Mom, I Don't Want to Be Your Daughter Anymore

"Jessie..."

"Dad, I'm sticking with you!"

I cut him off before he could finish, raising my voice a little too much.

"You little hellion, go with your dad then! Why are you yelling? Trying to make me deaf?"

Mom, Karen Davis, let out her sharp tirade, her voice cutting through the air.

"You're just a thankless viper! I raised you with blood, sweat, and tears, and this is how you repay me—siding with that no-good, cheating father of yours!"

I caught a glimpse of Mom, passionately making her case, her face twisting with the strain of her shouts.

If she wasn't gripping my brother so tightly, you might think she really wanted me with her.

"Fine, Mom, I'll stay with you," I replied with a firm smile, keeping my eyes on Karen.

The gravity of my words seemed to hit her hard; her eyes darted around, and she quickly shut up.

"Thought so," I smirked inwardly.

"What's with that smirk? You think that's how you talk to your mom?"

Karen snapped, her fury nearly palpable.

I closed my eyes, suppressing the storm within. I wouldn't let her see my resentment, my anger, or my disappointment.

She didn't deserve that.