“I don’t think the beast has gone down to Florida yet.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“David told me. They’re having… issues.”

“What kind of issues?”

“Well…it’s a bit complicated.”

I stopped. I jerked my ear away from the wall, frustrated at my parents, but dizzy from this sudden movement. I walked over to my bed, kicking my stupid stuff out of the way. I was angry. Frustrated, annoyed- words couldn’t describe the spiral of emotions that were hitting at me all at once. I hastily pulled the cover over myself, praying for sleep to come, and for me to stop thinking about it. I’m not sure how long it took, but I can tell you right now, I didn’t get a good sleep at all.

I woke up to voices. I looked out my window, and saw the sun starting to rise. I headed toward the muffled voices that seemed to be downstairs. As I tip-toed down, I could already hear that it was my dad and mom talking again. I was surprised to see how early they woke up. I crouched at the stairs to listen, hidden from their sight.

“Look Melissa. I’ve told you several times already that it’s going to take at least 2 weeks.”

“No! It’s not going to work.”

“I understand why, but I’ve got to sort things out.”

“Do you not know how much money and time you’re going to waste?!” I could hear an edge to my mom’s voice. Something that I’ve never hear her do before.

“Money is not the issue here! I have no choice!”

At this point, I exploded. I flew down the remaining steps, tears starting to form in my eyes.

“LOOK GUYS! I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU’RE MAKING SUCH A BIG DEAL ABOUT THIS. YOU TOOK THE BEAST AWAY FROM MEAND NOW IT’S GONE! IT WAS MY BEST FRIEND, AND YET YOU DARED TO RIP IT AWAY FROM ME WITH YOUR MERCILESS HANDS. HOW SELFISH CAN YOU GET? THINK ABOUT ME! THINK ABOUT YOUR GODDAMN CHILD FOR ONCE!” I did it. I told them.

At this very moment, I was breaking down. A lump formed in my throat, and the tears had starting dripping. My face was scrunched up, unbearable and disturbing, but not as bad as what I was going to say next.

“I, I, H-HATE YOU!!” And I didn’t care if they were crying. I didn’t care if I hurt them. I didn’t care at all because they were the ones hurting me all this time.