What I'm Not

Chapter 15

When we got home, I noticed mom's car was no longer in the parking lot. Takara seemed to notice as well and opened the front door slowly. Dad stood in front of the stairs with hatred in his eyes, all of the negative energy was directed toward Takara.

"May I have a word with both of you?" He asked.

"Sure thing, Mike."

We followed him to the garage. He opened up three chairs. "Have a seat."

We sat down. "What's wrong," I asked.

Dad scratched his head. "I don't like you, Takara. You're a pain to me."

"I understand that, sir." Takara laid back in his chair. "I'm well aware of that."

"So I'm going to start punishing you a little more gently, because Elizabeth is watching over you now."

"So what does this have to do with me," I asked.

"I want you to stay away from Takara."

I knew I should've kept my mouth shut but the fire in my heart burned hotter than an oven. "Why should I stay away from my brother!? He's a part of this family and I intend to treat him like it. You just hate him because he isn't your natural son. Would you whip me if you adopted me!?"

A strong hand grabbed my shoulder and I lost my fire. Takara looked into my eyes with an empty pair of his own. I stopped talking.

"And how are you going to reinforce this rule," Takara asked. "Surely you have a plan?"

My dad grinned. "You know the story of Cinderella, right?"

"Yes."

"She got locked up when the prince came in with her shoe. Well, I'm locking you up whenever your princess is around. In other words, you'll be ten minutes late to school, eat meals in your bedroom, and you'll have no contact with Brooklyn."

"Dad, this isn't fair!" I protested.

"Life isn't fair, sweetheart! Get used to it. This rule goes into effect now!"

He stood up and grabbed Takara by his shoulder and dragged him out of the garage. I chased them down at the stairs and pleaded with my dad as I tried to pull Takara back. I never thought my dad would lay a hand on me until the burning on my cheek sent me sprawling to the floor. I cried as I watched my dad drag Takara up the stairs and heard the door lock. The most painful part of the experience was hearing Takara shout in pain as the crack of a whip cut the air.