JUST FOR YOU

《23》Disowned.

By ten p.m., I was on a street close to ours. I texted James again to confirm if he remembered to unlock the gate, and he affirmed. After a few more minutes, I was at the house. I drew in a shaky breath as I pushed the gate gently, trying not to make a sound, and then I bolted it as soon as I was in. Unfortunately, my sneaking wasn't smooth enough, as my dad was waiting for me when I stepped my foot into the living room.

"Where are you coming from?" My father's voice boomed, sending shivers down my spine. I thought he was going to be in his bedroom by that time of the night.

I was scared stiff. "From a friend's house." I managed to reply fearfully.

"What friend? You better don't lie to me, young lady, because I know you don't have any friends." He warned sternly. I already lied, and I was going to lie my way out of this.

"Isn't it your fault I'm friendless? I am telling the truth. I needed a change of environment; that is why I left." I exclaimed, getting irritated already. All the fear I felt earlier had evaporated.

"And you did not deem it fit to tell your mother and I about your whereabouts. For a whole week!" He shouted; his expression changed instantly from mad to madder.

I scoffed. "Like you care about me." I hadn't even finished scoffing before he slapped my face. Hard.

Ouch!

The only thing I heard was chiming for a few seconds before my ear got reset and my brain went back to its default settings. I was confused at first, but that confusion turned into anger. My jaw clenched and my eyes burned with anger. My hands tightened into fists. I felt like grabbing him by the neck. Just grabbing as a way to suppress my anger. It took all in me to stop me, even though it was never ok to violently touch an elder, let alone think of it.

"What did you just say?" He asked.

"If I had told you guys, you wouldn't have allowed me to leave, so I left on my own accord. I am not a baby. Don't treat me like one." I said, suddenly feeling brave.

"Then act like you have a working brain loaded with sense! I believe you are not still planning on studying finance." He spat.

"My mind is made up. It's left for you to believe it." I sighed. "Besides, I have the money already, so it is okay if you don't want to sponsor me. I've settled myself already." I shouldn't have said that last part. In hindsight, I realised it was not necessary for me to have mentioned it. But I needed to gloat. I needed my dad to know that I was self-sufficient.

"Really?" He raised his eyebrows "How did you get the money?"

"It does not matter. I have it and it cannot be taken away from me."

"If you do not want me to slap all your teeth out of your mouth, you would answer my question now!" He thundered. His expression was grim.

I doubled back. It wasn't an empty threat. If I lost all, or some of my teeth, I lost what was left of my beauty. "From my friend." I said quickly.

"From your friend?"

"Yes. And I'm leaving this house next week to start my masters program."

"If you step a foot out of this house, make sure you never come back." He cautioned sternly. "I have been watching you and your stupid attitude, and I've been quiet about it. We sent you to school to become a useful member of society, and what did you become? An alcoholic. An addict. This is my house, and what I say goes. If you are not okay with it, I suggest you get out. My house, my rules!" He yelled abrasively.

"What!!" I screamed in disbelief.

"You heard me! Who are you? Nobody dares challenge me in this house. Absolutely no one! No child of mine would disrespect me in this manner. Not even your mother dares to speak to me in such a manner. If you don't want to obey me and do as I say. I sever all ties I have with you. You cease to be my daughter from today onwards." He spat venomously.