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Chapter 2 

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The last time I saw my mother was around a week ago. It was horrible. She was screaming at Brandon for spilling the milk carton. All he wanted was a bowl of Cheerios.(His favorite cereal)

"GOD DAMN YOU FUCKIN BRANDON. I TOLD YOU NOT TO SPILL THE DAMN MILK..... " I heard my mom bark at Brandon. Her verbal words, stabbing him with pain.

"I-I just was hun-" "SHUT THE HELL UP YOU SON OF A BITCH."

I could see tears drop slowly from with clear baby face. I didn't know what happened. I was coming back with groceries which wasn't much to be honest. Some whole grain bread,eggs, another half gallon of milk, cheerios, and some granola bars. That was what we basically needed to survive another week of life.

Seeing Brandon cry got me pissed. He didn't deserve any of this.

Back then, everything was different. When I was younger, Abigail around the age of 13, and Brandon was just a month old everything was different.... a good different.

My parents just got home from the hospital.  My mom had a smile so big.. she needed a bigger face to fit it. My dad came singing to the baby. Abigail was taking care of me. All we did was watch t.v and eat Oreos. She was my best friend. We would tell each other everything. We have been by our selves for about 2-3 Days. It went by fast, actually. Anyways, my parents got home.

As soon as they walked in the house, We ran to give then the biggest hug I have ever given. We all laughed. That's when they introduced me to the baby. They didn't have a name for him, because they wanted our approval. Dad said this baby would change our lives.... he was right. We spent all afternoon until I suggested Brandon. Everyone looked at me with awe. It was perfect.

Well,years  passed yet nothing has changed.... everything was perfect. One morning  however, I went to my parents room to find my mom in tears.

"Mama where's Dad?" I said. She ignored me, and had a look on her face I have never seen.

"ABBIE!" I yelled.

It was these moments when I needed Abby the most.

She came rushing in the room.

"What's wrong Grace?" She looked worried.... very worried. I could tell she trying to keep calm, and trying to make me feel as if everything was okay... only it wasn't..

" Where's dad? He's always here!" I said as I looked at the empty side of the bed

" He probably went somewhere but I'm positive he will be back... don't worry." Abigail said in her big sister voice.

"B-but, mama is-"

" Mama is fine.. let's go. What do you want for breakfast"

I was nervous. I have never seen my family like this.  " I'll pass, thank you" I said as a tear dropped from my left eye. That was basicly the changing point.... he never came back.....

Anyways, that was back then and I must always remind myself that this women isn't my mother. A mother is there when you need her. During the good and bad times.

Sometimes I wonder what would it be like if my Dad was here. Suddenly I'm snapped back into reality.

"Grace, " my mother said, her voice cracking a little.

I looked up at my mother. Lazy, stubborn, she has no damn life what-so-ever. Spending all day in her room is what she does. She is always depressed... but at times likes these I would expect her to clean her damn self up and start being the mother we had years ago. Yet, she is still the depressed mom I saw that one morning when my dad left us.

I try to ignore her and walk passed her when she says   "Grace, can I tell you something?"

She had my attention.  I looked into her big brown eyes, which reminded me a lot about Brandon.

"Don't fuck up at school today, also get a damn job, we're broke." she said looking straight into my eyes.

I opened my mouth but no words came out. I couldn't speak. I was speechless. I have no idea why... Moments later she left almost tripping.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Brandon peeking from the slightly opened door, noticing what my mother and I have been talking about. He looks confused. I think its better for him not to know anything, even though he knows something isn't right.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I get dressed as quick as  I can. A simple white shirt with some black sweats I bought a few weeks ago, and my half white/ black vans. When I originally got them they were white... but who the hell keeps their shoes clean?

I grab my phone, my black Jan's- sport backpack, and my headphones. Before I leave, I remind myself I need to eat something. So I open the cabinet can grab  a granola bar, a green apple, and a string cheese that expires tomorrow.  I leave the house, and see Brandon at the door waiting for his good-bye kiss and hug.

"I'll see you soon, alright?" I say

"Okay, Grace" he responds back.

I give him a big freakin hug, it hurt my arms from tightening so much. It was a hug I haven't had in a while. I also give him a kiss on the forehead. I run to see that the bus is getting ready to leave. I sprint only to notice  the bus ignoring  me. Great, looks like I'm going to be walking to school today.... As I turn back, I can see my mother looking out the window.

Sometimes I wonder what my life would be right now with the help of my dad, Joseph.

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Authors Note:
I hope you guys are enjoying the book. I know it's off to a slow start... but don't worry... good stuff is on its way ;) Please let me know how I'm doing.... I'm new at this and want to be the best I can. Also if you have any suggestions for what should happen next... let me know!! Thanks!!

- Laura :))