Riya's POV:
~Riya around 10 years old~
After dad left many things changed, mom would drink everyday and would slap me or call me names whenever buba wasn't around. She used to just ignore me or give me dirty looks but since dad left she started doing what she promised when it was just us. I don't really mind because I never really saw her as a good mom, I just call her mom since she's the only woman figure in my life besides the teachers at school.
The biggest change was buba and the others, they started ignoring me and would get mad when I didn't listen or did something without permission. Like the time I cleaned bubba's car because it was dirty, he got mad at me for touching his car. He also got mad when I made him food and called him for forgetting his umbrella and when asked them to go to my games, he said it was a waste of food because he eats out now and calling is only supposed to be for emergencies , so when I'm dying, and I shouldn't ask him for anything because he's busy. I don't mind because at least he's still here, dad never called or texted, the number he gave me was some random lady who lived in Montana. As for the other's, they are just like buba, they ignore me but now they all look at me annoyed and call me a brat sometimes. Sometimes I feel like it's all my fault, they don't stay over anymore instead they're all out, doing something. One time I put a tracking device on their vehicles so I could follow them, they all went into this big building with other people I've seen in grades above me. Right then I realized they were in a gang.
They started trading weed and powder stuff to people for money. I knew what it was cause I've seen older kids in the neighborhood talk about it and use it.
Out of nowhere they all got a bunch of money that they spent on their new cars and motorcycles. I saw a big thing of cash in their pockets one time while I was doing laundry.
Lastly, they all look scary and I heard from the girls wearing bikinis.
So now I live with gang members but it's not like I can stop them, they've made it pretty clear they aren't stopping. After the whole 'oh my gosh you're in a gang' I tried to convince them to stop but they got mad at me for 'sticking my nose into their business', so I left it at that.
The sun was still high as I was walking home from school when I saw all my brothers talking to a group of guys so I went towards them. As I got closer no one noticed me and they just continued to talk, I saw that my brothers were in a good mood and all had a smile on their faces.
"I can't believe y'all made it.", one of the random guys said.
"Yea. We're leaving tomorrow.", buba said while I froze hoping I heard wrong.
"Dang, well when the big guys call you can't turn them down. We're gonna miss ya assholes.", everyone laughed and started hugging.
"What?", I said while my vision became blurry. Everyone turned toward me with shocked faces but the random guys covered it fast and started walking towards us.
"Stop. Leave her alone.", buba commanded which made them stop and my brothers to start walking away towards the house.
"What do you mean you're leaving? Can I come to? It's a lie right?", each word showing my cracking voice. I was behind them, trying to keep up and get some answers.
"The seven of us are leaving and no you're not coming.", these were the first words August said to me in the past two years. I would have jumped for joy if he didn't mention me staying here, with her.
"No you're lying.", but no one said anything and kept walking, not denying anything. "Is-Is it my fault you're leaving. I'll change."
Jasper sighed and turned towards me, "Stop being a selfish brat. We're leaving whether you like it or not.". They all continued to walk because they stopped when Jasper stopped.
"Please don't go.", by now tears were coming down my face. "Please guys.", but my words were responded with silence. "Don't go!", none of them stopped walking. "Please!", I was on the verge of screaming. "PLEASE!", nothing. "PLEASE GUYS!", I was full on crying now.
"PLEASE!", I was on my knees screaming and begging for them to not go. "Please don't go. I'll do better. Anything. Just please don't go, please don't leave me.", but it seemed my words meant nothing.
"Shut up Riya. We're leaving tomorrow and you're staying here with mom.", Odin said with finality in his voice. They had their backs to me as they walked inside towards their rooms, packing for tomorrow.
"I don't want you to leave. Don't go!", my clothes were dirty and my face was a mess from all the crying as I tried to reason with them.
"Riya shut up!", he turned around finally looking at me, "Just be grateful you're even here, that we even took you in!". I looked at him wide eyed as I registered the words he spoke, but he didn't even care to take in my reaction and just turned around walking towards his room with the rest of my 'brothers'. What does he mean?
I sat on the ground for hours waiting for them to come back and tell me it wasn't real. That they were sorry for the past two years and that they were just going through a rough time and they didn't mean it. Yet the sun was going down and I was still on the ground waiting for them, but they never came. Standing up I went towards Odin's room and saw the lights were still on and the door was open. Walking in I saw all my 'brothers' on the floor looking excited and talking while Odin was packing, with two duffel bags on his bed.
"Odin.", I whispered at the doorway, scared to go into his room. Everyone stopped and looked at me, all the lively atmosphere gone once they saw me.
"What Riya.", there was annoyance in his voice while he continued packing, not caring to look at me.
"Do you really have to go?"
He let out an annoyed and angry sigh, "Yea."
"Okay.", a tear ran down my eyes and I looked at all of them. These were the people I grew up with I hope they will give me this last thing. "Before you all go, ca-can you guys say goodbye?", I said it in a small voice but I knew they all heard me.
"Yea, sure, whatever. Hey guys, who's bringing the weapons?", he turned towards the guys and a conversation started, completely forgetting me. They'll say goodbye.
"Well goodnight guys. Thanks and I love you all.", as I walked away more tears dropped down from my eyes and I sprinted towards my room. When I finally got in I walked towards my closet to the small space with a window behind the canvases and let it all come out.