“Watch out!” Emily shouted as she ducked under the table. Leo and her chemistry project they spent hours working on, ended up to be a disaster.

Leo was star struck, a frown forming on his face. “You- you ruined it!” He said, looking at the foam everywhere.

“I’m sorry!” Emily quickly bowed as she ran to grab paper towels. As she made her way back, Leo snarled.

“Of course you’ve done this! Did you even want to win? How much I wanted to win?!” He yelled, slamming his fist on the lab table. The room went quiet, as the only thing that was heard was a buzzing from the air conditior. Emily was speechless.

She then looked up at him as she stopped wiping the floor, “are you kidding me?” She asked getting up, “you think I would ruin our project on PURPOSE?! After we spent so long?!” The smell front the chemicals grew stronger.

Leo shook his head, “I..I don’t know!! You were the one who decided to make last decisions on it!” He was fuming with rage. This chemistry project meant everything for him and his science fair dreams.

“You know what,” Emily took a breath, “we can just do it over again.” She said, straightening her skirt. “We have the extra supply’s. All we need is the wire cords.” She reasoned, “and the-“

“That’s just it, we don’t have time!!” Leo continued to yell, cutting Emily off, “WE SPENT THE WHOLE WEEK WORKING ON THE PROJECT, AND IT’S DESTROYED BECAUSE OF YOU!!” The ground shook, as the world collapsed for Emily. She felt like she was spinning.

She scoffed, “I’ve been trying! Your the smart one, you know what your doing. The only thing I’ve been trying to do is help and understand!!” She explained, going up to Leo. “You underestimate me!!” Emily cried.

Leo shook his head, “no,” he said, “No. It’s just that you overestimate yourself.” Maybe his dreams wasn’t even his own.

(Setting: 2 pm, mid-summer, heat is at a all time high, house)

(Chapters:, Georgia(Female, 29, dark brown hair, bright green eyes, tan skin, 145 pounds, 5 foot 11 inches tall), Lily ( Female, 19 months old , dark brown hair, blue eyes, 31 pounds, 33 1/2 inches tall))

Tensions were high as Lily seemed to have woken up in the wrong side of the bed. She had refused her morning nap, and had only eaten a few bites of food and had refused her sippy cup(cows milk) completely. This cause her to be very grumpy and low on energy. She waddled around her arms swinging slightly, her lip in a pout. Then she saw Georgie, her mom coming to picked her up. She began to run, her lip quivering a lot as she screamed, then a full blown sob came out.

Georgia was still chasing her around trying to get her to lay down. She was frustrated but tried not to let it get to her. Lily was screaming, crying, stomping, throwing things. She let out an ear pearcing mix of a scream and a cry.

Georgia finally picked her up and Lily screamed “Dooooown! No! No! No! No! No!” Over and over, while kicking and hitting. Georgia did her best to ignore her as she made her way to Lilys room.

Lily then let out another ear pearcing scream directed(purposefully) right in and next to Georgia’s ear. This made Georgie flinch and Al mostly very loudly scold Liky but held it back.

Georgia walked faster while trying not to yell, then put Lily in her crib. Lily didn’t know how to climb out just yet so she was hitting her the crib with her hands. She threw the thin blanket, her stuffy, the sheet, her sippy cup on the nightstand, during all of this silent tears and loud screams came from here.

Georgie couldn’t handle it and walked out. Her face red hot, her hands shaking. She knew she couldn’t leave Lily in there forever but couldn’t handle it and sat down next to Lilys room.

Lily realized her mom wasn’t coming, sat down while shaking intently, her lip in a pout. Then she loudly began to sob uncontrollably, she sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. Barely stopping to breath.

Georgie rushed in to help Lily but Lily didn’t stop sobbing, she began to sob even more.

Georgias heart broke, no matter how frustrated she got Lily was still her baby.

Eventually the sobhing stopped but not because Lily wanted to or could stop but because she had sobbed so much she fell asleep.

Georgia quietly laid her down, one and only one silent tear fell down her cheek.

They both loved each other but Lily had been having very strong emotions and Georgie couldn’t handle it.

Soon enough everything would go back to normal.

Her body begins to tense, fists clenched. An overwhelming heat consuming her from within. As a volcano bubbles before erupting, she too is close to an explosion of monumental proportions. She bites her tongue, tasting the bitterness of blood as she struggles to contain her mounting anger.

