Chapter 2:

It's been eight years since my sister's death. It still feels like it happened yesterday. Nothing much has changed, other than the fact that I'm almost 18 years old and my parents are stricter than ever. I'll be starting senior year in high school in 2 months and hopefully I can finally make new friends….even though mom says that friends bring nothing but drama and sexual activities. But she has to learn that I'll be 18 in a few months and I'm not a little girl anymore. But, she's not trying to hear all of that. I can see why my sister rebelled against her. Shit, I might do the same once school starts.

*knock knock* "Rose, it is time for dinner. Hurry downstairs so you can join us for prayer," said mom. Ugh I hated doing anything religious in this house. Don't get me wrong, I love God and I'll always raise him, but I just get so sick and tired of talking about him 24/7. Our whole life doesn't evolve around Him. We don't have to acknowledge him all the time, especially if he knows that we love Him. I walked downstairs and saw mom and dad standing up around the table waiting for me. I walked up to them and we held hands. I bow my head down and closed my eyes and listened to mom make her 20 hour long prayer. After prayer, dad and I sat down while mom picked up dad's plate and made his plate. Ugh, why can't he make his own damn plate? He's a grown man. Mom set dad's plate down on the table…..we're having mashed potatoes with baked chicken and broccoli. At least mom stepped up for cooking game after Adelaide's death. As we're eating dinner, dad looks at me puzzled.

"It seems like something is troubling you, Rose. What's wrong?" dad asked.

"It's nothing, dad"

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord, Rose. Proverbs 12:22," said mom.

I sighed, "It's just that….I'll be 18 soon and I'll be a senior in high school soon. I'm basically an adult and I'm ready to have a normal lifestyle. I'm tired of being in his house 24/7 talking about God." Mom looked at me with an angry but calm face.

"Excuse me young lady?" asked mom.

"I'm ready to make new friends, mom. I feel like such a loser. I don't even have a cell phone,"

"You don't need a cell phone and you don't need friends. Friends bring nothing but…"

"Yeah yeah yeah, drama and sexual activities. But don't you trust me? I'm not going to be like Adelaide. I'm smarter than that." Sorry Adelaide.

"Rose, I think you need to hush up and finish your dinner" said dad

"No dad, I will not hush up. I'm tired of living like this. I'm ready to be a bird and spread my wings."

"This ain't nothing but the devil speaking, "said mom

"Please, you're being overly dramatic. All I want is a social life, that's it"

"The answer is no"

"But mom…"

"I SAID NO ROSE! I lost your sister and I can't afford to lose you. Now get ready for bible reading."

"Seriously mom…"

"Go upstairs and get ready for bible reading NOW!" I rolled my eyes and went up to my room to prepare for bible study. I can't wait until I move out of this fucking house for good.