I groan inwardly then louder to myself trying to cover my ears with my pillow to block out the noise. Mom and Dad arguing over and over again....was getting used to it really, but never in the mornings. Is a peaceful morning too much to ask for?

I sigh, leaning on my elbows and faced the window, the sun was almost all the way up and I had to get ready for school.

" That's just it Norman , you always find excuses to your shitty behavior, it's sickening...."

I could hear mom trilling louder somewhere downstairs probably the kitchen. How I could tell? By the loud protesting of whatever she was banging on the kitchen top.

All she was even rewarded with the usual silence ,.....

Then he would leave her there, and she would break down to tears... Then when I and my young Sister Ella would go down, she would wipe her tears so quick like a blink of an eye. And give us a wane smile.

And by the sounds of the door banged shut and a car start from the drive way. He just did.

It's happened too many times.

I wonder how much Ella and I had to take,..

I jumped into the bathroom for the usual quick shower, and brushed my teeth in record time.

Wiping off the steam from the mirror with my palms. A set of ocean blue eyes stared back at me, thick dirty blonde hair....thick lips, Square jaws. I looked just like my dad, to my utter dismay. That luck bastard was good looking.

And so I was,.... logical.

I just wished I had my mom's deep warm hazel eyes, in place of these blue soulless cold eyes.

I ran my hand through my thick untamable hair, deciding on a hair cut.

*************************

I went downstairs 10 minutes later dressed in my over washed jeans and a black tee , paired with the pair of my favorite black boots. Ella was busy with her breakfast while mom sat by her at the table. She looked up as I approached and smiled. She opened her mouth to speak but so I cut her to it.

" Morning mom,....Bye Mom" I quickly said as I took a bottle of fresh squeezed orange juice she always made me in the fridge ready to leave.

Ella mumbled a "hey" between mouthfuls of her simple sandwich.

" Noah-Jace Norman,..... you haven't eaten anything....." Mom tutted with disapproval.

"I will get something to eat after school mah, we are getting late ..."

" You still have 25 minutes ...."

" Mom I will be fine.... Ella let's go"

Ella skipped down from her chair and grabbed her bag heading out to the car.

I turned to leave but stopped, turning back to mom who was still sitting , Her facade gone as quick as it first came. And in place was tired wary lines, tired and lifeless. This look always shook me to the core.

I took some steps back to her, on hearing my foot steps she registered I hadn't left yet. Her well practised mask came back in place just as quick. I inwardly rolled my eyes. As if she could fool me.

" How about this, I will be back Early today.... you could pass by the grocery store on your way back home. And then we will cook together one of those favorite dishes of yours . Sounds good?... if you will be too tired just text me the groceries and I will get them. Sounds good?"

I spoke as I brushed her wild brown hair out of her face.,

She smiled....and this time it was genuine. She nodded enthusiastically and my heart melted more for this woman than possible.

It was just so easy to please her , and satisfying too.... something my dad ironically failed to do, as opposed to his work achievement. It was supposed to be priority and his first to do list.

I kissed her cheek softly, and left.