Confrontation [27]

"WHAT?!" I asked in complete shock.

I didn't know I had a Family let alone cousins and aunts. And did he just say, Grandparents!

"Your family  is dying to meet you but we told them to give you some time first. So. They are coming tomorrow" he replied with a smile blistered on his face.

"They are coming tomorrow! James didn't tell me I was talking to him yesterday updating him on everything" Alex said.

"Well, it was kind of a last-minute thing so." Mr Dante replied.

"Tomorrow what do you mean tomorrow? When?" I asked in shock. I need to make a first good impression. I need to!

"Their plane will land at 8 o'clock in the morning" he said checking his watch.

I gulped and nodded. I'm not ready to meet my 'family' yet. I'm not ready.

Ms Hannah seemed to notice my discomfort. "Don't worry baby they are gonna be thrilled to meet you." She said giving me a big reassuring smile.

I nodded not trusting my voice. I started eating slowly when I noticed Alex studying my every move intensely.

I stopped eating as felt his intense eyes on me. He is probably thinking why I'm eating too much.

I know my appetite is big today because I almost ate half of my plate, but no reason to look at me like a pig.

I just sat there anxiously playing with the end of my sweatshirt. "Why aren't you eating sweety?" Mr Dante asked.

"I'm full. The food is delicious though thanks Ms Hannah" I replied.

"May I be excused to go to my room please?" I asked carefully.

Dad always used to get mad when I leave the table when he hadn't finished eating. Although I would never be eating he just wanted me at the table so I could serve him whenever he finished his portion.

"Yes you can Sara" Mr Hannah told me with a sigh. I stood up but was seated down by Alex

"No, you can't sit back down you haven't even finished half your plate. You heard what the doctor said" he said sternly.

I was shocked and hurt because he grabbed a bruise but sucked it up because his parents are here.

"Alex! You don't talk to your sister that way! Or grab her. Apologise to her now!" Ms Hannah fumed making me flinch. I never heard her scream and trust me it is scary.

Before Alex could answer I talked. "It is fine really he doesn't mean any harm" I replied giving them a tight smile before getting up again and heading to my room.

Well today was a long day. I lay down and let out a sigh. I have a family. And they want to see me.

A yawn escaped my mouth. These medicines are making me always tired. I closed my eyes wanting to rest. And the next thing I know I was fast asleep.

Trigger Warning ⚠️ [abuse]

"It is seven Sara why are you late?" Dad said extremely low. Or should I say sir.

"My manager told me to take care of someone's else's shift or I would be fired" I replied blankly not wanting to anger him more.

"You liar slut!" He screamed swinging his bottle of beer hitting me on my head.

I fell to the ground blood dripping down my face. I looked up to him tears stinging my eyes.

"I'm sorry" I said to him pain shouting through my whole body and migraine making my vision blurry.

He kicked me on the ribs.

Then stomach.

Then legs.

Stomach

"Dad please it hurts" I managed to say through gritted teeth trying to ignore the pain.

"Do not call me that! I'm not your f***ing father!" He screamed and those words seamed to hurt more than any physical pain he can cause me.

"Do you want me to stop?" He asked me a wicked smirk plastered on his face. When I didn't answer he kicked me again.

"Answer me when I talk to you!" He shouted.

"Yes please" I said coughing blood staining the cold wooden floors.

"Beg for it like the b*tch you are" he said grabbing my chin forcefully.

"Please sir give me your mercy" I said knowing I will not be able to go to my exam tomorrow if he hits me one more time.

"Nah not convincing" he said and started taking of his belt.

"No no please I have an exam tomorrow" I begged as I started to crawling backwards away from him.

He secured it around his hand and raised.

End⚠️

I woke up sweating, hot tears streaming down my face. I pushed my trembling figure out of the bed and walked slowly to the bathroom.

I washed my face and looked at my reflection in the mirror. 'Sara pull yourself together now! He is gone. Dead.' I reminded myself.