He stands still, behind the brown and white counter with the marble backsplash he despises. His wife, albeit estranged, a woman he once adored glares at him. The piercing glare of her eyes searing his skin. He feels his heart pulsating, beating faster and faster at the thought of his wife's wrath. He inhales a deep breath, his chest rising.

"This is the last time I allow myself to listen to your lies" Hissing and emphasizing the word _lies _at him "Where is it?" She continues, leering at him.

He begins to speak but she cuts him off. "Let me remind you who owns everything. Not you, not your fucking mistress. Me!"

"I don't know what you're talking about" the stuttering voice of her husband declares.

The window in the kitchen is open, the wind picking up as the tension rises between the two. She slams it shut as she walks over to him. Her face scrunched in disdain. "If I don't have the envelope in my hand within five minutes, you know who I'm calling"

His eyes dart around the room. He knows who she will call. It's not worth the risk. "Fine, you really know how to ruin people's lives. One day you'll get yours" raising his voice slightly but in a controlled manner.

Fishing into his pocket clumsily, knowing time is of the essence, he pulls out the envelope. Her eyes widen, eyebrows raised. Her lips pursed, her face visibly enraged but a calmness washing over her as she sees it. As he leans over the counter to hand her the envelope, he grabs a lighter from his pocket. A glimmer of mischief within him.His jaw is tight, his hands trembling. "Do not do anything stupid" she warns him while grabbing her phone. The flick of the lighter was instant and the envelope went up in flames. The smell of chemicals emanating from it. "Nooooo!" Her wails of agony echoing through the kitchen. Trying to put out the flames, she frantically grabs at the package, clawing at it with her fingers. Screeching as each ember detaches on to her skin. She slumps to the floor as the burnt out remnants float to the floor. The intoxicating white powder now black soot. The scent of smoke filling the room. "There, you got your prize" grunts her husband as he walks away for good.

He raises his fist at me. “I want to hit you so badly sometimes!”

I take a step back and he does, too. His words catch me off guard, but it’s not the first time he’s saying something like this. I draw my arms around myself and he does the same, mocking me.

“That’s not fair! We’re all we have!”

He chuckles and it makes me smile too, seeing him happy. But what he says next is vitriol: “I’m leaving you and I’m not coming back.”

I can’t resist any longer: I raise my fist and hit him before he can hit me. He tries, but I strike first.

The glass breaks against my skin and I’m pouring blood. The shattered mirror lays at my feet.

I shake my head and walk away in tears.

Nosh stepped into the spaceport gift shop, the air buzzing like the school hallways between classes. Outside, shuttles lined up on the launch pads, their engines humming, while a sleek SpaceX rocket loomed tall against a sky that was quickly darkening. Storm clouds gathered like a crowd before the big game, thick and heavy, a cold wind whistling through the glass walls.

Inside, it was all flashy souvenirs: mission patches, plush astronauts, constellation maps that glowed in the dark. Nosh wandered through aisles of replica helmets and astronaut suits, trying to clear his head. But his mind kept drifting back to Candy—the girl from History class, with her long brown hair, blue bow, and pinkish-gray glasses. He’d been planning to ask her out. Someday.

Then he saw them. Chorizo, his best friend, was there. With Candy. Under a neon “Galactic Souvenirs” sign, they were laughing, heads close together, flipping through hats and T-shirts.

Chorizo held up two matching Apollo 13 hats. “What do you think?” he grinned.

“Perfect!” Candy giggled.

Nosh’s stomach twisted like he’d just flunked a pop quiz. Lightning flickered outside, lighting up the glass walls. What was going on?

He watched them leave, still laughing, still smiling. Thunder rumbled, echoing the pounding in his chest. Chorizo called out, "I'll see you later! It’s Friday."

Candy nodded. "Alright, have fun. And tell Nosh I said hi!"

Nosh stormed out, his heart racing, past racks of mugs and freeze-dried space ice cream. The wind was picking up outside. How could Chorizo do this? He’d trusted him with everything about his feelings for Candy. And now, this—this betrayal.

