Chapter 8 : Facing Dad's Wrath

Amelia's POV

Tears wouldn't stop pouring from my eyes remembering the expression on Tristan's face when I left him. No one uttered a single word during the ride home, they were too furious to talk but I knew that I would now have to face my dad's wrath and punishment. God, why did this happen to me? Why can't I love someone and be loved in return? I wasn't doing anything wrong. I was doing well in my studies, I was a good daughter and sister. I had strong Christian beliefs and knew what was expected of me. I was serious about Tristan, and he was serious about me as well. So, why did everyone have to be so violent? Couldn't they accept it for the sake of my happiness? But it seemed as if I was asking for too much. Even my mom didn't have enough backbone to stand up for me.

We reached home in 15 minutes and I got down from the jeep and ran up to my room, crying my eyes out onto my pillow. I quickly messaged Nicky informing her what happened, and asked her how Tristan was. She didn't message back, so I was very worried.

I could hear my brothers talking to my dad over the phone. A lot of arguments and shouting went on for nearly 10 minutes.

I didn't go downstairs after coming up to my room, not even for food. I wasn't hungry, I was worried about Tristan. I knew my brothers wouldn't let him be, they would somehow take out their anger and frustration on him.

Tristan messaged me after 4 hours, saying that he was alright. He had to get two stitches on his cheek and pain medications after Brandon's attack. I saved his number. My phone was on silent mode, so when he called later, I spoke to him in whispers. His voice was like music to my ears. It soothed me more than anything else in the world.

"How are you, baby doll? Did they hit you?" he asked concern etched on his face.

"No, they won't hit me. Dad will come in the evening and I will be grounded for maybe a week. He might have some harsher punishment for me also, I'm not sure." I said scared of what was in store for me.

"Will you update me? I'm worried about you," he asked me worriedly.

"I'm worried about you more, Jay," I whispered.

"Don't worry about me, baby doll. I have the support of my whole family. If the need arises, my dad will speak to your dad. We haven't done anything wrong. Just stay calm and brave. Alright?" he comforted me. His words brought me hope and I was overwhelmed that he offered me so much help. I wished that I could have a family like his.

"Yeah, I will. You too be careful. Leo and Brandon won't let it go so easily," I warned him. I didn't mention my dad who I knew would never let this go as long as he was alive. How they could make a mountain of such a tiny molehill was beyond me!

"I will don't worry. Now give me a kiss," he begged, making me smile despite the grave situation.

I send him a kiss over the phone, a giddy smile spread over my face and he sent me one too. It lightened my mood and made me realize that somewhere there was someone who really cared for me.

By evening Mom and dad returned home and mom knocked on my door. I opened it and went back to my desk, resuming my homework.

"What have you done, Amy? Your dad has asked me to fetch you. He wants to talk to you," she said nervously.

I heaved a sigh and got up to go with her. "I have done nothing wrong, mom. Tristan and I love each other. We are serious about each other. We will pursue our studies before anything else, if that's what you are worried about," I explained to her.

"I know dear and believe me, I understand, but your father and brothers don't. So, don't argue with them. Things might get more complicated. I will speak to your dad when he is in a better mood," Mom said massaging her temples.

"Okay, mom," I said blankly, my heart constricting with fear of what lay ahead of me. We went to dad's study and saw all my three brothers sitting angrily along with my dad.

"Sit down," dad growled, pinning me with his angry glare as if I was some criminal.

I went and sat down in front of his desk, looking down, avoiding looking at my brothers. They were traitors and not worth my affection.

"Give me your phone," Dad said as I handed him my phone.

"What were you up to young lady? Don't you have any shame? You are just sixteen, not even an adult. I am ashamed of you. You are grounded for two weeks. After that, I will decide what to do with you. Is that clear?" he growled.

"Yes, Dad," I sighed giving in as there was no point arguing with him to aggravate his anger. I knew I couldn't win against him.

"Go to your room," he said, storming out of his study. I didn't look at anyone. I was disappointed with my brothers and turned to go to my room.

"Amy, have your dinner before you go. It's ready," mom said nervously. I was disappointed with mom too. She could have saved the situation by talking to them but she didn't.

"I'm not hungry mom," I said as I dashed up to my room and locked the door. I curled up on my bed and watched TV, trying to escape from my racing thoughts. For two weeks I couldn't contact anyone. I was sure Nicky would come to see me. I didn't know after two weeks what punishment dad had in store for me. I wasn't worried about myself though. I was worried about whether I would ever be allowed to see Tristan. With a heavy heart, I went to sleep at last.