Chapter 1 The Man I Call My Father

I woke up from the sound of my alarm, sitting up on my bed, my hair falling out of place, I slowly glance at my left side of the wall to check the clock it was 10 am.

I can hear the sound of movements, coming from the leaving toom, I guess my mum's already awake.

I got up from my bed and went to the washroom to wash up, I stare at myself in the mirror after washing my face. I stare back at the person in the mirror with brown skin, with a black mole near my left eye. yes, am a brown skin lady that am very proud of. l tied up my raven black hair and left my room.

"Good morning, Big Sis" I greet my mum the moment I step into the leaving room, she's sitting down facing the dining table while the coffee mug kisses her lips, her other hand holding a lighted cigarette.

My mum likes it when I address her that way, she prefers it anyway, my mum looks way younger and twice my age. people do mistake her for my elder sister.

" Morning to you KISHA, I thought you don't

want to wake up," she said dropping the mug on the table while taking a puff of her cigarette.

I hug her form. The back and she shrugs me off smiling at her reaction, I sit beside her " Did dad get home, last night!" I ask her while lighting a cigarette for myself, she frowns at my question.

I took a puff of my cigarette and watch as she drag her cigarette "That word socks go for another"

I only shake my head what was I expecting.

"Big sis am meeting up with my friends a minute from now," I said to her

"That means, you're leaving now," she says without looking at me. she sips her coffee as she smokes at the same time. I wonder how she enjoys that.

"My cue to leave then!," I said dabbing my cigarette on the ashtray, I got up on my feet.

That's always our way of interaction. she just nod her head I left the house.

"Just be careful" I heard her say behind me. I strode out the door with my backpack behind me.

Getting to the gate, the man I call my father walks in with a heavy stench of alcohol. On perceiving the smell I pinch my nose. his steps waggering

He leans his body on the side pole giving me a dark look "Where are you off to? " he questioned me directly. "I have some business" I respond with sarcasm, "You sure do, when you took after that bitch mother of yours" he spat such fixkle words with know care.

I gritted my teeth " You know!, you don't have to call her thet. she never deserves this, because she's my mother! your wife" I said glaring daggars at him.

He walks tow ards me, size me up and starts laughing like a mad man. I wonder if this man is really my father he doesn't behave like one.

In flash, he gave me a hot slap on my face. Stung from the hit, I held my burning face with my palm enduring the pain and not letting my tears fall.

" You don't dare run your mouth on me"

he pushed me out of his way and step inside the house.

I ran out of the house not looking back. I ran across the street to the next four buildings.

"You are a minute late!" That's Larry, one of my closest friends waving at me as I approached the Toyota Tacoma his leaning on. his mouth chewing on a stick.

He has a crude appearance that makes people fear him. he had his hair dyed in red and have this scary tattoo on his left upper forearm. he's ears pierced. his putting on a ragged gean together with singlet shirt.

I jump into the back of the car not answering him. "That's it" he continues with his arms spread wide.

"Larry let her be, seams like she got trouble from home" Gina his girlfriend who's sitting at the front said smiling at me

He got sitted in the car and drove off I lean my head to the side and glance out the window my mind occupied.

I never paid attention to whatever Larry and his girlfriend are discussing.