I got out the bathroom and checked my phone . Damn it is 3 in the morning.

I sighed knowing I will not be able to sleep again. I walked down the stairs to get a glass of water.

I entered the kitchen grabbed a cup but before I can fill it. It slipped from my shaky hands falling to the ground crashing to a million pieces.

Mr Dante entered the kitchen while talking on the phone.

"Ti chiamerò più tardi" he said to someone through the phone in italian. I mean I did notice the accent but I was still shockked. who was he taking to?

(I will call you later)

"I'm so sorry for interrupting you" i kneeled down and started collecting them with shaky hands.

"I'm sorry it slipped out of my grip. I will pay you the moment I get my payment. I'm sor-" I ranted scared. My dad always said I'm clumsy b*tch. He was right. But Mr Dante interrupted me.

"Piccina (little one) it is okay. Are you hurt?" He asked coming over to me.

"I'm good. I- I'm so sorry" I replied collecting the rest of the glass pieces ignoring the ones that pierced through my skin.

My shaky. Hands didn't help as I kept piercing glass pieces in my hand by accident. Mr Dante kneeled to my level , grabbed my hand gently yet firmly so I won't pull away.

"It is okay bambino. I'm not mad. Okay. Take a deep breathe in" he instructed me.

I didn't even notice that I was breathing heavily this always happen when I am panicked.

I followed his instructions tears streaming down my face. He held me close. At first I froze but then gave up. I was too tired.

He held me while I had a melt down. I cried. I cried about everything in my father's arms.

He held me close whispering soothing words in my ears. And eventually I calmed down.

I slowly pulled away. And he helped me stand up.

"I'm sorry for soaking you shirt. And the cup I will pay you okay?" I replied straighting my posture.

He looked at me with soft eyes. "You are my child Sara. My daughter you don't have to apologise or pay me back" he replied a smile on his face that I didn't return.

"Why are you up this late Sara?" He asked trying to change the subject.

"I woke up thirsty so I came down to grab a cup of water" I lied no wanting to tell him the truth. He will think I am pathetic.

"Go sit on the coach I will be back in a minute" he ordered me and I did as he said.

I few seconds passed before he came back with a firsr aid kit in his hand.

He sat next to me on the coach. He placed the kit in his lap and opened it. He looked up at me. "May I?" He asked looking at my bloody hands.

I nodded not trusting my voice. He first grapped my right hand. And slowly unwrapped my knuckles. Thank god my wrists where covered by my sleaves or everything would have been visible.

They dont look so bad in my opinion. Mr Dante said something under his breathe that I didnt quite catch.

He cleaned my knuckles before flipping my hand and started picking out the glass pieces with tweazers.

After he finished he spoke. "This is gonna hurt okay?" He told me and i nodded.

He grapped the rubbing alcohol bottle and poured some of it on a cotton pad and started cleaning my cuts.

Once he finished he wrapped it up and did the same thing on my other hand fingers as the wrest was protected by the cast.

"Go to sleep PiPiccina (little one) someone will come to clean the house tomorrow" he told me smiling before getting up and going to his office.

Did he just call me 'little one'. Yes I do understand Italian. You tend to learn alot of stuff when you don't have friends because you will have plenty of time alone.

I in fact speak 4 languages. But that's not the point. I never knew my family was Italian. I mean I noticed my parents accent but I didn't think they spoke this fluently.

I igonred his earlier order snd cleaned the glass anyways. I dont want anyone hurt because of me.

I closed the lights and headed to my room. My body needs the rest even if it doesn't mean sleeping.

I climbed to my bed and laid starring at the ceiling. I never thought in a million years I would be able to sit without locking my door.

I felt myself getting sweaty. Which was weird. I only get sweaty if I am nervous. Which im not.

I decided to open the A.C . But couldn't. It so confusing not like the one i had back home.

Well I didnt have it for a long time because dad destroyed but that is another story.

