Part II

"When you think the bad day is coming to an end but your nightmares are just never-ending. Welcome to the second part of my life's LIVE telecast, where I will show you how to get fucked up without doing absolutely anything except breathing."

The teacher is busy dialing the number of my parents while I stood outside the classroom pressing a bag of ice against my swollen eye, luckily they were 'kind' enough to provide the least they could, I could hear my classmates' giggles and chuckles while I stood outside under the sun during hot summer morning hoping my injuries don't end up getting infected.

Let me explain, how I got myself into this situation, as soon as I entered the classroom, Ma'am got furious noticing my current condition, clothes dirty with mud and dust as they mix with my blood, sleeves ripped, hair untidy, blood rolling down from my forehead and came to a conclusion that instead of coming to school in time, I went around fighting with people, she didn't even give me a chance to explain and choose to punish me by making me standing outside the classroom. My stomach growled as the smell of food entered my nose during recess while I waited for my parents to pick me up.

"Another day without food," I thought while cursing those bullies, my body ached but I bear it instead of complaining knowing that no one would care the least about my existence. "she didn't even bother to look at my injuries" I sighed "Why the victims are always blamed? This is a deep-rooted problem…"

After recess, she walked down the hall motioning towards me, clearly in a bad mood. "Looks like they're busy again….." I seemed to know the reason behind her foul mood. "They must be busy again….." Should I be sad or happy that my parents don't even have time for their flesh? Had it been Angela instead of me…would they have been so negligent?

Teacher: Pack your bag, and get yourself treated in Nurse's office before going back home, we can't let other parents think that we neglect our students, reflect on your behavior, and stop being a delinquent, who knows how your parents taught you, looking at your behavior, I even doubt if you are their adopted child. Why do people have so many children when they can't even bother to take care of them? Look at Angela or even your elder brother Leo, how will they introduce you as their sibling if you continue behaving like a hooligan. Bring me a 1000 words essay by next Monday on how you reflected on your behavior. (She says while walking off murmuring angrily) I have met so many working parents but by far Elizabeth family is the rudest.

I bite my lower lip angrily, digesting all the insults, my pain and hunger disappeared, and all that remained was numbness, "This world is a hateful place because adults don't take responsibility for the mess they cause, making us children suffer. Everything is wrong here….human mentality is sick, wish I was never born…" I made my way to the nurse's office as she took care of my injuries before I left for my home. Many bad thoughts crossed my head, I smelled like medicine, everyone was staring at me as I limbed and dragged my body tired, some were eyes of sympathy, some were disgust…I ignored both…while murmuring my thoughts, "I need to get stronger…I need to get stronger…I need to get stronger…" My head hurt from my bundled-up feelings as if it will burst but all I felt was numbness…and continued murmuring that I need to get stronger...

After a long walk, I finally stood in front of my home, "Home sweet home" my little world is inside my room, which looks more or less like a laboratory inside a glasshouse. Originally father planned to make this room for the child who will be interested in becoming a scientist after he/she grows up, but the number of children exceeded the original plan of having a boy and a girl by twice. Well, dad wanted to step back when they had twins on their first try, but mom was determined to have a daughter. So, the number of rooms fell short, and I took over the top room for myself. Can you imagine, even the guest room is raided over by Angela?

The key was kept under the doormat, as usual, picking it up, I unlocked the door entering the house, "Shouldn't she keep keys in a more secure place? Isn't she afraid of robbery?" I thought to myself as I sighed at my mother's stupidity while switching on the lights and keeping my shoes inside the shoe rack, I changed into slippers and then threw them away halfway, running upstairs in socks because they are annoying.

A few minutes later, I walked downstairs with my towel and fresh clothes to take a warm bath, opening the hot water and cold water taps at the same time, I waited for the bathtub to get filled up, our house was made keeping in mind all the three cultures, aka Japanese, British, and American, we follow a mixed cultural habit as per our convenience, our parents never forced us to be like them because, its too confusing, "I mean, mom is Anglo-Japanese while my father is American. So, you see, by now, we don't even know what we are agh so confusing!" Instead of overthinking, I took off my clothes and sat in the bathtub after applying soap to my body, and start washing my body, as I finally relaxed. Several thoughts appeared inside my little brain while the wounds hurt as the water hits against them mixing with my blood.

Me: Will it get infected? (I said to myself while still being least bothered about it)

"Why am I sitting emotionlessly when it hurts this much? Am I really a devil? But then again, what's the point of crying, crying makes you weak, nobody cares about a weakling so it's better to kill off your emotions if you want to live" I shook off the dark thoughts before getting out of the bathtub as I wiped my body and dressed up in a fresh set of similar clothes which I wore for school then walked out of the bathroom.

