The Fears That Bind Us {Completed}

Chapter 8

He's really drunk. He would never make a scene like this. Especially when there are people around.

"What the hell do you think you're doing here?! Get your ass in the car, we're going home," he said, his voice rising as he spoke. He stumbled towards me, and I backed away sharply. Amber pushed me behind her protectively.

My father's eyes held a feral glint as he glanced around the group in front of me. He did a double take when his eyes reached Amber, and I saw fear flicker across her features. She hid it quickly, but I knew she was afraid.

"Hello Father," she said, holding herself up tall. His eyes narrowed to slits, and he growled.

"So you're the one putting these ridiculous ideas in her head," he paused for a moment and swayed. He seemed to be having trouble keeping his balance.

Is he really that drunk? I watched silently as Amber gulped. He shook his head and a small laugh escaped his lips, though it contained no humor.

"I should have known. She always did look up to you after your little escape. When will she see that you were nothing more than a coward?" he spat.

"I was not a coward, and I didn't have anything to do with that. She was smart enough to get out on her own," she answered, standing her ground. Austin's eyes were alert as he observed the conversation unfolding, and Taylor watched cautiously.

I looked between Amber and my dad tentatively and wished I could tell her to stop talking.

Angering him only makes it worse.

Any second he's going to explode.

Any second he's going to hit you.

He scoffed at Amber's response, and I saw anger flicker through my sister's eyes. I pushed her arm away and came forward to stand by her side. She seemed surprised, but I hardly noticed.

He doesn't get to hit her anymore. He doesn't get to hit me anymore.

"I'm not going back with you Dad. I made the decision to leave, and that's what I'm doing," I told him, trying to keep my voice steady. Amber grabbed my hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He noticed our hands and I could tell that was the last straw for him.

"You're not going anywhere you little shit!" he yelled, charging towards us. I watched the scene unfold almost as if the world were moving in slow motion. Amber sidestepped, pulling me with her, and he crashed into a display stand. A commotion began, and people scattered, some screaming and running.

The lady behind the counter scrambled away from the cash register as my dad rose from the ground. From the look on his face, I could tell he was pissed. He ran towards Amber and swung at her.

She was able to dodge the first blow, but before she could run he threw another punch at her. I watched in horror as his fist connected with her chin, throwing her backward.

She fell and her head made a sickening crack as it hit the counter. She didn't get back up.

Get up! Amber, get up! 

She didn't move. She only remained motionless on the ground.

I screamed and ran for her as our dad continued towards her.

He's going to kill her.

I won't get there in time.

I can't save her.