Two weeks later…

Colleen and I have been in regret and you could read guilt all over us. You could see the hurt on Colleen face when she was around Tristan and he would bug her, asking her what’s wrong, but she would push him away.

I can’t believe she didn’t tell me—any of us!—that her father wants her to move away. He can’t move her away from us; she’s like a sister to me. She was the only girl ever I’ve met—other than Victoria and Hailey—that befriended me and was nice. I’ve never had a ‘girlfriend’ before I could talk to about boys and laugh with about the dumbest things.

I was going over to her house tonight—I couldn’t take it being in the same house anymore as Gabe. I made a face as I packed some things in my bags at the thought of the ex-gang-banger. It’s a good thing he likes to be out of the house a lot to run most of the day.

Tyler bounced on the floor, “Abby! Abby!” he said, his arms high in the air for me to pick him up. I let my stuff go and walked up to him, bending down and picked him up.

“I see you’ve grown another tooth on top.” I said to my little brother who had three baby teeth on the button of his mouth and now two on his top. He has only five weeks before he turns one in March. Oh how time flies, he’s getting so big.

He gave me a big smile and nodded, putting one of thumb in his mouth to suck on and laid down on my chest. I walked over to the bed and laid him down. He sat up and watched me as I finish some packing.

Once I was done, I pulled the bag over one of my shoulder and grabbed Tyler so we could go downstairs where the others are.

Scott started to learn how to drive and got his permit, so he would take me over to Colleen. Of course with his dad next to him since Scott can’t drive without an adult until he gets his licenses.

I handed Tyler to Kelly who went to the kitchen to feed Tyler.

Scott came up to me, “I wish you won't go.” he said, putting his arms around my waist and brought me into him. I was starting to re-think of not going over, wanting to stay here with Scott to cuddle and make out, but since there’s a monster living here for the time being, I need a break to not feel like eyes are on me for some reason every second.

Ding!

The doorbell ring and Skyler got up since he was the closet. He opened the door and I saw his back stiffen and my eyebrows came together in confusion. He turned his head and looked at me before moving aside, showing my parents.

My hands clenched Scott dark gray t-shirt and he held me closer to him.

Scott growled, “Dad?” he questioned.

“Don’t know, Scott.” Skyler Sir said as he got up from the couch and walked over to the door, “Will, Angela, what can I do for you both?”

“The judge did say we can see Abigail and Tyler once the counselors felt like it was the right time.” my father said.

“I know this, but they told me it would be next week.” Skyler Sir said confusion. “This is a surprise cause Abigail is about to go over to a friend’s house.”

“Oh, well, I thought it would be a nice surprise. I haven’t seen them both since the court a month back” My mom said. I looked at her closely, wondering if that was her. She was still pale and had messy auburn wavy hair, but her face looked healthier and her eyes were a little lighter. She didn’t sound drunk and she actually looked like she’s been eating more lately. She looked better. But I won't buy into the act too much.

I kept my guard up. Just because she’s sober—maybe—doesn’t mean I’m going to let my guard down. It was up and it’s going to stay up the whole time they’re here. I want to get out of here. Now.

I couldn’t seem to open my mouth though. It was like the old routine was back. No speaking unless I’m spoken to. That was the rule at dad's house.

“Well, if Abigail is fine with it, we would like to talk to her.” my dad said and I looked at him eyes wide. Did he just say if it was fine with me? My choice? Who was this guy? Was my dad faking it? Probably. My dad never lets me have choices. I want him out of here! I’ve been doing fine—as far as is with the mini-monster here ruining my life named Gabe—without him and now he shows up and has to ruin everything just once more.

The kitchen door opened and Kelly came out with Tyler on her hip, “Who’s here—oh!” she said surprised when she noticed my parents, bring Tyler closer to her.

I saw my mom eyes widen, then lowered and hurt filled in them, but she kept her mouth closed. My dad just had a blank look on his face.

Skyler Sir looked at me. “Well, Abigail, are you alright with it? It’s your choice.”

“Leave.” Scott coldly said..

To my surprise, I saw my dad eyes closed and he breathed in deeply, letting it out slowly before opening his eyes and they didn’t change. “Scott, please, let my daughter answer. If she wants us to leave, we will.” he said, now looking at me. Everyone was.

Just great, the spotlight. What I hate the most.

I felt my cheeks heat up. “I…” I trailed off, now sure what to say. Would it be rude to say ‘no, get the fuck out of here’? Probably. I want to say that. I should say that. I will say that. “A-alright.” Damn, I thought as I felt Scott look down at me. Why’d I say that? I could feel the old intimidation feeling like what always happens when I’m around my dad and I was afraid if I say no, he’ll get mad, burst in here, and smack me. Knowing Scott wouldn’t even let him five feet near with if that happened, the thought still scared me.

I walked over to Kelly and Tyler, holding my arms out for him. She hesitated, but nodded and gave him to me. My parents, Tyler, and I walked into the dining room alone. I sat across from them with Tyler on my lap and he looked at our parents as if he didn’t know them.

