"But I don't want this, father. I want to become a detective. That's my dre..." PAK! A slap from my father interrupted my sentence and I was sent flying to the floor. I clutched my cheek and I felt hurried footsteps rushing towards me.
"Sheila. Are you okay?" One of my brothers,Aiden, asked in concern as he helped me up.
I coughed up blood and stood up, my brother supporting me by my arm. Everyone else just sat there looking at me, no emotions or shit in their eyes.
" You slapped me." I stated as I spit blood and looked at the pathetic people in front of me.
They were silent for a while and I could see...remorse?
"Yes, I did. What are you going to do about it. Cry?" My father answered as he ran a hand frustratedly through his hair.
I suddenly laughed and pushed Aiden aside gently. "Never in a million years would I have thought that the man who raised me, cherished me and loved me until..." I paused as I looked at my watch. "Until 10 a.m today, would slap his precious princess." I add.
They are all silent again. "You know what? I am freaking done with this piece of filth you call the Mosella family. I wish that I had seen your true colors when I was younger. I regret and loathe the fact that I was born in this damned family who only care about the family name. I wish that all of you, except Aiden, would go to hell. I hate you." I say as I turn my back and head towards the door.
"If you leave this room,then you are no longer a Mosella." My father claims.
"Then, so be it." I answer as I open the door and leave but not before glancing at Aiden, that sweet younger brother of mine. I felt guilty for leaving him with these monsters but I couldn't take him with me.He was better off with them since I couldn't provide or do anything for him. "I'm sorry." I mouth the words as I give him a weak smile. He nods in response as tears form in his eyes.
I wanted to hug him and assure him, but, there was no turning back. It was over. I am no longer a Mosella . I am just Sheila Mccallen.
As I leave the mansion I called home for the past twenty years, a bag in my hand, tears form in my eyes but there's no regret or guilt, just hatred for the Mosella family.
***
Two years later.
"Detective Sheila. I heard that you solved the complicated homicide case. Congratulations." A young man, also a detective, says as he shakes my hand, a genuine smile on his face.
"Thank you, Jay." I respond as I smile at him and others come to congratulate me.
It's been two years since I left. Two years since I saw the Mosellas. Two years since I was set free.Two years since I got to chase my dream.
"We should host a dinner party for you." Captain Joe, a short but sturdy man says as he heads towards me, his arms spread wide, silently asking for a hug.
"Oh, please. No. That will be too much. How about we just go for drinks." I suggest and everyone agrees.
He nods. "I am proud of you, Sheila." Joe says as he smiles at me. I smile back and hug him. He was the one who took me in when I had nothing. He was a father figure to not only me but to the entire department.
"Thank you. For everything." I mutter.