ELLIANA'S POV
I rushed out of the house, grabbing my backpack and slamming the door behind me. I was already running late for school, and I couldn't afford to waste any more time.
As I hurried to the waiting cab, I saw Jeffery standing by the garden, a whiskey glass in his hand. He reeked of alcohol, and I could tell he was already drunk.
"Ellie, wait!" he slurred, trying to catch my attention.
But I ignored him, quickening my pace. I knew better than to engage with him when he was in this state. He might say or do something embarrassing, or worse, try to guilt trip me into staying home.
"Ellie, come back here!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the lawn.
But I didn't look back. I jumped into the cab and slammed the door shut, grateful to be escaping the toxic atmosphere at home.
"Take me to school, please," I told the driver, trying to catch my breath.
As we drove away, I caught a glimpse of Jeffery stumbling back into the house, his whiskey glass shattered on the ground. I shudde