My mom smiled and waved to him, “Hey, Tyler. It’s mommy.”

“Kelly.” he said and her eyes filled with hurt again.

Not even knowing why, but I kind of felt bad. I turned him to face me a little. “No, Tyler, that’s mommy.” I said, pointing at my mom. “Say Angie.”

“Aggie.” he said.

“Close enough, we’ll work on it.” I said, ruffling his hair.

“He’s talking.” my dad said in slight surprise.

“Just words.” I said in a low voice, not making eye contact with him.

“Is he walking yet?” my mom asked and I shook my head, keeping my attention on Tyler, playing with his hands with him as if they were the most interesting thing on earth. “Can he at least stand up on his own?” She asked and I nodded. “That’s good. You started walking after you turned one—no, wait! It was before you turn one—no, it’s after…I’m pretty sure.” she said.

I just shrugged.

“Do you like it here, Abigail?” my dad asked and I nodded. “That’s good, this is a real nice house. Has that old Victorian like style and I’m sure it has a lot of history. How many bedroom does it have? I’m sure a whole lot. You know, maybe if I save up some money, we could by a house a little like this one day and—”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I slapped the table, cutting him off. “What are you doing here, dad?” I finally asked.

He looked surprise, but he turned his mood back to calm one. “Well, we’re allowed to see you guys now since we’ve been doing quite well, I thought you would like to see how the progress is doing. Your mother has been a month and a half sober, which is good. The counselors says she’s going to be one that’s going to make it in her meetings.”

“And you?” I asked coldly. I didn’t want to hear this shit right now. They’ve only been in AA and anger management for a short matter of time, nothing could have changed that much. He’s still an ass and she’s still a drunk.

He licked his lip and took a moment, looking like he needs to relax. I didn’t miss the way his jaw would clench every here and there. “Doctor Cook say I’m on that road now. In her words, meaning I’m getting closer and closer to my distention. I’ve learn to take deep breaths when I feel angry, calming me down.” He said. He quickly changed the subject. “We can’t wait to have you guys back. Me and your mother thought about painting each of your rooms. Your favorite color pink, so we thought—”

“Purple.” I said and he looked confused. “My favorite color is purple.”

“Oh.” he said. “Well, purple walls. Blue for Tyler with superhero’s wall paper around the frames. We also talked about going to Hershey Park or the beach together as a family.”

“A family?” I questioned and he nodded, a small smile on his face. I glared at him, pissed at the thought he thought we could ever be a family after what he put us threw. I got up, placing Tyler on my hip. His smile dropped. “I don’t think so, dad.” I said before walking over to the door.

“Abigail,” he called. “Abigail Crow!” he yelled now, the old dangerous voice back and I paused at the door, my back stiffened up, ready for the smack. Tyler started crying. “Don’t you dare turn away from me, I’m still your father.”

“Will.” my mom said, warning in her voice.

“Not now, Angie.” he hissed at her.

My hands balled up in a fist, anger filled inside me. I am my father's daughter anyways. I turned to him, “Father? How could you dare call yourself that? You’re the worst father ever!” I yelled and his face filled with complete shock at my new confidence. I even surprised myself. “A father doesn’t hit his child. A father doesn’t hit the people he love! I hope you both screw up so Tyler and I will never have to come back to you guys. I love it here and hate it there with you guys! You both are the worst parents ever!”

When I was done, I was breathless. God, how long have I wanted to say that to them? Ever since I was nine?

The old craze look returned to my dad, “How dare you, you little disrespectful bit—”

The dining room door swung open behind me and Skyler Sir and the boys came in. “Time to leave.” Skyler Sir said.

Scott quickly pulled me into him and I felt safe.

My dad snorted, “You know what? Keep her, she isn’t worth trying to get back. My son, on the other hand, is. I will get him back.”

“Who knows, with your anger, you might not. You seem really unstable even to take a few words from a teenage girl who you have traumatized her whole life and ruined her childhood. They might not like the idea of a toddler living with a Bipolar and a drunk.” Skyler Sir said.

“Angela get up, we’re leaving.” he said and I heard watched my mom get up with her head hanging down, shame on her face. Scott pulled me away from them as they walked out of the dining room and everyone left to make sure they left their house but Scott. Kelly took Tyler for me.

Scott turned me to look at him, putting his hand under my chin, “Are you alright?” he asked.

I nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine.” I said. I breathed in and out slowly, “But whoa, that felt kind of…great.” I said, not helping but admit it.

He smiled and brushed my hair back, “I’m proud of you, Abby. I’m sure it took you a lot to say that to him—them both. They needed to hear it.”

I forced my smile to stay up, not so sure if he should be proud of me. Realizing I couldn’t keep this whole Gabe thing anymore a secret, I’m going to tell him tomorrow. I don’t want some huge fight to happen now after that whole scene that just happened. If I want Scott to be proud of me, I want to feel like he should be proud of me. Tomorrow is a new day—a day I’m going to feel so much better and never see Gabe again.

I couldn’t help but smile at the thought, wrapping my arms around Scott’s neck and leaned up on my tip toes, pecking him.