Back in his room, surrounded by space posters and stacks of sci-fi comics, Nosh fumed. The wind howled outside, rain lashing the windows. His phone buzzed: “Launch Update: Weather conditions have deteriorated. The launch has been scrubbed.” He stared at the sky, feeling like even the universe was against him.

A knock on his door. Chorizo walked in, casual as ever, holding a deck of Uno cards. “You ready for this?” he asked.

Nosh forced a smile. “Yeah, come in.”

They sat at the table. Chorizo shuffled the cards, the rain pounding harder. “Did you see the rocket today? Shame about the launch,” he said, all carefree.

Nosh barely heard him. “So, how’s Candy?” he asked, trying to sound nonchalant but failing.

Chorizo looked up, confused. “Uh, she’s good. Why?”

“No reason,” Nosh shot back, slapping down a “Reverse” card. “Just saw you two looking pretty cozy.”

Chorizo frowned, thunder booming outside. “Cozy? What do you mean?”

“You knew I liked her!” Nosh snapped, throwing down a “Draw 2.” The wind rattled the windows. Chorizo picked up two cards, his expression serious now.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

Nosh’s frustration exploded as lightning lit up the room. “I’m talking about you and Candy! You knew I was going to ask her out, and you just swoop in like it’s nothing!” He slammed down another card.

Chorizo’s face softened with realization. “Wait, you think I… Nosh, you’ve got it all wrong,” he started, but the rain was now a torrential downpour, hammering the roof.

“Don’t play dumb!” Nosh yelled, throwing a “Wild Draw 4” onto the table. “You’re supposed to be my friend!”

Chorizo sighed, picking up four cards, his voice calm against the storm outside. “Nosh, listen… Candy’s my sister. You’ve met her before.”

Nosh blinked, stunned. “What?”

“Last year, Halloween? The girl dressed as a Jedi? That was Candy. Uno!” Chorizo said, and Nosh realized he'd forgotten to call "Uno." He groaned, picking up two more cards.

“She moved back a few weeks ago. I thought you knew,” Chorizo explained, dropping another “Draw 2.”

Nosh felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment as thunder cracked again. “I—I didn’t put it together,” he mumbled, still defensive.

Chorizo played a “Skip,” “I’d never.” A “Reverse,” “go behind.” Another “Skip,” “your back, man. The hats were for our parents. It’s their anniversary and they’re huge NASA fans.”

Nosh felt his anger dissolve, replaced by guilt. The rain softened, the wind calming. “I’m sorry, man. I just…”

Chorizo grinned, slapping down a flurry of cards, ending with a triumphant “Uno!” and a “Wild Draw 4.” “No worries. Just ask next time—innocent until proven guilty,” he teased. Nosh laughed as the storm outside settled, the tension breaking at last. Chorizo leaned back, smiling. “Rematch?”

Note: cleaning up my drafts a bit. My work truck is down right now, so I’m just trying to post some of these old writings that I didn’t feel were worthy. Bear with me.

——-

One small spark, an ember really, to the powder keg in the dark of man’s heart — the one turns to the other the mortars blazing breaking away at her spirit she said something white-hot I couldn’t hear through the smoke I was too busy choking on the smog the magma rolling off my tongue if this goes on, we’ll be ashes, love she’s going supernova I’m going to bed, praying for water the flames don’t really hurt much anymore, so much as the smell of flesh turns my stomach I implode and devour everything Hope goes spiraling into the void behind my eyes why are we like this, dear? you are the dragon, the infernal beast I am the leviathan with pyres pouring from my hide —— then you are a daughter of the King,

and I am sorry for my sin

and we rebuild all we’ve burned

as ashes smoulder within

the tongues are tamed

but writhe and rattle the cage

Dear favorite stranger,

Meet in the library after the Game. I have something for you.

Yours, Ad

Ad had left another letter outside my door this morning, and it left me even more crazed then the first. First, he had called me his _favorite _stranger. Did that mean I was, or one of, his favorite people? And then he had said he had something for me, what was it? And lastly, he had signed as _yours, Ad. _That implied that he as mine, but my what? Oh, I was truly delusional to be overthinking a simple letter this much. But I couldn’t help it, I really liked Ad, not just as a friend. And, if Bea’s theory proved true, then he might feel the same about me.