I decided on taking a cold shower which i dont do often. Never to be more precice.

I had a quick shower but for some reason i was still feeling hot.

I dressed in shorts and a tank top not caring if my scars and bruises are visible. I will just sleep in it then I will change before meeting my supposed family.

I laid back down and after a very long three hours of staring at the cieling I finally fell asleep.

Asher

I was riding my bike home after leaving the hospital. Did no one realise how scared was Sara when Mr Dante was screaming?

I also noticed she is always anxious around men like they scare the shit out of her. like when someone tower over her or be too close to her she gets so scared that she even starts shaking.

It is actually hard to notice because she always has her brave face on. It is like a defense mechanism.

I arrived home and unlocked the door to see dad in the living room. The moment I entered the house I smell the strong sicking scent of alcohol.

I sighed today is gonna be a long day. I prepared myself for the beating I'm gonna get. I know I can resist. I can defend myself but that is my father. I can't hit my fucking father. So I just deal with it.

I took a long breath in and went to the living room. I found dad on the coach his hand on his hair with bloody hands and broken beer bottles all around him.

"Father are you okay?" I asked. He doesn't like me calling him dad when he is drunk.

He immediately stood up when he heard my voice. I took a step back. It is a reflex. But today something is different. He is not amused by my fear he is ,hurt.

Which was confusing as hell! "Can we talk? Please." Dad said to me and to say I was in shock would be an understatement.

I walked slowly and sat next to him. "What is happening father?" I asked.

"Why? Why Asher?" He asked tears piercing his eyes. Something is not adding up. Dad is never emotional when he is drunk. not even when he is sober for that matter.

"Why what father?" I asked carefully but it seemed to anger him. He stood up quickly I hand going through his hair .

That got me startled. I immediately tensed. I hope today is not as bad as last time. Plus today is not an important day why is he drinking.

"Don't call me that!" He shouted making me jump to my feet standing up. Today is goinng to be a complete disaster.

"Yes sir" I replied quickly not wanting to anger him more. But suddenly he looked at me but I didnt see rage. I saw pity.

"Why didn't you tell me that I abused the hell out of you Asher?" His eyes red from tears .

"Wh-at?" I stuttered.

"I know everything Asher. Why didn't you tell how a shitty father I was since your mother death?" He said looking at the floor shamefully.

"You weren't father" I told him. He wasn't. He didn't know.

"I hitted you Asher. Kicked you. Slapped you. I punched my own child. Why didn't you say anything? I would've stopped drinking. You know that right?" He asked hope in his voice.

I walked to him and hugged him. I hugged him for the first time since mom death.

He was hesitant at first but then hugged me back. I missed this feeling. I always had a great relationship with my father.

Atleast until mum's death.

After some time he pulled back, looked me dead in the eye and said. "I want to know everything" he told me.

"No!" I replied almost immediately. No I went through all that just  because I don't want him to know.

"What do you mean no, Asher? I need to know the amount of damage I did." He told me.

"No! I didn't went through all that just to tell you about. I'm not reliving that again!" I shouted  at him.

"How did you find out dad?" I asked anger visible in my voice.

"For how long Asher?" He shouted back.

"No we are not doing this!" I shouted angrily.

"Yes we are! How. Long?" He asked.

I didn't answer. I proceeded to leave but he caught up with me and spinned me back. He held me by my shoulders. Firmly but not enough to hurt.

"Asher, since when?" He shouted at my face . And that was my last string. I broke.

"Since Mom's death!" I shouted but quickly realised what I said my hand flying to my mouth .

"What?! Oh my god! Asher!"He said stumbling back.

"Please Asher I beg you.  Tell me something. Anything. I need to understand what happend." He pleaded.

I just looked at him a single tear slipping from my eye. "Please" he pleaded.  I just sighed. I know I need to tell him one day. Let's just get over with it.

