Just My Luck

I Wish I Was High

My great idea to burn down our local pizza shop started with a dare. One thing led to another which led to me in handcuffs, waiting for my father to arrive at the police station. I know he paid them to let me go. He's pretty much a billionaire I think. I should be in Juvie right now, though. I think I'd prefer Juvie over what he's going to do to me.

     It takes my father exactly thirteen minutes to arrive in the station. I know because I counted the minutes on the clock. I can tell my father arrived because even the most hardened cops in the force started to look worried and most make themselves scarce. I know first hand how scary he can be. I assume I'll see that tonight.

     His 6' 6" frame stands before me. Obvious disappointment shines on his face. That's what the cops see; a father's disappointment. I look past the disappointment and see the anger. I can tell he wants to hit me right now but has to refrain from doing so until we get home.

     "Get up, Lilith," He booms. I shake the handcuffs on my wrists and his jaw clenches. An officer swiftly unlocks them for me and I stand and crack my knuckles. Then, he pulls my father off to the side and they have a conversation; most likely discussing money. He hands my father a pamphlet and walks away. With a gesture of his free hand, he signals for me to follow. I have to walk quickly to keep up with his tall and bulky frame.

     "What's the pamphlet for?" I speak up knowing it isn't the time for questions. He tightens his jaw more and the anger almost slips through his facade. We make it outside and to his expensive looking sports car. I slide into the passenger seat, preparing for yelling. Instead, he stays silent as he puts the car into reverse. Once we're on the main road, he takes a deep breath.

     "Do you know how much money you cost me?" He asks. His voice is calm, too calm. I shake my head.

     "Use your words," he says, angrier than before.

     "No, and I don't particularly care," I grit out.

     "You don't speak to me like that, bitch!" He growls. I pick at the rips in my black jeans. He's driving faster now. At least thirty over the speed limit. I grimace as he continues to accelerate.

     "You should probably slow down unless you're planning on dying soon," I spit out coldly. He stays at the same speed.

     "The only one dying soon will be you," he snaps. I shrug. He's probably right. But at least I'll have lived more than he ever has. Because of the speed we've been going, we make it home in record time. I step out of the car and follow him through the door once he's unlocked it. I sigh, knowing what happens next.

     "Go upstairs into your room. I'm not talking to bitches right now," he growls, walking into the kitchen. I make my way up the stairs, glancing back to see him grabbing a beer from the fridge.

    I immediately put in headphones once I've made it to the comfort of my room. To distract myself from what's sure to come, I pull a pen from my desk and start doodling on my hand. After I've almost finished the cartoon girl on the top of my hand, I start to hear yelling downstairs and I turn my headphones up. I just needed a few more minutes to mentally prepare myself. I can hear his footsteps outside my door and I immediately pull my headphones off and shove them under my desk. I stay quiet, knowing loud noises will only succeed in pissing him off more.

     "You little bitch!" He slurs while slamming my door open. I jump to my feet, watching as he stumbles towards me with his fist raised. The first blow connects with the side of my jaw and I stumble to my right. Tears of pain prick my eyes but I hold them back while standing to face him.

     "I'm so glad I won't have to deal with you soon," he laughs drunkenly. My stomach drops. He's finally going to kill me. He grabs my chin and I wince as his grip presses into my soon to be bruised jaw.