Chapter 51 - stay with me

Maria

I woke up to the usual sounds of arguing downstairs. Dad was yelling at Ella again over something minor. He always found an excuse to lash out at us most especially when he's drunk.

"Get me another bottle, if you want to go to school." I overheard him him yelling at her.

With a sigh, I dragged myself out of bed, bracing for another miserable day.

In the kitchen, Dad didn't even look up from his newspaper as I quietly made some toast for us to had breakfast.

He hadn't directly addressed me in weeks. Ever since for a long time now, it was like I ceased to exist in his eyes.

My sister Ella shot me an apologetic glance as she hurried to grab her school bag so we can leave.

Mouthing a "Don't let him get you you." I smiled at her bravery. She's so matured for a 13yr old. Well in this house she has to.

At 13 years old, she was already gorgeous - tall, slim, with perfect hair and skin. Dad doted on her constantly, pride shining in his eyes whenever he looked her way.

Meanwhile I was