Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Violet
“No Dad! Don't donate mom's body to the scientists just because you can't afford her burial!” I tried to convince my father.
“I'm doing it Violet. I have to save money. So I'm not paying for the burial. It's better to donate her body. Who knows. They could pay us if they discovered anything interesting.”
“You're a monster. We will never forgive you for this. And I'm never doing anything for you. Never!” Lilith screamed and ran to her room.
“Violet. If you want Lilith and you to stay here. Then you will be my obedient daughter like you always are. Am I clear?”
I shake off the memory as I focus on the task I'm supposed to do.
My father ordered me to go to the store, to get whatever food I could find that's cheap and filling. And since I'm more obedient than my sister, Lilith, I went to get food for him. And for us too. Because he doesn't really care that much about me and Lilith. Especially after our mother's death, when we were preteens. We were unexpected children to both him and Mom. Though Mom got over her initial shock, and became happy to have us, Dad didn't. Our father is greedy and never wants to spend any money on us, yet he won't hesitate to spend it on himself.
As I'm still lost in my thoughts, pushing the front door open, I hear my father pleading on the phone.
“I still need more time to pay you back… Yes, yes, please give me more time… I promise I’ll find a way to pay you back in time. Thank you. Goodbye.” He hangs up the call. I wonder, who was Dad speaking to just now?
I decide to ask, while taking my shoes off.
“Hey, Dad. Who were you talking to just now?”
He faces me, startled.
“No one. Now go to the kitchen and prepare food. I'm starving, Violet.”
I nod, still confused. I go to the kitchen and make his food. I set some food aside for me and Lilith. As I cook, I begin to wonder. Who was the person that Dad was talking to? And what did he mean by ‘I'll find a way to pay you back?’ Does Dad have someone he needs to pay? but that doesn't make sense, since Dad is always careful with his money. I'm still wondering about who that person was, as I hand the food to my dad. I don't say anything, though, knowing he won't tell me.
After Dad started eating, he told me to go to my room. I nod and head to my room. Lilith's sitting on her small bed across from mine. She looks up, frowns upon seeing me, and asks, “Hey, girl. What's up with that look?”
“I’m fine I just… I heard Dad on the phone. He was saying he needs more time to pay someone.”
Her eyes go wide in shock.
“Oh my god, really?... But Dad's always careful with his money, and if he does spend, he spends it on food, gambling, or alcohol for himself.”
I glance at her.
“I know… that's why I'm confused. Who do you think Dad was speaking to, and what debt does Dad have that he was practically pleading for time to pay that person back?” She shrugs and pats the mattress.
“I don't know… but we should get some sleep so we can wake up tomorrow, clean the house, and then go to college. We're graduating in a few weeks, after all, so we shouldn't stress.” I nod and lie down on the bed, still thinking about it. I don't know when, but I eventually fall asleep.
