Virgil's P.O.V

"You can't do that, Micah!"

"You don't get to call me that anymore, you whore!"

Mommy and daddy are fighting again. They're always fighting now. Mommy got tired of daddy's drinking and stayed the night at some boy's house. Her neck looked a little bruised and daddy was mad at her when she got home. I don't know why though.

"You slept with someone, again! If you think I'm letting V stay in an environment like this, then you're heavily mistaken!"

I like daddy. Sure, he drinks a lot of dirty water, but he's my best friend.

"Says the one always drunk! Virgil has a bigger chance at success with me!"

They've spoken about 'devorce" a couple times and by the sound of it I don't think it's a good thing.

"Yeah well at least he's my top priority! You'll just be going around playing hooker and leave Virgil home alone! I, on the other hand, would take Virgil everywhere with me and I'd be willing to stop drinking if I had to!"

Daddy has said that before. That he'll stop drinking the dirty water. He never has, though. At least, not for very long. The longest he got was three months until mommy first stayed the night at a boy's.

"You always say that, Michal but you never mean it. It's just another empty promise. You might stop for a few weeks but then you'll realize that alcohol matters more to you than your family."

Mommy can be mean. I realize that. But she's right, in a way. Daddy won't stop for long, but I know he's trying! Then I hear it. A loud slapping sound echoes through the house and then daddy starts yelling.

"Nothing! Is more important than Virgil! Not you, not alcohol, not even life itself! If you try to tell me what I care most about one time, you will..."

Daddy's voice quiets to a mumble and I can't hear him. I walk out of my room slowly and see mommy on the floor, holding her cheek. Daddy walking away from her.

"Daddy, mommy, what's gowing on?"

They don't know that I've ever heard the fights. They think I've been asleep. Everytime they fight it's after they put me to bed.

"Don't worry about it, V. How would you feel about staying with daddy for a little?"

I tilt my head and wrap my arms around my waist, hugging myself.

"I thowt I was? Are... Are we not staying hewre?"

Daddy shakes his head and gives me a sad look.

"I'm afraid not, sugarcube. How about you go pack some clothes and we can go see uncle Patton."

I nod excitedly and rush to my room. Uncle Patty is great! He makes cookies with me and is really supportive! He's let me sing to him a couple times.

I finish packing and grab my black stuffed kitty. A stuffed animal that appeared after a nightmare one night and everyone I know swears they never saw it before.

"Daddy I'm done!"

I run out to see my dad standing at the door with his brown fluffy jacket on. He doesn't like the cold. I don't blame him, I hate the cold too.

"Cmon kiddo, let's go see uncle Patton."

We leave the house and set off to uncle's house. I hope we can bake cookies while we're there. I think uncle Patty should be a Baker.

*a few years later*

I wrote that when I was five. Dad said mother died but, I don't think she did. Though, I didn't see her when we left. I always assumed she went to bed but, maybe not.

"Virgie! Roman and Logan are coming over today!"

I look over at Patton and tilt my head. Who?

"Oh, right! Logan is my boss, he is super cute, and Roman is his son, also super cute. I thought you and Roman could talk for a little while me and Logan work on important business stuff."

I smile and nod. Patton squeals happily and shuts my bedroom door, coming over to sit with me on my bed.

"Now, will you actually talk or are you just gonna let Roman talk the entire time?"

I give Patton 'the look' and he sighs, any hope of me talking being blown out the window.

"Kiddo, you need to talk to someone. I get that I'm not your first choice when it comes to talking about your feelings but-"

I cut him off by wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in his chest. Dad had his first beer in two years a month ago and has been stuck in bed since. I get it, his boss fired him for leaving mom because his boss doesn't believe in that crap and thinks dad should burn in hell.

"I'm sorry kiddo. I know things have been rough lately, but you'll get through it. Your dad will get through it. He's a tough cookie."

Yeah he will. And when he does he'll be there for me again. And then I can talk to him and we can be close again. Just like we both have always wanted.

"Speaking of cookies, wanna help me make some for the guests?"

I nod and tell myself that I'll be ok. Even though I know that Patton saying dad getting better is just another empty promise.