One

~Claire

"What...what do you mean you're getting a divorce?"I asked with glassy eyes staring at Dad who looked so fucking remorseful but also helpless. "And you? You're getting engaged?"I was hardly the type who spoke loudly so my words came in a whisper.

I was aware our home was in trouble. It started with Dad loosing his job due to God-knows-what, and then becoming a gambling addict. And then, Mum suddenly changing from being the supportive wife and mum she used to be, to a nonchalant one. She began spending late nights out and would blame it on work. Who knew working as a salesgirl in a boutique took so much time all of a sudden.

Sure,I knew things were far from okay and that's why I spoke to them about this about five months ago. I made it clear that their now toxic relationship was taking its toll on me. I was beginning to feel depressed and I thought it was best to speak to them about it. They'd promised to try, for my sake. I was getting tired of the midnight yells and curses. I needed my peaceful, joyful home back and they'd promised me to work on it. So what the hell was this?

Not even in my wildest dreams had I imagined them turning to divorce as a solution. Of every damned thing they could think of..... divorce? That wasn't even supposed to be among the options.

"Honey, it's for your own good. Some things are beyond repair,and this marriage,"mum gestured between herself and dad. "Happens to be one of those things. It's best we end things here before any more harm is done,"she spoke calmly. Dad remained silent. He's been that way since I came down for the supposed meeting.

"You promised to work on it. You promised to not let me go through the pain of experiencing a broken home,"i spoke hurtfully,my eyes burning with tears.

"And that's what I'm doing. Claire,your Dad still gambles. He promised to quit it the last time I remember. Hell, he's made that promise a bazillion times!"her voice came out firm. Decisive. "There's no redemption for him and soon, he'd be loosing this house and we wouldn't be able to do a damned thing about it. We can't live like this and you know it."

I nodded as though I was understanding her words when in reality, my head felt way too heavy to make sense out of what was being said.

"So,the divorce is only because of dad's gambling addiction?"I asked and mum nodded.

"Got it. Then your said engagement? Cause as far as I know, you're still married to Dad,"I spoke wanting her to explain.

"We're getting divorced soon, Claire. That shouldn't be an issue,"she deadpanned. I laughed hurtfully.

"What isn't an issue? The fact that you've been cheating on Dad for only-God-knows-how-long, or the fact that you're truly divorcing Dad for your new lover and not because you truly care about me or how I live,"I spoke and I instantly regretted it. A slap landed my face the moment I finished and the sting was hellish.

"Helen." Dad spoke for the first time,his tone void of any emotion. "Don't. Push me. Hit her one more time and you'll regret it,"Dad spoke in a daring tone. It was the first time I'd ever heard Dad speak like that. Mum scoffed.

"Listen here, Honey. You're going to have to pack cause by tomorrow morning, we'll be on our way to Pennsylvania. That's all I have to say,"she spoke and turned her heels around, walking away.

I looked at Dad who casted me a sorry look.

"She won in court. She's the one having you in her custody,"he broke the news and my tongue felt bitter. "But don't worry, you're allowed to visit me whenever you want."

They went to court without my knowing? Just how far behind was I in this whole thing? But then again,it wasn't like I had a say or anything.

What truly surprised me was mum's sudden change. She'd never ever hit me since my birth. Up until today, I'd always had a say. What changed?

I had no idea I was crying until Dad joined me on my couch, wiping off my tears.

"I'm sorry, honey. It's all my fault. I couldn't do anything."

Was it? Maybe it was. Maybe none of these would've happened if he didn't suddenly loose his job and dive into gambling. Maybe mum never would've stopped loving him.

"Why did you suddenly start gambling? If you hadn't,maybe she'd still be here,"I voiced out my thoughts.

No girl would fancy having her family broken. For me, divorce was a disease I deeply dreaded. I'd never for once dreamt it would happen right in my house, with me being so fucking helpless.

Dad sighed. "I was trying to survive for you and your mother, princess. When I lost my job, your mum was far from being sad. She was more of mad. She didn't care how I did it,all she knew was I had to provide the same way I was when I still had my job. No company was willing to take me for different reasons,so I had to look for an option,"he explained. "I thought that would be the best way out until I started falling into more debts. It was never my intention to cause you discomfort or pain, believe me,"he squeezed my hand.

"So,in other words, it's mum's fault?"I asked quietly. Dad never would've taken to gambling had she supported him like she made me believe she did. Together,they would've found a way out. Not this hole we were digging for ourselves.

"I wouldn't say that, princess. It's too late to push blames around,"he spoke sadly. If there was one thing I knew,then it's the fact that my Dad adored my mum. He looked at her like she was the only person in the room. Even during the times mum degraded him,compared him with her friends husbands, he'd remain silent,and then apologize thereafter. So what? Apart from money,what was Dad lacking?

"Its fine if you both think the divorce is the way out,but Dad? I'm not in for her engagement shebang. It can't happen,"I sobbed lowly.

"Princess,your mum seems happy with her new....."he searched for the right word.

"Boyfriend?"I arched a brow.

