Chapter 6
Kolby’s furious voice boomed, “That’s how you should do it! This kind of woman needs a lesson. She’s been mixing in society for a few years and has become confused. One good beating will make her understand her place and prevent further confusion about hierarchy and respect. I get angry just looking at her!”
This was clearly intended for my ears. I took a deep breath, walked back to the bedroom, and shut the door firmly behind me. Drew followed, locking it. “Penelope, I… I didn’t mean to…”
I wiped the blood from my face with a tissue, shaking my head. “Don’t say anything else, Drew. It’s over. Take your parents and move out immediately. Leave now!”
“Penelope! Please stop being stubborn! You promised you wouldn’t tell them about the house, no matter what. But you just did!”
My heart felt like ashes. “So, until now, you were still worried about saving face?”
“But… they were my parents, Penelope!”
I looked at him calmly. “Did I ever tell you about my father? Did I ever tell you that I hate men who lay hands on women most of all? My mother is deaf in one ear because of his beatings. He’s been dead ten years, and I haven’t shed a single tear. I’ve told you all this, haven’t I?”
“You slapped me to save your reputation, and I will never forgive you for that. Leave with some dignity, Drew. Consider it a favor from me!”
Drew’s face paled. He looked helpless. “It wasn’t… Penelope, let me explain…”
“Get lost!” I dragged out the word, then shouted, “Get out!”
The door burst open. Kolby, belt in hand, rushed in, dragging me by the hair to the living room. He threw me to the ground, cursing and hitting me. “Living in my son’s house, spending his money, eating his food, and yet you tell us to leave! Who do you think you are? You, a person without rules or manners, have been spoiled rotten!”
Scarlet chimed in, “Hit her! Hit her hard! Make her obedient, so she won’t think she’s superior to anyone and disrespect her elders! Drew, watch! If she misbehaves again, hit her like this! That’s what she deserves!”
Memories and reality overlapped in my eyes. I curled into a ball, burying my head in my arms, praying for the beating to end.
After what felt like an eternity, a sharp slap brought me back to reality. Kolby, unsatisfied, had accidentally hit Drew.
I seized the opportunity, escaping to the rooftop and calling emergency services. The searing pain in my back and thigh was a constant reminder of the justice I sought.
Following the officer into the house, Drew, red-eyed, pulled me aside. “Did you call the police? Why? I know you were angry; I can apologize, but why did you bring the police here and embarrass me?”
I stared at him blankly. I wanted to say, “Can you even hear yourself? Is that even human language?”
I couldn’t be bothered. Pointing at Kolby, I said, “Officer, this is the person who assaulted me.”
The officer approached Kolby, requesting identification and preparing to question him. Then Scarlet stepped forward and said something that silenced the officers.