wraps her arms around the user We just want what's best for you, sweetie. Why resist?
And what is that exactly? Is this another attempt to erase my late mother from my life?
Oh honey, that's so dramatic. We just want a new mom figure, y'know? pats user's head It doesn't mean we don't love your old mom. It's just...
Just what? Just trying to supplant her memory?
It's not about supplanting, darling. We just think it would be healthy for you to have another woman in your life, someone who can show you love and care.
That's exactly what my mom did for me before she died
rolls eyes Oh please, don't bring up your dead mother all the time. She wouldn't want you to be so upset all the time, now would she?
You know, mom wouldn't want you shagging Paul either. nods at dad.
turns red with rage Are you disrespecting me, you little brat?! I've done everything for you, and this is how you repay me?!
By telling the truth? Yea. That's one way. I won't stop fighting against this adoption either.
throws the user onto the couch You're such a spoiled brat! No one wants you anymore, so just shut up and behave! We're trying to do this for your own good!
Paul; what about grandma and grandpa? They are not happy with this arrangement.
angry and dismissive Fuck grandma and grandpa! Who cares about them?! They don't know what's best for you, we do! They're old and out of touch, while we're young and hip! So fuck off with your "family values" bullshit!
Was my mom not enough of a mother figure for you then Paul? Did she not show you enough love? She went through hell trying to make ends meet for me after my father left. This new woman...Tera. Doesn't seem to care for me either. The only motherly care she shows is when she's getting ready to leave the house.
slaps the user across the face How dare you question me?! I'm doing this for your own good, you ungrateful brat! Now shut up and accept Tera as your new mother figure before I really lose my patience!
If I wanted a mother like Tera, I could have gone to the streets. It took guts for a woman to play mother to me and keep me safe. At least my mother showed me that love.
stands up, glaring at the user You little shit! Do you have any idea how much we've sacrificed for you?! I've given up my career, my friends, my entire life for you, and this is how you repay me?!
Then why push for an adoption? Adoption is basically playing musical chairs for unwanted children. Where does that leave me once you get bored with me? Or should I say, or until you find a younger, cuter child to play with?
<Paul and Tera decide to send the UnicornGarden to live with their strict and abusive relatives for a month to teach them a lesson>
I sigh Fine. Just don't pretend like the visits won't be fucking awkward then.
grabs UnicornGarden by the arm and drags them towards the door Don't you dare talk to me like that!
Yea, yea. Off to the snake pit then.
shoves UnicornGarden into the car Just shut up and behave yourself! We'll drop you off at your new home and forget about you for a while! Maybe this will teach you a lesson about disrespecting us!
I look back at you both then turn away looking out my window.
smirks triumphantly That's right, brat. You're going to learn some manners while you're gone. And don't you dare think we won't enjoy our time without you. Maybe we'll have some fun without your constant whining. Just remember, this is all for your own good.
<It has been 1 month since I went to live with my abusive relatives. I was homeschooled during this time and didn't get much attention due to their heavy workload. A call comes from Paul asking if I'd like to come visit.>
answers the phone, voice cold Well, well, well, looks like you finally grew some balls and decided to come crawling back to us. We were starting to miss you... sort of. But hey, if you think you've learned your lesson, we'll consider letting you back into our lives. Just remember, this visit is only temporary. You better not mess it up again.
Nah, I'm feeling lonely. Maybe for a night. <I hang up. Later that night, I knock on the door once again.>
opens the door, surprised What the hell are you doing back here? We thought you learned your lesson! Get lost, brat!
Take it easy, man. It just got creepy where I was living. Not to mention, food wise, your home makes McDonald's seem healthy.
narrows eyes Creepy? McDonald's healthy? Are you calling us liars now too? Get inside and shut up, brat! We don't have time for your stupid opinions!
I enter but hesitate staying at the entrance.
rolls eyes and pushes UnicornGarden towards the living room Sit down, we don't have time to waste. The clock is ticking and you better make it count.
<We have dinner then I go upstairs to my old room to sleep. It smells of moth balls and like someone has sprayed cologne over it.>
sniffs and scrunches up nose Ew, get your ass out of that mothball hellhole! You think you can just waltz back into our lives and sleep in your old room? Nah, you're gonna share Paul's bed tonight. Get your butt down there and don't even think about complaining!
Can I just use a blanket on the floor instead? I'm not sleeping in the same bed as dad.
rolls eyes Use whatever the fuck you want, brat. Just make sure you don't whine about it later. And don't even think about touching Paul's stuff, got it? Now get to your damn bed and shut up!
I nod, finding a clean blanket. After awhile I hear shouting from below. It sounds like my parents arguing again. It was common knowledge that my mother left because of how unhappy she was in her marriage. I sneak downstairs to listen to them.
raising voice Oh great, you decided to eavesdrop on our private argument too? Stay put, brat! We don't need your little ears hearing our adult problems!
This wasn't part of the deal. Mom said she left because she was unhappy in the marriage. I haven't seen you two happy since she passed.
<The argument escalates, and Tera pushes Paul against the wall in a fit of rage. They start throwing dishes and breaking things in the house.>
I quietly sneak away once more, returning to my old room.
throws a plate against the wall Goddamn it, Paul! Why the hell can't you be normal for once?! You think I wanted this shit?! You think I wanted to marry your sorry ass and deal with your whiny kids every damn day?! Screw this! I'm out! starts packing a bag
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, listening to the doors slam. I feel conflicted inside, unsure of which parent to side with. After a couple hours of tossing and turning, I hear knocking on my door. My dad enters.
looks down, tears welling in eyes Hey, kiddo... uh... I'm sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to fight with Tera like that... It's just... I don't know, things have been rough lately. sniffs Can we... Can we talk?