"I wouldn't say that,but okay. She looks happy with her new boyfriend and it's her happiness we want,isn't it?"he asked and I sighed before nodding.

"Exactly why we have to just support her in whichever way we can. You'll have to accept her decisions,okay?"he spoke softly and I couldn't help but wonder how this whole thing was okay with him.

"I'll try,"I mumbled.

"That's my girl,"he kissed my forehead. Looking closer,I could see the wrinkles of stress on his face. "I have a quick errand to run. I'll be back later okay?"

"Sure,"I managed a small smile at him. He returned it before leaving.

I looked around the house that used to be a safe haven once upon a time. These four corners used to be where we spent our happiest times. Back then, Dad still had his job. He spoiled mum and I like the Queen and Princess he always called us. Our family was perfect until Misfortune struck.

It hurt though. I'd always admired how strong of a woman mum used to be but it seemed like she had only been there just for the money. That was the only logical explanation I could give as to why she changed the moment she knew Dad lost his job. But then,I guess it's useless thinking of how things would've been if Dad hadn't lost his job. He did and this was the harsh reality I had to face.

By tomorrow, I would be moving in together with mum, and my soon-to-be stepdad.

"Exciting,"i mumbled, dragging myself off the couch and up the stairs. I made my way into my room, hoping to get the nightmare of packing, off my neck, but then my phone chose to ring.

I smiled a bit on seeing the caller. At least someone who could finally lighten my mood was calling.

"Hey,"i spoke quietly, walking closer to my closet to begin my packing.

"I refuse to let you kill my happy mood. Hello girl!!!!!"Amaya yelled into the phone.

"Too loud, Maya,"I rolled eyes, pulling off my dresses one by one.

"And you're too low,"she retorted with her usual tone of disapproval.

"Anyways, I just heard something really exciting. Guess what?" I could bet my future that wherever she was,she was wriggling her brows.

"Someone's throwing a party?"I asked, walking over to throw the heap of clothes I held onto the bed.

"Well, that's the second thing on the list. First thing is.... There's a newbie in town and I hear he's freaking hot! Shocker is, he's gonna be attending Falcon high with us. Isn't that thrilling?!!"she squealed. "I can't wait for summer break to be over,"she spoke dreamily.

"Oh, about that...."I trailed off.

"What is it? You okay?"she asked,every playfulness is her voice,gone and replaced with concern. I was beyond thankful to have Maya. She's been my friend since we were six.

"I'm fine. It's just..."I took a deep breath. "They're getting a divorce,"i finally spoke and the other end went silent completely.

"Maya?"I called to make sure she was still there.

"Where are you?"she asked.

"Maya, I'm fine. I just....."

"Where are you, Claire Scarlett Rainer?"she asked seriously and I sighed in defeat.

"I'm home,"I replied lowly.

"Good. I'm on my way,"she spoke and hung up.

Literal Amaya. She's so protective of me and always wants to make sure I'm really fine. I'm the kind of girl that could be on fire and still say she's fine. Amaya knew that and that's why she never trusted the I'm-fine word.

I returned to taking my clothes out of the closet and by the time I was done, Amaya was here.

"Sweetheart,"she gave me that worrisome look when she came in. 

"Hey,"I gave a small smile, moving to hug her.

"Tell me, everything. You're leaving nothing out,got it?"

"I know,your highness,"I rolled eyes and sat on my bed leaving her to follow suit.

"Earlier, mum came by,"i spoke.

"After two weeks of letting you worry of her whereabouts? The hell did she say she went to?"Amaya spoke,a hint of sarcasm mixed with anger evident in her voice.

"Turned out she got herself a rich boyfriend,"I sighed out.

"Wait....what? I thought she's married to your Dad. That's cheating....isn't it?"she asked with confusion etched on her face.

"It isn't exactly cheating when they're getting a divorce,"I mumbled and she mouthed an O upon recalling that I said that earlier on the phone.

"So what now?"she asked.

"They've gone to court and it's been decided that I'll be with mum. She says we're moving to Pennsylvania tomorrow. I think we'll be living with her fiancé,"i spoke.

"They're engaged?"she asked and I nodded.

"How much messier could this get?"she muttered.

"I'll be fine. It might be a bit difficult to associate with the other kids at my new school,but it's just a few months and I'll be done with highschool. It can't be that hard,"i shrugged, folding a winter gown and putting it in my opened luggage.

"Oh,dear,"she hugged me and I returned it.

"You'll be fine okay? I'll call you every single day,I promise. FaceTime,"she assured and I nodded.

"Thanks, bestie,"I beamed.

"It's nothing. Just do me the favor of checking how hot her new boyfriend is, okay?"she wriggled her brows and I laughed.

"Will do,"I assured.

"Perfect. Lemme help with the packing."

I hoped everything would go well. I really hoped things would be fine from here on. But maybe it was all too much to wish for,cause I had a feeling that it wouldn't. Something in my gut told me it just wouldn't.

My name is Claire Scarlett Rainer. And this? This is my story.