Claws Out

"Once again just like Gram you need to be the center of attention."

This is something I've come accustomed to. For as long as I can remember, even more so the past couple of years I've been known as the black sheep of the family. I couldn't even blink without everyone on me ass.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Alana's glare grows harder, her nostrils flaring in irration.

"Seriously?"

Of course Alana says loud enough to draw my Mother's attention. And within what seems like seconds she as at my Sister's side.

"I would like to have just one normal evening."

"Is that too much to ask?"

Daggering her words in my direction. 'For crying out loud.' I make myself take a deep breath and count backwards from five to keep from rolling my eyes. I always try my best to stay respectful as possible, but they make it so damn hard.

"Just take out the damn contacts December."

'Where in the hell did my dad even come from?' As always I was left standing there taking in another full blitz attack.

"I'm not wearing contacts."

Honestly I'm not. I don't even know why they are in my face.

"Wooow."

Alana screeches causing me to instantly cringe.

"First you didn't dye your hair."

I can feel my jaw growing tighter and the temperature growing warmer in the room. I close my eyes and inhale slowly and step away from the fireplace. Because it surely wasn't helping.

"I didn't!"

I've been going through changes for as long as I can remember. For the most part it's been temporary, at least up until now.

Around this time last year I woke up and my hair was a deep galactic gray and blue. Of course I freaked the hell out because it wasn't going away. So I ran to my parent's for help. And of course to them I was just seeking attention and I was just a big ass lier.

My mother roars, her eyes now two shades darker.

"You're just like my damn Mother!"

I simultaneously miss and fill resentment towards my Gram. Because she went through the same changes and she never told me what any of it ment. She would just say.. "We're just not ment to fit in." And that would be the end of it. She passed before I could I got a single answer.

"I'd rather be like Gram, than any of you!"

And I mean that shit. I love my family don't get me wrong. But it's so hurtful never be believed.

My mother stomping her foot and screaming to the top of her lungs.

My eyes instantly start to blur as they fill with hot tears. I close my eyes tight and inhale deep. I will not give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

"Looks like you'll never see me again."

My voice now small and raspy.

"Cause I'm not lying."

Heat now rising in my throat as I tried harder to fight back my tears. I don't know why I looked in my father's direction, thinking just this one damn time he'd stand for me.

"You heard your mother."

My chest instantly set a blaze as the words leave my Father's mouth. Alana looks on, eyes glistening with a big ass smirk on her face. I grab my things and head towards the door. But before I make it to the hall, everything washes over me then hits me hard. 'Fuck this! I'm done being the bigger person!' I turn back and face my *family*. Their faces all plastered with annoyance at the fact I was still taking in their air. Bringing my bag closer to me I reach in and find my keys. Right away find the key to the *family home*, and yank it off my key ring then chuck it at their feet. The room instantly fills with gasps and a slew of profanities as I turn on my heels and head straight out the door.

☆☆☆

"I think that will do it."

Sitting down the last centerpiece on the last table near the window. A small monstera deliciosa that I had planted in a beautiful charcoal cylinder shaped flower pot, sat in the center of beautiful chocolate wooden legs.

Taking a step back, I can finally breath it all in. It's finally ready just in time for the beginning of the new year. My eyes instantly begin to water, only this time I let my tears fall. This year as been so painful, it only made it that much easier to pour all my energy into finally fulfilling my dreams. Everyone mostly my *family* believed I couldn't do it even more so that it would merit any success. A Sip and a Book Café. A small peaceful place to start your day and a night an even chiller spot to take in a sip or a bite of booze and your favorite book.

One of my notifications blast through my phone breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Shit. I better get ready."

I run through the café and secure all the windows and doors and set the alarm in *stay mode* for the night, then race up the hidden set of stairs near the back of the building. The only way I've come as far as I have, is that I was able to find a café that I'm able to live right above and the few catering jobs I've managed to secure. But this one has me a bit more nervous, this contract alone would have me set the upcoming year and the beginning of the next.

☆☆☆

Standing in front of my full body mirror I take myself in. A little bit more in love with the curvature of my body, adorning a strapless silver sequence evening dress with a sweetheart bust line. I smile as I watch each sequence dance under the lights in my room. But I pause as my eyes stare back into my own. All time seemed to stand still. I reach for my dark brown contacts. No December, you have nothing to be ashamed of.' I close my eyes tight, then slowly open them a piece of sequence reflects off of my now violet eyes. A small tear rolls down my face as I reflect back on that night. 'No! Don't do this to yourself!' Taking a deep, I grab a tissue and clean my face.

By this time I'd be with my *family*, taking in the warmth of the fireplace alone as my mom, dad and Alana huddle infront of the television screaming at the top of their lungs a long with the rest of the world counting down into the new year. 'If they could only see me now. Pfft. Actually they can kiss my ass.' I tossle my fingers through my tight curly hair one last time. Perfect.' Another notification screams through my phone, I look at the time. 'You got this Deci.'