That though made me giddy all the way down to the outer courtyard. Todays Game was warfare, which I definitely wasn’t as confident in as dragon riding. Where as I spent time with our aerial troops, it was my brother who handled the ground ones. So, though I would not completely fail, I definitely wasn’t going to be crowned champion today. Nevertheless, I was determined to do at least decently.

As I entered the courtyard I was immediately greeted by the sound of loud chatter. For this Game we where to pair off into groups of two, which I assumed was what the chatter was about. That, and the fact that the crowd was a lot closer today. I saught out Bea in the stands. I saw her in conversation with a pretty blonde woman. Bea noticed me, and smiled. She mouthed ‘good luck’ to me. I mouthed ‘thanks, who’s the lady?’ back, smiling. Bea grinned. Oh, she’d have to tell me all about her companion tonight over tea.

Next I saught out Ad in the crowded courtyard, but couldn’t find him. Thought a little disappointed, because I had wanted to be in his group, I moved on to finding two others to be grouped with.

Off to the side, in conversation with each other, was a young man and woman. I decided to try for them. “Hello,” I said pleasantly as I walked up. “Lovely day, isn’t it?”

They turned to me, and smiled nicely. They both shared a deep, glowing, dark coffee skin tone and warm, strong eyes. “Yes,” said the woman. She had long, lovely hair trailing down her back in braids, threaded with gold coils and rings.

“You wouldn’t happen to already be grouped, would you?” The man asked. His hair was knotted neatly behind his head.

“No, I don’t.” I answered. “I was hoping you weren’t either?”

They both grinned. They had a similar face shape and attire, so I assumed they were siblings of the same kingdom. “We aren’t. I’m Prince Theodore of Welemen, and this is my sister, Princess Rohesia.”

The woman, who I now knew as Rohesia, smacked her brothers arm. “I can introduce myself, Theodore.” She said, giving him a dirty look. Then she smiled at me. “You can call me Ro.”

I nodded, smiling at her attack on her brother. “I’m Princess Ismae of Milsglade. It’s an honor to meet you.” I bowed my head slightly. Though they seemed friendly, the Prince and Princess of Welemen controlled a powerful, large, southernmost kingdom. So though we weren’t close in proximity, they would be a strong ally and fearsome foe.

They inclined their heads to me. “Congratulations for yesterday. You flew spectacularly.” Theodore said.

I thanked him. “Well, sorry to disappoint, but warfare is really my brother’s specialty, not mine.”

Theodore laughed. “Same here. However Ro is commanding general to our armies, so we should do alright with her.”

Ro smiled, seemingly appreciative to her brothers praise. A horn sounded from the center of the courtyard, getting our attention.

A woman stood on an elevated platform, projecting her voice. “Majesties! Your attention if you will. Todays Game is warfare. Your group of three will be tasked with capturing another groups pole. You will be allowed to move the pole around within your circle, but nowhere else. The first group to capture the other’s pole, on any field, with be crowned the champions. Now, please find your nearest pole station and prepare for the Game!”

I turned back to Theodore and Ro, and we made our way over to the nearest flag, which was just behind us. I looked around. A border of rocks formed a large rectangle around us. A small circle of rocks surrounded the pole at its center. It was a tall pole, a little taller then myself.

I looked over to see what team we where facing, and froze. Across the field, in his own circle, was Ad. He had teamed up with two other men, who looked like close friends of his. Maybe they where from neighboring kingdoms and had grow up close to each other? Ad must’ve sensed my staring, because he looked over at me. I couldn’t see him that well from this distance, but I could’ve sworn something like guilt crossed his face. He looked away quickly, so I did too.

I turned to Ro. “So what’s the plan?”

“I was thinking that you and Theodore could try to capture their pole while I defended ours. It’s not a super complicated play, but it’s a good, standard set one. So you’ll be running with Theodore all across the field, if that’s alright. Once you’re there, one of you distract them while the other goes in for the pole.”

I grinned at that. There where three main categories I excelled in, which where dragon riding, dagger play, and running. Back home I’d run for hours through the mountains.

“Good plan.” Theodore said, and I nodded in agreement.

Three horns sounded, signaling the beginning of the Game. My heart began pounding with both excitement and nerves. The two men Ad was with started running toward us, with Ad staying back. It seemed they had used the same attic as us. We looked over at Ro.