I walked to the coach and sat, my dad right behind me. "If I tell you you need to tell me how you found out okay?" I asked him and he nodded.

"It only started a few days after mum's death. It was you guys anniversary, I came home after a mission. You met me at the door. I could smell the alcohol in your breath. But I ignored because knew how hard of a day it is to you. You shouted asking why I didn't answer your phone call. I told you i was in a mission but i was stunned when you slapped me." I started the story. When everything started. My voice broke at the end a single tear slipping from my eye.

"Continue please" dad said not looking at me. And I nodded.

"This was the first time you hitted me in my whole life. I looked at you not believing my own eyes. You said I should never talk back to you and ordered me to go to my room." I told him.

"That is why you didnt talk to me the next day. How could i never noticed?" He said his eyes looking hurt.

"The next day I decided not to talk to you. But it was just so hard while you were acting like nothing happened. So i confronted you. I asked don't you want to talk about yesterday. And the only thing you said was 'sorry son I don't remember a thing about last night did something in you guys mission'. You didnt remember a thing" I told him.

"This when I decided to not tell you." I said to him.

"But why?" He asked.

"Because you were devasted! You didnt eat a thing for days! It was the first time you showering, eating and working since moms death. I couldnt afford to lose you again dad. You had too much on your plate. I can handle a beating dad but I cant handle losing both my parents!" I said to him tears now running down my face.

It was silent for a few seconds then spoke again. "How often was - this?" He asked struggling  to find the correct words.

"Whenever you get drunk and it got worst over time. It is like there are two of you" I said sighing.

"Im sorry. I know this doesnt mean I thing but I really am son. I didnt know. I just thought you became distant because your mother. Nothing else" he said on the verge of breaking.

"I know dad. I swear I dont hate you. You didnt know" I told him but mostly to myself. I needed to keep reminding myself about this. I seem to forget it sometimes.

"Now, can we please stop talkimg about this. How did you found out dad?" I asked actually curious.

"I was sitting in my office doing some work when i got an email from one of our legal company partner. He said what i said to him on the phone was unacceptal and rude so he want a meeting to cancel the partnership. I called him and asked what he is talking about. He said he gave me a whole week to apolgise and i didnt so he doesnt want to be my partner any more." He started.

I looked at him confused still not knowing what does have to do with us. "I checked the date on my phone log and remebered that I was drunk that day. So i decided to see tge cameras to kmow what exactly did I say that made him so mad and thats  when I saw what I did to you that night. I was horrible to you Asher and you just took whatever I gave you. Why didnt you stop me or I don't know hit me back, I deserved it" he asked.

"I will never stoop that low dad." I said to him and he just looked at me. "Can I give you a hug son ?" He asked almost ashamed from himself for asking.

I chuckled. "Of course you can dad you never have to ask" I told him standing up and he engulfed me in a hug.

I held to him tightly lord how did I miss this. After a few very comforting seconds he moved to pull away but I held him. "Just a bit more please" I whispered to him. And he nodded almost holding me tighter if possible.

After a while I was the one to pull away. "Go to sleep son. You need it" he told me with an almost unseen smile.

I nodded at him. And started to walk up the stairs when he talked again. "I know I can't fix the damage that I made but I swear I will try" he told me and I nodded with a smile.

I walked up to my room. I laid on my bed and let out a sigh. Well this didn't end the way I thought it will but I am not complaining.

I fell to sleep thinking about how today will change everything.

●●●●●●●●

I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I groaned not wanting to get up. I pushed myself out of bed.

I walked to the bathroom and did my business. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth and hoped into some black jeans and a dark grey shirt.

I grabbed my school backpack and headed down the stairs. I was about to head out to my car when dad called.

"Good morning dad" I said to him through the phone the moment I answered. "Good morning son. Something really urgent happened here in Italy. So I had to fly this morning. Ill talk you threw it tomorrow, but I gotta handle it now, okay? Good Luck in school today."he told me.

