VALERIE
I stepped back as I stared at the shadow at the front of the door. My pulse raced as I took a step backward. I hoped that it wouldn't turn out to be what I thought.
The shadow got closer and to my horror, his huge body stood gallantly by the door, a smirk of triumph on his face.
My stepfather looked baffled at first when his eyes fell on me. He strained his neck and batted his lashes severally, then threw his head back and roared in a fit of laughter.
He finally grew quiet again and looked at me with frightening eyes, which were red and teary from the alcohol he must have consumed before heading home.
“Val? Is that really you, Val?" He questioned in an irritating tone.
He chuckled and shook his head, widening his eyes to take a better look at me.
“Hey, woman, is that your daughter, huh?" He growled, waving his hand from my mother to me.
My mother glanced at me with horror in her eyes, unable to respond to his absurd question.
“Thank heavens that you are still alive. I thought