“Wait for my signal, then run.” The men got closer, closer. They where now maybe fifteen feet in front of us, closing in. “Now. Go!”

Theodore and I were off, sprinting for the pole on the others side of the field, guarded by Ad. That somehow filed me to sprint even faster. We closed in on Ad, now only a few feet away.

I lunged for the pole, but missed when Ad jerked it away from me. I lundged again, again, again, but Ad always moved it. I kept this up, hoping I’d get lucky or Theodore could sneak in behind. We kept up in this cycle for what felt like hours, until Theodore lunged in.

However Ad must’ve had extremely keen senses, because he pulled the pole away jsut before Theodore could reach it. We still grabbed at the pole, frustrated by Ad’s inability to give it up. To avoid our advances, Ad began _spinning _the pole above his head. This flustered both Theodore and I, but before we could come up with a new tactic, the horn blew.

Ad’s teammates ran up to him, cheering and holding our pole high. Ad joined them, jumping and celebrating their win. Theodore and I exchanged a disappointed look, then jogged back over to Ro.

She looked ashamed. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve held the pole higher, anticipated their attacks. I-“

Theodore cut her off, holding up a hand. “This isn’t your fault, or anyone’s. They were just a better team then us.”

“Yes,” I agreed, hoping to cheer Ro up a bit. “And we all did great against them.”

Ro nodded, and we all walked over to the center of the courtyard. Ad and his teammates where named champions of the day by the woman with the horn, and the crowds erupted in cheers. I may have even cheered louder than I shoudve, considering I was on the team they had directly beaten. But I was proud of Ad.

—————

Though I had to stop a few servants, for directions, I eventually navigated the massive castle to the library. It was a grand, beautiful room, with a tall domed ceiling and book cases lining the walls all the way up. Mosaic patterns covered the ceiling as the designs circled around a large circlular window in the center of the dome. Study desks where scattered in the center floor neatly, while plush couches and chairs sat before a massive floor-to-ceiling window. On one of these couches sat Ad, staring out the window.

He turned his attention to me as I walked closer, feet clacking against the tiled floor in the silent library. “You came.”

“How could you tell?” I responded sarcastically as I sat down beside him on the couch.

He shook his head. “I didn’t know if you where mad at me after the Game.”

I gave him a puzzled look. “Why would you think that? You did great.”

His blushed slightly, shaking his head. “Sorry, it was stupid. You just make me nervous.” He whispered the last line as my heart skipped a beat. I make him nervous? Oh, if only he knew the frenzy he sent my thoughts and emotions into.

“What’s that?” I asked, nodding to the box he held in his lap. It had intricate patters swirling across it in deep purple patterns, accent in ice blue. Could this be the mysterious item he wanted to give me?

“It’s for you.” He smiled, passing it to me. I removed the lid, then peeled back a velvet cloth.

I gasped. Sitting inside the box was a beautiful dagger in an even more magnificent sheath. Deep purples, ice blues, and glittering gold spiraled across the sheath, encasing gems of ever color. Roses and vines crept along the belt. At the bottom of the hilt sat a large emerald, surrounded by the same swirling patterns and multi-color gemstones climbing up the hilt. I brushed my fingers across it, unsheathing the blade. Sleek silver engraved with vines and roses. It reminded me of the rose Ad had given me that night in the gardens.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered. Besides riding dragons, dagger play was my favorite activity. “How did you know I enjoy daggers?”

He blushed, which in turn made me blush. “Your hands are calloused in the proper areas to hold a dagger, so I just assumed you enjoyed them.”

“Thank you.” I looked up at him to find him staring down at me. My heart began beating uncontrollably. His deep eyes held, along with their usual warm and kindness, a longing I had never seen before. He brought his brought his hand up and cupped my face. My eyes fell to his lips as I was over come with the urge to kiss him. The next second I was.

Ad brought his lips down on my own, and kissed me. Oh, his lips where so warm and soft as they lovingly brushed mine. I closed my eyes and cupped his face in my hands, brushing my fingers over his smooth bronze skin and fluffy curls of hair. I wanted to live in this moment forever, with him. We might not know each other that much, but maybe Bea was right. Maybe we still knew each other in our souls.

We continued to live in the bliss of our kiss until Ad pulled back. At first I was scared he might regret the kiss until I saw the look in his eyes. He, like me, _definitely _didn’t regret what had just transpired between us.