Taking out some leftovers from our refrigerator, I reheat the food, then sat down on the chair to fill my stomach. Then washing the dirty dishes kept in the kitchen sink since the morning before walking upstairs. Entering Brother Leo's room, I motioned towards a small staircase leading to the trapdoor on the ceiling and finally into my bedroom. The contents of my room are simple, a bed, a wooden wardrobe, a study table with a desktop on it some test tubs and two white rats inside their cage, and a few experiments.

After feeding the rats, I jumped on my bed and soon fell asleep, only to wake up hours later hearing my brother Leo's voice informed that mom and dad were calling us. Getting out of my bed, I rubbed my eyes sleepily as I sighed "Don't tell me, it's another babysitter."

Mom has a small get-together today and dad is going to accompany her, at least that's what they told us. One of the problems with having working parents is that you see various babysitters almost every day, or is it just us?

As soon as we gathered downstairs, mom greeted us with a warm smile while dad gave a warning glare.

Anna: Hey Kiddos! Meet Kana your new babysitter! (She says excited maybe because someone finally dared to visit the devil's den after a long time since we scared away the last babysitter, she looks at a teenage girl with long black hair who looked at us with pure eyes smiling)

"My mother, the great Anna Elizabeth, has dark brown long wavy hair, fair skin, brownish eyes and a height taller than average Japanese women, this physical appearance is a result of being a mixed, is a football player in Japan's female football team. She is a lovely mother, but at the same time, she remains too busy to take care of her job or her husband. I don't blame her, with 4 children, there comes a great load of financial needs. Even though she remains busy, she never forgets to teach her children good lessons or ignore their problems, she is a softhearted and righteous person, and I hate those qualities about her, those qualities are most harmful in this society, you get tricked and used by immoral people." I looked at my father while thinking about 'Immoral people'.

Kana : (moved her hair behind her ear as she gives a professional smile to our parents) They are so cute, I really love children. Don't worry Mr. and Mrs. Elizabeth. I will take care of your children well enough. Just go and enjoy yourself.

Douglas : (nods) Take care of yourself, they can be really mischievous at times, hope you don't mind.

"This is my father, Douglas Smith, handsome like a Greek painting, white porcelain skin, blonde shinny hair, beautiful sharp blue eyes and prominent facial features that can seduce any women, good physical build, tall over 6'2, and a deep voice, 'hateful', he is a football coach for the teenage boys' football team, and his personality is quite opposite of my mother, I guess this is what people mean when they say opposite attracts. He is a miser, careless and strict father, half of my life problems are due to his ignorance towards his children and the other half is due to being a middle child, he is partial, and performs favoritism towards Angela. While all his expectations go directly for the eldest son Leo, both of the middle children don't exists in his eyes."

Kana: Not at all Sir. (She was still giving that disgusting innocent look)

Douglas:  Don't try to do anything funny this time. (He warns us, knowing what about all the babysitters that were appointed by our parents in the past. But you can't blame us that we got rid of those whom you choose carelessly….and they were cowards who ran away just because we pulled a small prank on them….jokers)

We simply looked at him and nodded in agreement. "Can't believe, that he trusts an outsider more than his own blood and flesh….but am quite used to such treatments….not that it will stop me."

Anna: Let's go dear. (Mom pulled dad by his arm smiling then waved at us) Take care of yourself! Bye Kana! (She drags dad out of the door before he could say anything else)

As soon as they left, Kana's expression changed as if she was a completely different person, "I knew she was a white lotus." Her face hardened as she looked down upon us as if we were dirty insects.

Kana: Let's have dinner. (She said while walking inside the kitchen) Mrs. Anna said she has kept the food inside the fridge, let me heat it up before serving, unless, you prefer to have cold foods….will make my job easier. (Smirks)

Angela : But….its only 7 PM, we aren't hungry yet….(she says in a pitiful voice)

Kana: That's none of my business. (She says while heating up the food and preparing the table) My job is to make sure you people had dinner and that you go to bed after completing your homework, that's it.

King: Hey! How can you talk to us like that?! (He glares at Kana)

Leo: Tsk, troublemaker (he frowns at King)

King : (turns towards Leo raising his fist) What did you say, you fucker??

Leo : (raises his fist as well) Are you deaf?!

Me : (in a low chilling voice) Stop it both of you.

Both of them shiver as they calm down. Kana stood in front of us staring with displeasure as she pulls King's and Angela's ears till it turns red. Tears formed around Angela's eyes as she winces in pain to my great annoyance, I felt like teaching this bitch a lesson for hurting my siblings, but anger never helps. 'Impulsive acts can make you dig your own grave'

Me : (I gave a fake smile looking at Kana) Sister Kana is right, we should listen to her. (There was a murderous aura surrounding me)

Kana : (sweat drops appear on her forehead as she hesitates a bit before finally speaking) At least someone is a bit sensible here. (Saying this she forced us to have our dinner least bothered if we were even hungry or not while constantly peeking at the wall clock thinking that we didn't notice her action)

"She looks both nervous and excited, did she call someone to meet her?" I wondered while eating slowly to buy some time.

