Broken

Chapter 3

I've avoided my dad all week, since my mom told me he's been cheating. I know I can't avoid him forever, but I just need sometime to think about how to relate with him and what to say to him. Since I heard the news, I've been waking up earlier, going to school earlier, spending more time with Robert and Ray, and coming back home later than usual. My mom noticed this and asked me why, and I lied to her, saying I just needed sometime to think and clear my head. In my defence, it's true. I really need sometime to think.

It's Saturday, and I know I have to face my dad. I considered locking myself up in my room till Monday, or going to Ray's place again, but I know it won't work. I have a gut feeling that I'd bump into him the moment I step out of my room. I ignored the "feeling" and head to the bathroom. After having my bath, I put on a Cami and a pair of shorts. I have to face my father sooner or later, and I can't hide in my room forever. I tied my hair in a rough bun and picked up my phone and my headset. Here goes nothing. This is it. I'm stepping out in 3... 2... Who am I kidding? I can't do this. I tried the countdown again, determined to step out this time. Here goes... 5... 4... 3... I breathe in and continue ...2... 1... Here goes. The moment I opened my room door, I saw my dad standing right in front of me, ready to knock the door. You've really got to be freaking kidding me. I have no idea what to say and my heart starts slamming against my ribcage. "Uhhh.... Hi dad" I laughed nervously, and it came out as a horrible sound.

"Hey, Abbie" why has he decided to come right now "we need to talk" just great. "Have you been avoiding me?" really freaking great. I'm not ready for this. So much for avoiding him all week.

"Whaaat?" I gave the most fake smile ever. I know it looks as fake as it is.

"Have you been avoiding me?"

"No dad. Why should I avoid you?" I tried to get away from him, but he held my arm in a successful attempt to stop me.

"Abbie, I know your mom told you about Helen"

"Helen huh" I scoffed "So that's her name, yeah?"

"Yes, her name's Helen"

"Okay... So, what am I supposed to do with her name?"

"Abbie, I know you're angry with me. Just hear me out and let me explain"

"Explain what dad? The fact the you had a supportive family and threw it down the drain? Or the fact the you had a loving wife and betrayed her trust? Or the fact that you flushed all your wedding vows down the sewer? Ohh... I don't know, could it be the fact that you abandoned your beautiful wife and impregnated a whore?!" The moment I completed my sentence, I felt a smack on my face. He slapped me. He really freaking slapped me. Could this day get any worse?

"Abbie! I will not stand here and have you talk about Helen like that. Have some respect for her" what? Respect? Is this a dream or what? It has got to be a dream. I need someone to pinch me hard right now.

"Wow. Dad you just slapped me" I'm really surprised and speechless that my dad slapped me for nothing, and it's all because of that gold digging whore.

"I know, and I will do it again, if you keep talking about her in that manner" I'm sure this is a dream. I need someone to slap me back to reality. Tears drop from my eyes, and I realize that I'm still holding my red cheek. I still can't believe my dad slapped me for the first time, and it was all because of that whore. That's what she is. A whore. First, she took my mom's happiness, and now, my dad slapped me because of her. I'm fuming with anger, and I have no idea what to say. I've got to get out of here. I'm so confused. I drop my hand from my burning cheek and run out of the house. On my way out, I saw my mom coming in. She saw the tears on my face, my red eyes, and the fingerprints on my left cheek.

"Oh my God, Abbie.... Who did this to you?"

"Ask your so-called husband!" I yelled, and the tears increased with full force. I couldn't hold it in anymore. "He slapped me! Your husband slapped me!" I stormed out of the house, and my feet moved faster than my mind. I have no idea where I'm going.

After running for what seems like 30 minutes, I stopped at the beach. It's not as crowded as I thought it would be. The summer breeze is neither too hot nor cold, and the sun isn't too hot either. The weather is just perfect. I let the cool weather calm me down while I sit on the sand and watch the waves.

I have no idea how long I've been sitting here, but its getting dark and a little cold. I would have stayed despite the weather, but I left the house wearing only a cami and shorts. I would have taken a cab, but I just had to storm out of the house without any money... So much for being angry. Sooner rather than later, I have to work on the irrational decisions I make when I'm angry. Now, I have to walk back home.

***

When I finally got home, it was 9:30pm. I hope my parents are not in the living room so I don't have to answer any questions from them. As I hoped, the living room was empty. I was rushing to my room when I heard my parent's voices coming from the kitchen... 'Please don't come out' I silently prayed, as I tiptoed to my room. Please stay in the kitchen... Please let me get to my room before you come out... Thank God... I sighed in relief when I locked my room door behind me. I would have taken a warm shower, but I was in no mood for one. I'm still hurt that my dad slapped me for nothing. My parent's voices kept getting louder, and it became hard to ignore them. For once, I'm interested in one of their arguments.

"Nathan, you went too far! You shouldn't have slapped her" mom said, worry obvious in her voice.

"Laurel, It wasn't intentional. My hand slipped. I didn't even realize that I had slapped her, until she said I slapped her"

"What do you mean your hand slipped?! How could your hand just slip?"

"Don't make me feel guilty, Laurel. If it wasn't for you, all this wouldn't even be happening!" what did he mean by that? How is all this my mom's fault?

"Oh come on, Nathan! We've been over that. You can't keep blaming me for my past. And might I remind you that this is also your fault. If you had done what I suggested 7 years ago, none of this would be happening. Helen won't be carrying your baby, and we wouldn't be getting a divorce." What has mom's past got to do with all this? What part of mom's past would've prevented all this from happening? What did she suggest to dad 7 years ago. Wait a minute. 7 years ago, I was ten years old. That's when they started having arguments and fights. What part of mom's past could be so linked to their fights? Arrrgh! I really need some answers.

"Well if it wasn't for you, all this wouldn't be happening! Its the truth, and you know it! Let's just hope Abbie comes back soon" they don't even know I'm back... Thank goodness. After eavesdropping, I walked to my bed as quietly as possible, being extra careful not to make a sound. When I got to my bed, I laid down carefully, and turned off the lights. I've had a long day, and I really need to get some sleep.