Chapter 2
My bedroom door was the cheapest wood in the house–thin panel, flimsy lock. After my frenzied assault, it finally gave way:
Immediately, my mother, Darlene, rushed from the kitchen wielding a butcher knife, her face instantly contorting with rage when she saw me the swung her arm back and slapped me across the face with brutal force.
Breaking down the door had already drained most of my energy, and I was no match for her blow, causing me to collapse to the flour, dizzy and disoriented, my vision darkening as she delivered slap after slap, leaving me defenseless.
In my dazed state, I felt my hand being pinned down hard as my mother snarled through clenched teeth.
“You worthless piece of shit! You actually had the nerve to break my door? I’ll show you what breaking things gets you!”
Stinging pain radiated from my cheeks as I struggled to open my eyes. When I did, I saw her holding the butcher knife high above me, her face twisted with fury, all pretense of motherly love completely gone.
My heart stalled for an instant before pounding wildly. I struggled to pull my pinned hand free, but her years of working as a housekeeper had endowed her with remarkable strength. My right hand, trapped beneath hers, ached and numbed, yet I couldn’t wrench it loose no matter how I tried.
As I watched the knife begin its downward arc, a cold realization washed over me, leaving room for only one thought–if she’s going to destroy my life again, then we’ll both go down together!
“Enough!”
My father’s irritated voice suddenly stopped my mother in her tracks. “Can you use your brain for once? If you mess up her hands, who’s going to support her?”
Hearing this, Darlene, who seconds ago had looked ready to murder me, instantly transformed into a meek kitten. She dropped the knife and stammered an explanation.
“I was just trying to teach her a lesson. Look how out of control she is! Today she’s breaking down doors, who knows what she’ll do tomorrow!”
Following her gaze, I also looked at my father, who had already picked up his phone again, clearly wanting nothing to do with this situation. Without hesitation, I crawled over and knelt in front of him.
“Dad, please let me go to college! My teacher said my scores are good enough for a top university. After I graduate, I’ll take the teacher certification exam and become a teacher. It’s a respectable job, and when my brother gets married and has kids, I can help look after my little nephew and tutor him too. It’s perfect!”
I didn’t dare pause for breath, desperate to convince them.
“Dad, I need a good college to find a decent job. Then while I’m still young, I can find a wealthy boyfriend and get married early. I could use his money to support both you and Caleb, even buy you a new house! You wouldn’t have to do anything–just sit back and enjoy life!”
My fervent promises made my father sink into contemplation.
Meanwhile, my brother Caleb, who had been playing video games on the couch, couldn’t contain himself and eagerly jumped in.
“Can you buy me a car too?”
I hesitated briefly before readily agreeing.
“Absolutely! After I’ve been working for two or three years and saved enough, I’ll buy you a nice car!”
Caleb was instantly hooked and began pressuring our silent parents.
“Dad! Mom! Just let Tiffany go to college! By the time I finish college, I’ll have both a house and a car–my classmates will be dying of jealousy!”