"Okay dad. Hope everything goes well for you today" I told him before hanging up.

I hoped into my car and drove to Alex's house. We were supposed to meet there and meet James and Kevin because we didn't have classes on the first period. Alex's cousins and mine and Chris's childhood friends.

When I arrived at the door I was met with a very tired Alex. I almost chuckled at his appearance. His hair was a mess.

"Come in" he said tiredly. I walked to the living room to see Chris sitting on the couch with Alex next to him. Mr and Mrs Carter were talking in the kitchen. They both looked very serious which got me worried.

"What is happening?" I asked the boys and Alex shrugged. "I don't know man I arrived ten minutes before you and they haven't came out. But I think something is happening my parents flew to Italy this morning" he told me.

"Your parents too?" I said and he looked at me puzzled. "What do you mean too?" He asked. "My dad is also there" I replied to him. I was about to call my worker and let him tell me what is happening but Mr and Mrs Carter footsteps interrupted me.

"Hello boys. So we have some bad news."Ms Hannah started.

"What happened? " Alex asked.

"The Russian Mafia tried to rob on of our places we need to go home and handle it so your cousins are not coming " Mr Dante explained.

"Damn it" Alex cursed under his breathe.

" we need to leave now, so can one of you guys go wake Sara up and alex take her shopping after school she needs some new clothes" Mr Dante told us.

I few seconds past none of us attending to go wake her up. "Fine. Go all of you then" Mr Dante said annoyed before he and Ms hannah headed to the airport.

We all groaned but started going upstairs anyways. "Why didn't any of you took one for the team?" Alex asked ."shut up she is your sister" Chris told him.

Chris knocked on the door lightly. No answer. He knocked again, but still she didnt answer.

"Fuck it man we have other places to be"Alex cursed slamming thr door open.

We were met with a very scared Sara. But tge next thing we saw was a scene ill never forget.

Sara was in shorts and a tank top. But that wasnt the thing that concerned me. Every inch in Saras body wqs covered in scars and bruises.

"What the hell Alex get out!" Sara screamed. But she looked confused when non of us moved.

Sara was confused but when she ssw whete we wete looking het face went as pale as a sheet. She tried covering her body with her hands feeling self concious.

"Get out!" She screamed horrified. "Oh my god Sara!" The words left my mouth.

She got out of bed tears piercing her beautiful ocean eyes. She started pushing everyone out of the room with full strength while screaming at them to get out. Everyone wAs in a state of shock. Thr momebt we were all out of the room she closed ut and locked it.

I didnt what to do. Alex started banging on the door. "Open this door Sara! Or I swear I will break it!" Alex shouted. I held his hand stoping him from hitting the door again.

"Give her sometime man" I  told him.

He hesitated but then nodded. We all walked down. I sat with the boys on the coach.

We all didn't know what to do or say. We just sat there in silence till Sara came down.

She was wearing her usual lomg sleave hoodie and black jeans. "Where is everyone?"she asked acting like nothing just happend.

"They had to go for a business trip thats why the family reunion is rescheduled" Alex explained.

"Okay then I'm heading to school" Sara said and started to head to the door.

"Sara sit the f*ck down now!" Alex shouted at Sara making her freeze in her place.

"Alex don't!" Chris warned him.

Sara came marching to him and came.face to face came.him. "Look here Alex. I am.so tired of you shouting and ordering me around. You are mad and I try to get it but no. you gotta learn how to talk to people okay? I am not the type of girl you can shout at when ever you like." She shouted at his face poking his chest.

"Now ask and talk properly what do you wanna talk about" she told him seating down.

Alex was so stunned to speak. So I asked the question we all were dreading to ask.

"Why is your body c-covered in bruises?" I said stuttering to find the right words.

Author's note 📝

I know. I know I shouldn't end this here but I writer gotta do what they gotta do.

I hope you guys liked this chapter and sorry for the long wait.

Pls don't forget to vote and comment 🙏 💞