Kana: Eat faster you slowpokes! (She scolded us) Or I will complain about it to your parents! After you are done, go straight back inside your respective rooms to do your homework, understand?

Angela : But…I watch television every night before sleeping….(starts crying)

Kana: So annoying….(she was about to hit Angela with a stick when I shielded her, this made Kana lose her temper even more as she starts hitting me instead) How dare you!!

Me : (I winced in pain as she hits the areas where I was already wounded making my wounds open up) Argh!! (I bite my lower lip trying to endure the pain)

Leo and King pushed her away while I heard Angela crying loudly and calling my name, Leo pulled me in a warm hug worried about my injuries…tears rolled down from my eyes due to the unbearable pain…my clothes were wet with my own blood, my head was dizzy when I felt Leo picking me up on his arms.

Kana : (she gets scared seeing me bleeding as she throws away the stick) I-It's not my fault….I-I didn't hit her that hard….blame her for being naughty….(bites her lower lip worried)

King was about to beat the crap outta her but held back for my sake. Kana sends us upstairs already frustrated and scared, she gives us the first aid box to wrap my wounds up and go to bed immediately. We entered Leo's room, and King shut the door behind us, Leo put me gently on the bed as I grunt in pain while trying to comfort Angela, who was traumatized seeing me bleeding, she hold me crying and made sure am alright. The nerve on my forehead bulged up as I felt like shouting angrily.

"She crossed the line, trying to hurt those who are close to me, I will not let her go easily"

Leo helps me take off my shirt to disinfect my wounds when both Leo and King turn horrified and Angela looks away clearly terrified seeing my wounds…my underweight body was fully covered in bruises, scratches, and cut marks. Leo's hands trembled as he starts cleaning the fresh blood from my back…this happened when Masao punched me hard making me fall…my back was badly scratched at that time…and the stick helped in worsening it even more, Angela pressed an ice pack against my bruised abdomen, tears roll down from her eyes, I smiled at her wiping her tears and pulls her in a hug to reassure her.

King : Is this how family works? Or is our family extra messed up? (he said sarcastically)

Me: What's that supposed to mean? (I said looking at him)

King : When were you thinking would be the right time to inform us that you are getting bullied…this badly…I think we should call the police and let them handle it. (he stands in front of me looking disappointed)

"My second elder brother King, white porcelain skin, blonde shinny hair, beautiful sharp blue eyes and prominent facial features just like our father, a strong believer in justice and loves picking up fights and causing troubles…Elizabeth family's 'Black sheep', that's what our father loves to call him. A sweet and supportive elder brother…carefree about his future and a playboy even though he is just 8 years old (got it from dad). His drawers are stuffed with various love letters and gifts from girls of our locality and nearby, the mixed-blood boy's charm is irresistible after all. He even says he is still discovering his sexuality, who knows he may turn out to be a sin of lust trapped in a human body"

Leo : For the first time, I agree with this dumbass, we should go to the police and file a complaint against your abusers. (he says worried)

"Leo, the first child among the identical twins, and the eldest among all Elizabeth siblings. he is the perfect 'golden child', good looking, well mannered, hardworking, genius, all-rounder achiever, well I also have most of those qualities, except am a rebel. Together, we are the famous P.W.R.A. siblings (Perfect, Waste, Rebel, Angel) in the eyes of our father.  Leo Bro wants to be a doctor, and started his preparations…a bit too early….fun fact is, he has severe blood phobia, and he claims that becoming a doctor would give humanity hope while he can overcome his phobia at the same time. Well, what can

Angela : (she finally stops crying and gathers up the courage) I agree with them…sister, we shouldn't ignore this…

King : Look who is talking (he gives Angela a hateful look). Where were you, when our sister was getting bullied? Weren't you both supposed to go to school together! Why are you unharmed while she is bleeding badly! (squeezes Angela's shoulders tightly while glaring at her)

Leo : Angela, How can you be so selfish and careless? (Leo said frustrated while holding back King, in case he further loses his temper)

Angela : (chokes up with suppressed tears as she gets horrified by their sudden interrogation) I-I…I am sorry…(she starts hiccupping)

Me : Enough! (I offered Angela water while pulling her into a warm hug). It has nothing to do with her, and stop poking your nose in my personal affairs….I didn't ask for your help, so just ignore my existence like always. (I caressed Angela's head before wearing my shirt)

Leo : Don't joke around and listen to our advice, we are older than you, and know better what is good for you. (Frowns)

