Puzzle Piece *SNIPPET*

So I wrote this during KCCT testing last year and I thought i'd share it.


Puzzle Piece
Chapter 1
Breann Wathen

“Damn it Victoria! Do we have to go through this every night.?”
 My dad bellows out a long sigh as he plops down in a dining chair. I was peeping around the hallway corner to see tonight’s round. I had just came from Braxton’s room to check on him. My parents do this all the time, well only select days. Mom ets pissed when Dad isn’t home by ten so she can go to Walgreen’s for 3rd shift. Dad hates being at home, I just know it. He hates the fact o =f being here, knowing that Mom gonna start something, that Braxton and me have to witness it, that he has nowhere to go. It’s 1 a.m. (a new record) and he just came back from the bar with his co-workers.
“This wouldn’t happen if you could just be home by ten Mark! I have a job too! You think little crap job you have now is worth something? Do you really Mark?” Mom was stooped over in front of him, throwing her arms in all kinds of directions.

“Vic, just take this money and go. Just go away.” He reached inside his pocket, knowing nothing was left but handed her all he had.

“Just go away? Let me just get the hell away from you. You just put me in the worst mood.” Mom snatched the money from his grip and slammed the door.

Dad rubbed his blood-shot eyes with pain. I could look past them and see all his thoughts. How he wanted to drift off to a distant land, that he didn’t say I didn’t say “I do.” but then wondering if Braxton and me weren’t born. I peeked into Braxton’s room to see if he was still asleep. He tossed over and let out a soft coo. I stroked his soft chestnut hair but only to pull out a clump of
Play-Doh. Oh, little brothers.


I was walking back to my room I heard a sniffle. Dad had his face in hands. I walked over to him and tapped his shoulder.

“Dad, are you alright?”

“Yeah.” he sat up and looked into his eyes. He’s lying.
“I hear you guys every night, now what’s going on?” I pulled up another chair beside him.

“Don’t worry about me. Now go get some sleep.” I gave him a pitiless look.
“Ok, your mom and I aren’t on the best of terms. And I don’t know what to do.” I saw a few more tears fall. I pulled him in for a hug. One of those special hugs I used to get when I was younger. Like when a pet ran away or when Dad came back from a trip. A nice comforting hug to show you care. So, I felt a slight wetness on my shoulder. I whispered “I love you.” into his ear and cradled him ‘til 3 a.m.