Aurora sits on the couch, she feels her hand fidgeting and her chest get heavier.
Its been some time since she last saw her mother, especially after she graduated high school and went to college.
She stays as still as possible as Dawn runs around the room and plays with Natalie as she talks with Elliot.
Their talking fades into the background as Aurora disconnects from reality.
Memories of her childhood flash into her head, and the more she remembers, the more she feels her anger boil over.
She clinched her hand and gently tugged on her jeans.
I hate them, I really don't want to-
"Hey, mommy!" Dawn called, "Look at this."
Dawn was juggling two balls together. Her smile and laughter made Aurora distracted.
"Wow!" She giggled, "So talented!"
"I know, right?" Elliot chimed in.
While Aurora was distracted by her daughter, a loud door bell rang, the jingle was loud enough to make everyone jump or flinch.
Elliot's mom opened the door and after a small chat, they appear into view…
Aurora's parents walk into the room, looking older than they ever have; wrinkles, and white hair.
As soon as they walked in, the rooms atmosphere became heavy as Aurora glared them down.
"Hello, Aurora." Her parents greeted in a cold tone.
Aurora's hair began standing on end as she felt her spine tense up and freeze…
It's like she returned to a repeating nightmare,but she has to steel herself or she won't be able to get over this fear.
"You okay, darling?" Elliot asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Elliot snapped her back to reality, she felt relief wash over her as she looked at him, then smiled.
"I'm okay," She reassured, "just… trying to get over old fears."
"Oh, there's nothing to fear about little old us!" Aurora's mom laughed.
"Oh, there is something to fear alright, you old and ugly hag." is what Aurora wanted to say, but she couldn't say that… especially not in front of Dawn.
"I still don't get why you hate us so much?" Her dad asked, his tone was filled with unctuousness, "We accepted you and Ethan, we even let you go after graduation."
"It's Elliot, sir…" Elliot corrected, but Aurora's dad didn't even acknowledge what Elliot was saying.
"Accepted…" Aurora repeated, it was definitely not how she remembered their reaction.
——————
I opened the front door and walked in, silently closing the door behind me.
I make sure to be as sneaky as possible considering the fact that it's 3 A.M.
I walk towards my room, then I change into pajamas, getting into my usual comfy pants and shirt.
But when I went to the bathroom so I can brush my teeth, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
I turned towards it, only to see my dad with his hand on my shoulder and my mom glaring at me.
"Where the hell have you been?" My mom interrogated.
"A study group." I plainly answered with a lie. My dad's grip on my shoulder strengthened, causing me to clench my fist.
"Don't lie to us," my dad ordered, "who is he?"
I felt my face go white, my eyes instinctively widened as I opened my mouth to deny, but no word came out, the lump in my throat blocking sound.
"We talked to all your friends," my mom said, "they all said, that you don't hang out with them at all, not even in their study sessions."
The lump in my throat gets slightly smaller, small enough to let me talk, however it was still too big to let me speak loudly.
"Because they never were my friends," I mumbled, "they only wanted my fame…"
My dad rolled his eyes and let out a big sigh, his grip loosening a little.
"You just need to grow up and realize that everyone has their own hidden motive." My dad stated.
A picture of a certain messy-haired glasses-wearing idiot came up to mind. I doubt he's fake like those girls.
"Well, I may not be emotionless like you guys." I try to stand up to myself but my dad let go of my shoulder and pushed me, causing me to stumble and fall onto the ground.
If he had pushed me harder I would've fallen down the stairs…
"Which is better, having no emotions?" My dad asked in a slightly calm manner, "or constantly getting hurt by those better than you?"
I think about it, Elliot is the only person that is even remotely better than me.
"Answer me!" My dad demanded as he stomped closer and grabbed me by the hair.
I felt like my hair was about to get ripped from the base.
"I-…" I stutter, but I fail to talk.
Losing hope, I start to think back to my memories with Elliot, then my thinking starts to drift to the future that could've been…
Me, a mother and also the breadwinner. Elliot, the father and househusband. And a daughter…
No, I won't let it slip, it's my life… I'll fight for it.
I take a deep breath as I steel myself. I get up, regardless of dad's grip on my hair.
"I'd rather get hurt than be emotionless," I respond as I stare into my dad's eyes, "why do I have to live if I'm going to just work and die alone?"
"Why? WHY?!" My mom gasped, "You'll be rich! You'll be successful and popular!!"
My dad's grip on my hair tightened, making me flinch, but I endure.
No going back…
"I'd rather die than sell my soul." I sneer, "How about this? You let me stay until I graduate, then you can kick me out…
"Even disown me. Who cares." I continue, I don't wanna live this nightmare anymore.
My dad grunts before letting go of me hair.
"Fine, just don't expect us give you any support." He agreed.
"No, this is not an optio-…" I cut off my mom.
"Yes, it is an option…" I deny, "Just because you're getting older and losing control of your life doesn't mean you control mine."
My mom lifted her hand to slap me but my dad caught her hand and shook his head at her.
They both looked at me with disdain one last time before they both walked to their room.
I felt my legs give out, and I drop to the ground.
I feel a wave of calm hit me, and also the feeling that I'm much lighter now.
This may not be the end, but it's definitely getting closer to it.
I then go to the bathroom and do what I originally wanted to do, brush my teeth, then I go back to my bedroom.
I then lie down on my bed and go to sleep, feeling excited that I'm now more free than I ever was, even when I was a child.