Me : Firstly, age isn't always directly proportional to wisdom. Secondly, even my elder brothers don't have any right to always poke their nose in my business, you are neither in charge nor my legal Guardian.  Right now, our main concern is that bitch downstairs. Don't waste your time on unnecessary chitchats. (I rolled my eyes in displeasure)

My two elder blockhead brothers looked at each other still concerned about my injuries as they nod coming to an agreement without even speaking. They're pretty close even though they fight all the time, after all that's how we identical twins are…." wait….I think I am getting carried away again….agh…hope no one takes me for talking to my inner self so much!!!! Ahhhh"

"Leo bro's room was kind of ordinary and boring, he has two large bookshelves filled with fat books, a study table, a wardrobe and a bed, two windows, brownish wallpaper and the staircase to my room. This guy aims to be a doctor and is already trying to prepare for that, but seriously? Someone afraid of blood is trying to become a doctor, even thinking about it feels like a great comedy. In Leo's words 'I want to be a doctor to treat all the injuries so that no one bleeds'. Anyways, there is a ladder hanging from his ceiling its made with strong rope and wooden steps, this comes down from a trap door on the ceiling which leads to my room."

Angela: Sis…Do you have a plan?...(she says in a low voice…maybe still feeling guilty about what happened)

Me : Uh…not really…(scratch the back of head trying to think)

King : Well, while she was using our phone, I happened to eavesdrop on her, I heard something about a party in our house. (He says a bit unsure) I don't know if that can help.

"King, he has gossip about everyone, he has a bad habit of collecting others' secrets and spying on them, especially if someone stepped the wrong foot against him, rest assured my brother knows exactly how to take revenge on them."

Me : A party huh….hmm….(I start thinking of a plan)

Leo : So what's the plan? (He said a bit impatient) We can't let her get away after hurting you.

King : I agree with this bastard for the first time. (Pats Leo's shoulder proudly)

I smirked then looked at Leo stretching my hand. For emergencies, our parents have brought us a cellphone, that too the latest and most popular model of Nokia.

Me : Give me the cellphone. (I demanded as Leo took it out of his drawer and handed it over to me though a bit confused, as soon as I got the phone, I dialed the numbers from the keypad as it starts ringing a voice was heard from the other side) Hello! (I sounded as desperate as I could)

Police?! (My siblings got startled as they hear me mentioning the police)

'Yes? How may I help you?' A heavy yet kind voice could be heard from the other side.

Me : (My voice started sounding like as if I was crying as I squeezed some tears out my eyes) Police uncle, we are scared…. Our parents have gone to a party…and a few teenagers broke inside our house, they're downstairs while we are trying to hide from them….please help….(I talked in a low voice as if someone is coming upstairs as King bangs the door to make it more real while I pinched Angela to make her cry)

The voice murmurs 'hope it's not another prank call, wait right there! We are coming! Don't be sca- '

I disconnected the call before he could complete his sentence as I started laughing.

King : Our sister is scary. ( Leo bro and Angela nodded in agreement)

Me : Now for the next part of the plan we will need some marbles, itching powder, and rope. (I had an evil smile on my face as I moved my hand over my hair)

The party has already started as the music volume was increased, they were having a merry time eating free snacks and alcohol from our pantry. As they were busy dancing and chatting among themselves, I slowly climbed down the stairs as my siblings were behind me, bending down, I let the marbles in my tiny hands roll towards them, my brothers and sister followed my lead doing the same, as the punks stepped on them by mistake making them lose their balance and crash on the ground hard as they start wincing in pain, clearly angry by our action as they stared at Kana while trying to stand up.

Kana : (grunts) You little…. Agh my back… (she winces in pain as we start the last part of our plan i.e. throwing itching powder at them).

Wearing gloves we started throwing itching powder as they started itching their bodies unable to stand up then we covered them up with the bedsheet finally tying them. Soon there was a knock at the door as the police broke in and arrested them despite their pleas then congratulated us for our bravery before dragging them to the police station. After they left we started cleaning up the house so that our parents don't discover the mess we did today. It almost took 30 minutes for us to get rid of the shreds of evidence then a new set of fear dawned on us, "What if father discovers our deeds?"

Angela : Sis, I am scared….(she shivers)

Leo : What shall we tell them? (He looks at me expecting a reply)

Why are you asking me? It's clear that man hates me the most and will only punish me as usual, what are you scared of?

King : Whatever, I don't really care. (Shrugs)

Leo : You bastard! (Glares at King)

Me : I don't think dad will be happy...why don't we pretend to be asleep? (As soon as I complete the sentence the door opened with a loud bang, startled we turned around to face our parents as Angela was already crying, Dad glared at me as if I was the only one in this mess)

Douglas : Anne Elizabeth you're in trouble! All of you stand outside right now! (He said furiously sending a chill through our spine)

To be continued