why I was calling.

"Hi. Please come over. I need you to watch the kids and talk to them" I quickly said as I felt myself growing overwhelmed by everything.

"Of course. What's wrong" he asked softly in that caring voice I always loved.

"They keep fighting and swearing and screaming and I am going insane. I need to get out of the house" I replied trying not to talk to him too much because it's not his problem.

"I'll be right over" he quickly said before hanging up the phone.

I went to the kitchen and grabbed a wine glass from the cupboard. I then grabbed a bottle of wine. I was going to pour it into the glass but decided just to drink straight from the bottle. I took three large mouthfuls before pulling it out of my mouth. Sighing in the relief it gave me. After about a bottle of wine Ethan arrived at the door.

"Thank god. I gotta get out of here" I said with a smile of relief he was here for me even after everything.

"Of course. Come here though" Ethan said with a reassuring smile and his arms held open for me.

I moved in and hugged the man I was once in love with. We held each other close as all my problems fell away. I know I love Emma more but being in his embrace makes me feel safe and home again. I began getting scared by this feeling and pulled from the hug.

"I have to go" I quickly said as I rushed out of the room and headed for the front door.

"Regina?" Ethan called but I ignored him because I just needed to leave.

I slipped a pair of shoes on and left the house without saying anything. I just need to walk and calm down. As I started walking I felt the cold air freeze my skin. I forgot a jacket. I just kept walking and walking. Not noticing it's raining. Subconsciously I walked to Emma's bar. It's closed because it's still early in the morning.

"EMMA" I called up the fire escape in hope her window was open. I was shivering now from the cold rain on me. I huffed and began climbing up. I got to her window and saw her on the sofa with a cute girl next to her. They both were laughing and smirking. They seemed to be close and very comfortable with each other. Too comfortable. I rolled my eyes and climbed back down. Just sitting on the curb of the street in the rain. "What am I doing with my life"