Enough by Briana Pacheco

downstairs. Typical Scar, always making fun of me. I grabbed Alex’s sweater from the side of my bed and put it on. I don’t want her or anyone else to see my wrists. I don’t want to see my wrists. They look worse now.
    “The power’s out. Some electrical surge down the street. Everyone on this block is completely in the dark.” She said. If only she knew it probably wasn’t a freak accident, it was probably him. “Mom’s mad that you didn’t come home last night. Another party?” Scarlett glanced over at me and pointed the flashlight in my direction. I blocked my eyes with my hand.
    “Yeah, but I didn’t get drunk. I spent the night at Tiffany’s.” I lied.
    “Her family hates you.” Scar said.
    I rolled my eyes. She doesn’t need to rub it in.
    When we got downstairs I saw Mom and my brother lighting up candles. “Emily, where have you been? I was worried sick!” Mom said when she saw me. Declan looked over at me and smiled. I haven’t talked to him in a while. He says he’s busy with school. Same thing with Scar. We only talk when they’re home from college.
    “I was over Tiffany’s. Bryan drove us there because she got a little drunk. I wanted to make sure she was fine.” I lied.
    “Yeah, Tiffany was drunk.” Mom rolled her eyes at me. Wow, thanks. “Help your brother light some candles.” She had that pissed off voice. Scarlett and Mom went to another room most likely to bitch about me.
    “You should take it easy on her.” Declan said. “She’s happy about the move, but she’s sad that we have nothing. Scarlett and I can’t go to college anymore , Em. The college fund is gone. It’s bad and you acting up like this…” He shook his head.
    “I’ m telling the truth!” Not really. “Tiffany was drunk. Do I look like I have a hangover?” I don’t like lying to my brother but I don’t want him to know what really happened. Who knows what he would do. Declan’s big for his age. He spends all his time in the gym.
    “You look like shit. I don’t buy that story either. You’re wearing men’s clothes and by the looks of it, they’re not mine.” He said.
    “ These are old. They were Zach’s… I kept them because they’re comfy. That’s not a nice way to treat your sister either. You could at least lie and say I look nice.” I said. I didn’t mention these were Alex’s clothes. He would just assume something, just like everyone else does. I elbow shoved him in the arm playfully to let him know I’m not mad. He did it back but to the side where the cut is. I turned away in pain so he wouldn’t see it. Damn.
    “When was the last time you ate? The fridge isn’t working. Let’s get some pizza.” He said grabbing Mom’s keys and steering me to the door. Declan let his friend from school stay with his car until he got back from college. I guess it’s sooner than he would have liked. Scarlett and my mom were to busy chatting and didn’t notice us leave through the front door.
    “I don’t want to go anywhere. You go by yourself.” I snapped.
    “What? Em, come on, let’s go.” He said.
    “No, seriously. I just want to go to bed and sleep. I didn’t get a good nights rest for days. I have a test at sc hool Monday. I need to study.” I turned back to the front door. I shouldn’t act like this but I can’t help it. I’m hurting in the inside and I just want to be alone.
    “Why are you acting like this? You would have jumped at the idea of leaving the house . Especially being here alone with mom all the time.” Declan said shoving his hands in his pockets.
    “I’m not the same anymore , Declan. A lot has changed. Get the pizza and hurry back home.” I said. I went back inside and went straight to my room. I found my iHome and hit play. Thank God its battery operated. I need music right now.
    What I said to Declan is true. I’m not the same anymore! I can see it clearly. I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth again. When I put the toothpaste away, I