The Bullies' Slave 1

40- THAT IS LYING!

40- THAT IS LYING!

The doorbell rang again. I made my way to the door, tying my hair into a ponytail and yelling, "Coming!". I pulled the door open to find my dad, his wife, Paul and TJ all arranged at the doorsteps.

"Uh... Hi?" I greeted, awkwardly. It was weird to see them all staring at me. TJ broke the silence.

"Hey, Sam." He greeted, ruffling my hair as he walked past. I groaned.

"TJ!" Dad and Anya then followed.

"Hello Sam." Anya greeted just as my dad gave me a curt nod. I ignored him and greeted Anya back with a surprisingly genuine smile. So far, she hasn't been a problem, so why not?

"Welcome." I stepped aside for them to walk in, followed by Paul who gave me a small wave and smile which I returned.

"You guys are early." I said, as they all took their seats in the living room.

Dad had texted Theresa earlier today, informing us that he and Anya would be here by 6pm. But here he was, with not just Anya, and by 5pm. I wonder why.

"I wanted to talk to you guys, before the dinner." Bobby Pears said, looking directly at me. His perpetual charismatic and intimidating posture could make anyone squirm. Well, anyone except his children. Only we had seen the very playful and cheerful Bobby Pears before the dark days.

I nodded, not bothering to ask any further question. I had enough dishes to complete before I would get dressed for the dinner. Excusing myself, I made my way to the kitchen. Crystal and Cecilia had left a few hours ago. We had baked a lot which made us use quite a lot of bowls and dishes. I had refused to let them wash the dishes much to their anger. I got some backing from Theresa so that cemented it.

I found Cory pouring milk into a bowl of frosties. I paused in my steps before speaking,

"You do know people eat at dinners, right?" Lazily, Cory lifted his eyes to look at me. The way he had a striking resemblance with dad sometimes gave me the chills.

"You do know people are to mind their own business, right?" He lifted an eyebrow in challenge.

"Whatever." I scoffed and marched towards the dishwasher.

"Dad's here." I said, placing in the plates. Cory sighed.

"Why's he early?" He asked. "Nevermind, I don't care." I glanced at him to see him stuffing cereals into his mouth as he took a seat on a counter chair.

"Do you know who the host is?" I asked. We hadn't exactly talked about it till yesterday. Apparently, no one really took it so serious until dad's reminder yesterday. I mean, Mr Brown is his "good friend", not ours. Cory shrugged.

"Don't know, don't care." He fed himself another spoon. "Do we really have to go?"

"I wish. But apparently, I got an invite myself!" I said with gritted teeth.

"Well, I didn't. Theresa did. But it's no use backing out. I tried persuading Theresa, but she was all about togetherness and forgiveness. That isn't the point!" Cory waved a hand dismissively. "She apparently is convinced we still haven't forgiven him." I paused from washing a dough stained bowl, to look at my brother.

"You have forgiven him?" Cory's eyes shot wide, I almost thought his eyeballs would pop out.

"WHAT?! HECK NO! NEVER!!" I nodded. I understood him. I didn't know if I'd even forgiven dad myself. But I wasn't sure I wanted to continue in this bitterness forever. Neither did I want my brother to. I watched him eat the rest of his cereals in silence, lost in his thoughts, a frown on his face. I felt my chest ache. I couldn't help him.