He looked into my eyes. “Ismae….” He whispered.

“Ad” I whispered back.

A look of guilt crosses his eyes. He tried to hide it, but I saw. “What is it?” I was worried he was about to say something horrible, like he was betrothed to someone.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you.” Oh no, here it was. He couldn’t be with me because he was in love with someone else, I was just a moment of lust for him. “My name isn’t Ad.”

This intrigued me. I listened more intently then before, if that was possible.

“It’s actually Adrien. Of Gathe.” He looked away from me, but I wasn’t surprised.

“Hey, look at me.” He turned toward me hesitantly. “What’s wrong? I don’t see you any differently now that I know your name.”

He looked puzzled. “You don’t seem very surprised?”

I laughed. “Well, you didn’t exactly do a very good job of hiding it. The clues where there, all I had to do was piece them together.”

“So… you’ve known this whole time?” I nodded. He looked relieved. “We’re still good?”

I nodded, laughing a little. He did too. “Yes, Adrien. We’re good.”

—————

I really didn’t have much motivation or inspiration to write this part, especially the Game, so sorry if it’s not as great as the previous ones. I’ll have Bea and Ismae start off the next part with their nightly tea, don’t worry, because there’s definitely a lot for them to talk about. Also, sorry if there’s any spelling or grammar mistakes, I was too tired to edit lol. As always, thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed!!!❤️❤️❤️

Alex: I can’t believe you did this to me! After everything we’ve been through, this is how you repay me?

Jordan: Oh, come on, Alex! You’re acting like you’re perfect. What about all the times you ignored me or made me feel like I was invisible?

Alex: Don’t you dare turn this around on me! I was busy with work, trying to provide for us. That’s not an excuse to cheat!

Jordan: And what about my needs? What about the fact that I felt completely alone in this relationship? You never cared to notice!

Alex: So you just decided to find comfort in someone else’s arms? That’s your solution?

Jordan: Maybe if you paid attention to me, I wouldn’t have had to look elsewhere! You pushed me away, Alex!

Alex: I pushed you away? Or you just wanted an excuse to do what you wanted? This is your fault, Jordan, and you know it.

Jordan: My fault? I didn’t want it to happen, but it did. Maybe if you were around more, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

Alex: Oh, don’t give me that! You made a choice. You decided to betray our trust, not me.

Jordan: And you think you’re blameless? You think your neglect wasn’t a betrayal too?

Alex: At least I didn’t go behind your back and lie about it. I was honest about why I was distant.

Jordan: Honest? You call working late every night and barely speaking to me honesty? You shut me out!

Alex: And you gave up on us the moment things got tough. You took the easy way out.

Jordan: Easy? Do you think any of this is easy for me? I’ve been miserable, and you didn’t even see it!

Alex: You know what? Maybe we’ve both been miserable. But that doesn’t justify what you did.

Jordan: Fine. You’re right. It doesn’t. But where do we go from here, Alex? Because I can’t keep pretending everything is okay.

Alex: I don’t know, Jordan. I really don’t. But right now, I’m too angry to even think straight.

Jordan: Then maybe we need some time apart. To figure out if there’s anything left to save.

Alex: Maybe we do. Because right now, I can’t even look at you without feeling betrayed.

Jordan: And I can’t keep living in a relationship where I feel so alone. So, maybe time apart is best. For both of us.

Alex: Maybe it is. But this isn’t over, Jordan. Not by a long shot.

Jordan: No, it’s not. We have a lot to talk about. But not tonight. Not like this.

Alex: Agreed. We’ll talk. But for now, I need to cool down. And so do you.

Jordan: Fine. Take your time. We’ll see where we stand after that.

As soon as the door shut, all the anger that was built up inside of me spilled over. I clenched my fists and glared at my older brother, wishing years of pain and torture on him. The years of pain and torture that I endured when he wasn’t here.

“You don’t get to boss her around when you weren’t even there for most of her life!” I shouted. Michael closed his eyes and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. That made me even more infuriated but I didn’t say anything. What a prick.

“Goddamn, Casey, are you ever going to let that go?” He said tiredly, taking a step towards the desk. I felt the fire lick my veins. How was he so calm right now? Oh right. Because he had the option to walk out on us and he took it. And he didn’t regret it. Why would he? He didn’t have to struggle for years because of it.

