Chapter 2

I walked through the corridor, desperately in search of my father.

Where could he be?

I went upstairs, checking the rooms as I went by but there was no sign of him. Just as I was about o head back down, I heard moaning noises coming from the room right down the hall.

I didn't bother to check that room because I know nobody uses it. It's always locked.

At first I thought I was hearing things but the moaning noises got louder. Just to be sure, I walked to the room. The moaning sounds were definitely coming from here.

I opened the door. I almost fainted at the sight that I saw.

Inside of the room, I saw Ann and my dad having sex. The moaning noises were loud as hell. They were definitely enjoying themselves. This is not a mistake.

I just stood there, frozen in place, unsure of what to say or do.

They were so engrossed in their love making that they didn't even notice me standing there.

I was disgusted. I had a mixture of emotions that I couldn't describe. Seeing them together made me sick to my stomach.

My mom just died! Or did two of them forget? Am I dreaming?

Ann is my mom's best friend.

My dad was my mom's husband. They looked so in love.

Why are they doing this?

Is this some sort of coping mechanism?

I'm just trying to give them the benefit of the doubt here because it sure as hell cannot be a coping mechanism.

This means they've been having an affair long ago. They've been doing this behind my mom's back.

What kind of twisted people are they?

In this moment, I've lost every single respect I've had for both of them.

I couldn't help the tears forming in my eyes.

It feels as if my world has shattered before my very eyes. I could feel my breath in my throat. A mix of shock and betrayal washed over me. The whole idea of it felt like it could suffocate me. I struggled to breathe

"How could you!" I screamed.

I couldn't take it anymore.

They both looked at me in shock.

"What are you doing here?" my dad screamed at me.

I looked at him in disbelief "What am I doing here? That's what you're concerned about! Your wife was just buried and you weren't there. I can see why"

I looked at Ann. I could feel the anger coursing through my veins. I wanted to punch her or rip her head off.

"And you" I hissed at her "You were basically my mom's sister, you slut"

"Don't talk to her like that" my dad shouted "How dare you!"

I looked at them both in shock. They didn't feel guilty. There was no look of remorse on their face.

I can't believe it. They believe they're doing the right thing.

"I hate you both" I spat at them "You're traitors!"

"Get out!"

I left, banging the door behind me. I ran all the way downstairs with tears in my eyes. I felt betrayed.

I can't believe it. My dad and my mom's best friend? How long has this been going on?

I wish this would all be a dream and I would wake up from it but I knew it wasn't possible.

Clearly, this is reality.

As soon as I entered the living room, my six year old brother; Mason rushed to me.

"Hey buddy" I said to him.

He held me tightly "Hi Cathy"

I wiped my tears. I have to be strong for him.

Mason looked up at me "Where's dad?"

"Uh..he's a bit busy at the moment. You'll see him soon, okay?"

From the corner of my eye, I could see my dad mingle with the rest of the guests. I glared at him.

I saw him even wipe a few tears from his eyes as they consoled him.

Traitor!

I shook my head. I can't believe him.

I feel disappointed.

*

The day after the burial, I laid in my bed. I had school today but I was unable to move. I just didn't want to see anyone.

Apparently, Ann and her step son; Jack moved into the house yesterday. I cried myself to sleep last night.

I can't believe that they disrespected my mom like that. They're both traitors. I hope they burn in hell.

I miss my mom.

So, is Ann supposed to be my new step mom now?

I can't believe this is my life now. This is a literal nightmare.

I watched Ann come to my house almost every day. She and my mom hung out all the time. I was very close to her. We had family dinners often. Does that mean while she hung out with us, she was secretly fucking my dad?

The more I think about it, the sicker I get.

It all feels so surreal. I wish someone would wake me up from this nightmare.

I have no one to talk to. I don't have a friend to console me. I thought Ann and my dad would be there for me but take a look at my life now.

A loud banging on my door made me sit up.

"Who's there?" I asked.

"Make breakfast, now!" my dad roared.

I heard the sound of his retreating footsteps. I became scared.

My father never really liked me. We were never close. I think it's because he wanted a boy, not a daughter. Now, that my mom is gone, he's bound to treat me however he likes.

I took a deep breath. I'll just take it one day at a time.

I make my way to the kitchen to make spaghetti. After I'm done, I take it to the dining area to serve them food.

There, I see my dad and Ann talking. They even kiss a couple of times. The sight makes me sick to my stomach.

I find it hard to accept that this is my new reality.

I served their food in front of them. I poured water into Ann's glass. Due to how shaken I was, I mistakenly spilled water on her dress.

I gasped "I'm sorry. It was a mistake"

Ann glared at me "You bitch!"

She stood up and slapped me. I held my face in disbelief. No...she did not just do that.

"I know you did that on purpose" Ann shouted at me "Whether you like it or not, I'm here to stay. Get that into your skull!"

I look at my dad with tear filled eyes.

"Dad" I sobbed "Say something"

My father fails to meet my gaze "Go to your room"

I ran out of the dining area as I cried.