Don't let go

Chapter 1 Amelia POV: “Amelia!! I heard my Mom's shrill voice. "I want you downstairs immediately, or you'll regret ever being born.” I quickly got out of bed and rushed downstairs. “What were you doing upstairs by this time of the day?” she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. “Haven't I told you not to keep me or anyone waiting for food to be served on the table? "What is wrong with you pathetic fool?” “G-g-good morning, Mom” I stuttered, as I tried to greet her. But she cut me off: "You had better keep that useless greeting to yourself. What is good about the morning, anyway? Her voice rose to a yell. “Why is there no food on the table you b***h?” “Am sorry m-m-om” Before I could even finish apologizing, I was slapped hard in the face. “You spoil brat. This lack of disrespect is the reason why I told your father to send you out of this house, but he insisted on letting you stay.” “I want you to go back to that kitchen and make something new for me and my daughter to eat,” “Now get the hell out of my sight you bastard”. I couldn't hold back the tears that were already threatening to fall, so I let it out. I've tried my best to be a good daughter and sister in this house, but the hatred only grows further. I really don't even know what I did to her to deserve this. "I'd always felt like an outsider in my own family. My mom's favoritism towards Jessica was evident, and I often wondered if I was truly her daughter. Her comparison and criticism of Jessica made me feel like I was walking on eggshells, never good enough and not even my father cared. He hardly asks if I've eaten anything, yet he keeps believing whatever my sister says about me. So, without thinking much, I went back to making pasta for them. After I was done, I went back to my room because she made the rule of me not joining the table whenever they are eating. Sometimes I wonder if she's really my mom, because I don't think a mom would treat her daughter the way she keeps treating me in the house. I was so engrossed in my thoughts when I heard a loud knock outside my door. “Amelia, I know you are not asleep, and you're hearing me loud and clear right now because Dad is asking for your presence downstairs.” That only means one thing. What have I done again this time around? Without wasting another minute, I pushed open my room door and rushed downstairs. The warm glow of the lamp cast a cozy ambiance, but the tension in the air was palpable. “I was met with my father's angry gaze on me.” “What is it I am hearing from your mom about you disrespecting her?” “What?” Dad, I swear I didn't do anything. Please believe me.” “Just shut up, you i***t!!” he shouted. “Can't you take an example from your little sister?” If only he had known that I hadn't done anything wrong. “Am sorry Dad, it won't happen again," I said, feeling helpless. “This should be the last time I hear any complaint from your mom and sister about you.” Have I made myself clear? “Answer me, you brat,” he yelled. “Y.e.s. dad” I answered, trembling. I saw my sister smirking behind my dad while Mom was telling him to calm down. I know she was only pretending to be a good mother and a wife in front of him. “Calm down honey okay,” you have to take it easy on her. She just doesn't know what she's doing, and I am going to talk to her about it, she said while walking my Dad to their room. Jessica stood up and walked towards me. "Oh poor Amelia, I feel sorry for you," she said while standing in front of me. “Why Jessica?” “ Why are you not saying anything to Dad about what happened today?” I ask with a shaky voice. “Am your sister for Christ's sake.” "Sister?" She sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're not my sister, Amelia. "You're just a pathetic loser and a maid in this house, a dirty little secret our parents keep hidden. I stumbled back to my room, the weight of my sister's words crushing me. I collapsed onto my bed, tears streaming down my cheeks as I sobbed silently. The one true family I have never really cared about. My stay in this house has always been like that, with no one to explain myself to, nor do I even have a place to run to. I was already choking on my tears. I never knew when I even doze off to sleep. As the hours passed by, my growling stomach reminded me of not taking anything all day, so I dragged myself to the kitchen hoping to find any leftovers to satisfy my hunger. Life at home has become a struggle. I found myself skipping school to catch up on household chores. As the mistreatment of my Mom and sister had taken their toil. But despite the hardship, I find solace in my phone and best friend. We've bonded since high school. And she has been my rock ever since. To me, she was a family. Her smile and laughter always make me happy. She's the one true person who understands me, and I cherish our time together. So I decided to chat her up. “Hi Karen,” “Seriously Amy?” “I thought you were not going to come online” “Am sorry Karen, I'm always busy now.” “Yeah, I understand, so how are you Amy? Are you okay? You know you can come stay with me whenever you decide to leave that hellhole of a house.” “Oh not again Karen,” “Yes, Amy, that's what you keep saying.” Is it until you are poured with hot water before you realize you are not welcome in that family? “They are going to change one day, Karen.” I promise, I just don't want to be a burden to you. “Whatever Amy” but always remember that I'm here for you. “So how are your parents?” I asked about changing the topic. “They're fine,” she replied. We continued chatting for some time before I fell asleep. The sudden loud voice of my Mom, calling me downstairs, made my heart sink with fear. I woke up immediately from bed and checked the time, and it was 8:30 am. Panic surged through me, “Oh my God, what should I do?”