“Why should I let that go?” I yelled, trying desperately not to punch him. “I’M the one who had to raise her! I had to raise them all! BECAUSE YOU LEFT!”

Michael slammed his palm on the table, making me jump in surprise. “I’m sorry! What do you want me to say? I was eighteen, Casey, I was still-“

“Don’t you dare!” I jabbed a finger in his face. “Don’t you DARE say you were just a kid. I was thirteen fucking years old. I was thirteen. Allison was only ten, Mallory was six, and Nathan was barely one. I raised them! I raised them and raised the twins as well! I WAS JUST A CHILD!”

“Listen, Casey, I had no idea about the twins-“

“Of course you didn’t because you weren’t there! But I was, Michael! I never walked out like you did! I stayed! I stayed and I paid for it!”

There it was. The voice crack. The hurt. The pain, slowly blossoming out of my chest, consuming me from the inside out, tearing me apart. The tears pricked my eyes as Michael just looked at me, pity in his eyes. God, why was he looking at me like that?

“Casey…” he said quietly. “Casey, where did they hurt you?”

“Fuck off,” I spat, taking a step back. “You don’t get to care anymore. About any of us. I’m happy you’ve let us stay here, but we don’t need you. We haven’t needed you for a long time, Michael.”

“Casey, you can’t leave.”

“Actually, I could.” I shoved my hands in my pockets so he couldn’t see them trembling. “I’m eighteen and I could walk out and never look back. I won’t, though, because they need me. You walked out on them. I won’t do that. I refuse to be like you.”

Michael’s voice was filled with pain. “Casey-“

I opened the door. “Fuck off, Michael. Quit acting like our older brother. You lost the right to that the second you stepped foot out of our front door five years ago.”

I slammed the door shut behind me and crumpled to the ground, years of weight crashing onto my shoulders as I just sobbed. I don’t know how long I just laid there and sobbed, but I did.

Then I wiped my tears and stood back up. My siblings had lost one older brother, and I would be damned if they lost another one.

A package arrived in the mail today addressed to me. I opened the cardboard flaps to find a handheld fan and a handwritten letter.

The yellowed paper read:

Dearest Anya,

_After fifteen years of searching, I have finally found you. I know you’re all grown now, learning new things and being the most extraordinary girl to ever grace this Earth. Meanwhile, I remain confined in the borders of Russia, missing my beloved daughter terribly. The only thing I can give you is the fan I always held when I once was a prima ballerina. I hope this brings you good luck as much as it did for me. _

When you get this package, write back, and whatever you do, do not tell your father.

_ _ Love, your mother

Confusion struck me. I read it over again.

“Anya,” my father peeped in through the crack in the door. I folded the note, put it back in the box, and quickly shoved it under my bed.

“Yes, father,” I dutifully replied.

He greeted me with a suspicious glance. “Where did you get that?”

“Get what?” I cocked my head to the side, feigning confusion.

“That package,” He gestured to the brown box below me.

“Oh! I’m just preparing a gift for my friend Betty. Her birthday is coming up soon.”

“May I see it?”

I shook my head as he advanced toward me. His hands swiftly grabbed the box before I could stop him. “Anya, you know you aren’t allowed to lie, especially to me.” He sifted through the contents. I clutched the bedsheets. “I’m confiscating this.”

“No!” I stand, my tone solid as concrete. Every muscle in my skin tensed, keeping me on my feet. “You will not be doing that! Not after you lied to me for so long! You made me believe my mother was dead!”

“Anya Katrina Price!” The blue veins bulged against his pale, wrinkled skin.

“You do not deserve to call me that!”

A slap hit my face. The sharp sting of nails cutting into my cheek caused a small amount of bleeding.

“We were not speak of this again. You are to stay in this room until I say otherwise.” My father demanded coldly. He closed my bedroom door and locked me in, imprisoning me in a home reeking with deception. Tears trickled down my cheeks, mixing with the blood and burning my wound. I took my secret stash of money and put it in a small compartment in my purse.

No matter how many times my father locks me up, I will not be stopped.

Tonight, I am going buy a plane ticket, fly to Russia, and find my mother.