I DO NOT OWN THIS BOOK SERIES! It belongs to Ellen Hopkins! She's a great writer and this is all hers!(:

Tiffany

"You don't understand what a disappointment you are, do you Tiffany?" she spat through pursed, perfectly colored, plumped, and lined lips.

"No ma'am," I mumbled quietly keeping my eyes locked on the drawer that held my secret. I could feel the weight of the key around my neck and my red curls fell forward over my shoulders assuring it's safety there beneath my blouse. My mother's hands shook, smack.

On the ground, I held my stomach, trying not to throw up my dinner.

"When you learn to respect your elders, maybe we'll let you live here again."

I looked up, "You're…kicking me out?" I asked.

She smiled wryly, as if she had something much worse in mind, "Of course not Tiffany sweetheart."

My throat tightened, I was in trouble. The front door clicked shut and my head snapped up, it was Friday. Daddy stumbled in smelling of beer and cigarette smoke.

"Fix me a sandwich Luanne." He instructed my mother. She bustled around the kitchen and laid out a plate in front of him.

I stayed on the floor, crumpled and waiting to be dismissed to my chores.

"Tiffany," Daddy called from the table, I turned not even daring to be hopeful, "get your Daddy a beer."

I crawled to the fridge and popped it open, I carefully snapped open and bottle and sat it down on the right side of his plate where his awaiting hand sat.

He patted my head, "Good girl, now go on up to your room I need to talk to your momma."

I stood and sulked into the hallway, I sat on the very top stair and opened my ears intently.

"She's a disgrace!" Momma yelled.

"She's your daughter. You gone and spit her out of your hoo ha, so she's your responsibility!" Daddy yelled back.

"I don't understand why you care NOW, Ray."

"I care now because our baby is miserable!"

"You're drunk, and you're stupid. All you've done your whole life was work at that fancy job, day in and day out. You don't know anything about people." The drawl in my mother's voice made it clear that she was a true member of Tennessee.

I had it too, along with momma's red hair and blue eyes. Mine have a little more spark to them, but I only think it's because I've caused her so much stress these past sixteen years…

I heard a chair crash to the floor, undoubtedly my father's and a slap. My mother's most likely. Then I heard the scuff of feet running, I turned and high tailed it to my room and shut the door behind me.

Momma flew up the stairs and into her bedroom, soon enough she was out again. I opened my door just to see her hair behind her up and flowing in the wind as she ran down the spiraling staircase.

I stepped out of my room and watched momma walk straight out the front door, keys, suitcase, cellphone, and money in hand. I walked down slowly analyzing the situation, then I turned and saw my father in a pool of blood.

"Daddy!" I called and then opened the door as Luanne drove away, "Momma! What's wrong with you?! How could you do this?!" I screamed and collapsed to my knees, tears streaming down my face.

Okay this chapter is just the start of my story and I had trouble ending it. I wasn't sure who I wanted to bring into the story yet but here you go! I hope you keep reading it's not that bad of a story(so my sister tells me). Well, until next time!