Chapter 2

That was odd we have never kept secrets or so I thought. I give up getting comfortable again so I get up and take a shower and get dressed for the day. I walk up stairs to the kitchen and notice no one else is up so I put in one ear bud so I can listen for my bitch of a step family and my mother. They all partied last night. Steve is a good man but he married my mother 6 years ago and well she turned his kids into mini versions of her. He only sees what she wants him to, his job has him gone all the time. I tried to tell him once but had no proof so it went in one ear and out the other.

I have on my black jean, school color tank top (red, white, and blue) with a mustang on it and my boots. I normally wear shorts but I am taking my bike everywhere today. It was Steve’s fathers he said his kids would never use it. He was so right they think they are to good for used cars and my mom is the one who convinced them they were special.

Hell Ashley thinks she can marry a rich man and never have to work or lift a finger. Steve Jr thinks he can get a full ride doing football but all he does is sit on the bench and hell he got kicked of the team last semester for grades. Jerold is really smart and he is only 14 so if someone notices what is going on in that house then they will take him and put him in a home where he can thrive instead of turning into one of them. I swear they are dumb as fuck, we live in the valley and since she hates cows and the only rich people are the farmers and ranchers around here she screwed.

I look at the clock and see that I still have 30 minutes before they get up and I change the song on my phone to alternative rock and clean up a small area so I can make my fried egg and toast. I have my own spot for things I buy in the fridge I can’t have the food my mother gets well I can’t unless Steve is home. What mom doesn’t know is he will be here today. Its supposed to be a surprise he said he was coming for our graduation. He still thinks his kids are graduating.

This is a nice house with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. All the rooms are upstairs just 1 of the bathrooms is down here. There is also a den that is used as Steve’s work space. The kitchen was a good size with a dinning area off to the side of the kitchen. It is a mess everywhere in this house with beer bottles and Dixie cups with some type of liquor in them, not to mention the pills and drugs on the tables and counters.

I put my food on a foam plate and stick my pan in some soapy hot water to wash when I am done eating. I know dad is in her room with her. I have all the evidence he needs to leave my mom. I was stuck in thought when I heard the front door open and I see Steve walk in. I rush over and stop him from talking.

“Steve I need you to whisper and I will tell you why. Mom doesn’t know you were coming anytime I tried to tell her that you called she punched me.” I lifted my shirt and showed him my ribs. He had an idea of what she did that’s why he gave me the bike. She wouldn’t let him adopt me because she knew he would make her treat me just like his kids. “She has my dad up there. They had a party last night and Ashley has someone in her room and I don’t know what happen with your boys. It was bad I had to use all the locks on the door to the basement last night.”

“I see you are done eating I will give you 5 more minutes before I go up there. Finding them in the same bed isn’t enough evidence to not have to give her half. I will think of something but I am not going to do anything to make her hurt you. I will wait till we can’t anymore. I am also home for the month. I told my boss you were moving to Rhode Island and I wanted time as a family before you left. I also wanted to keep you safe till it was time to go now that you don’t have school.” He says and gives me a hug and kisses my head.

He then takes me back to the table and makes us both coffee. “I am so proud of you. I know you a valedictorian and I also know you have a degree. I have been paying attention princess. I know your mom hates that you are so smart. I don’t think you get that from them. I also don’t think Robert is your dad. I had a DNA test done by a PI we should get the results tomorrow. I was hoping to have it by your birthday.”

I was born June 10th 1996, so my birthday is in 4 days and I will be 18. That is really what I am waiting for but Steve knows that. He said he will be coming with me to help me set up my house. I shut the music off and put my earbud away. “Steve thank you I always knew I didn’t look like him. Plus he has tried to touch me and no father does that. Hell you aren’t my father and you don’t do that you treat me just like you would Ashley. I have files for you and video to help you and some of it you will want to kill her for it but remember she isn’t worth it.” Steve hands me my coffee and looks up towards were their room is. I know he is hurt you can see it in his eyes but I can’t help him with that, I don’t really know what love is, I know he loves me like a daughter but if he had to choose he would not choose me it would be his daughter every time. He would send me away though before he let me get hurt. I take a drink of my coffee and hear a noise to my right were the stairs are.

Well damn the stairs to my room are next to those stairs and I think the fight is about to begin. She can’t see Steve it is 2 different rooms we are in the kitchen the stairs come down in the living room just like mine go down in the living room. The are next to each other. I look at Steve who has a look like he could kill someone I know he heard them too then the swinging door to the kitchen opens and its not who I thought it was going to be.

It was Ashley and she looks shocked as hell to see her dad. She starts to turn no doubt to go tell mom he is here but Steve sees her and says something “hey princess, I am home for a week how about you come give your dad a big hug.” I know he seen her try to leave and is trying to stop her so I can leave first and I appreciate that. I get up throw my plate and fork away and start to wash my pan.