'Hurry up Sammy,' bellowed Scott, as he brushed his jacket and trousers with the clothes brush his Mum had given him the previous Christmas. It wouldn't do at all to visit with even the smallest trace of fluff ; to ruin his immaculate appearance.
This was the time that Samantha dreaded the most. The weekly trip to visit Scott's parents was always a trial for her. Nevertheless, it had to be endured for peace and quiet at home. She couldn't decide what was worse, Scott's over bearing obsession to please his parents, or his Mother's constant snipes and critisisms.
Samantha rushed down the stairs, missed the last step and fell awkwardly on the floor. Scott looked at the crumpled heap with disdain.
'For goodness sake, stop pissing about and hurry up.'
Feeling foolish, Samantha dusted herself down and rubbed her arm which she had scraped along the banister rail. She mumbled an apology, grabbed her bag and followed Scott out of the front door. She gulped back the tears of humiliation and confusion; emotions which had been her close companions these days.
'Well, lock it then,' ordered Scott. 'Do you want us to get burgled?'
'Just a minute, Scott,' replied Samantha, as she fished about in the bottom of her bag. Finally, she found the keys and locked the door. Much to Scott's annoyance, she couldn't resist the urge to check again, for one final pull at the handle.
'For God sake, hurry up,' and then, as Samantha slid into the passenger seat, 'Now can we go?'
The red sports car purred into action as they pulled out of the driveway. Scott sped through the estate, while Samantha gripped the sides of her seat. Fast cars made her uneasy and he knew it.
'Please slow down,' she begged.
'Well, it'll be your fault if we have a prang. You always have to piss about when we go to see Mam and Dad.'
Rising panic spewed into her throat. She felt helpless yet strangely responsible. Wasn't it her fault after all? Just like last time when, through her own lack of thought and consideration, she'd been the cause of the fatal car crash which had wiped out her family.
She wished she could do better, please Scott instead of making him angry. If she tried harder, maybe they could go back to how it was in the beginning. Scott seemed to despise her, yet he wouldn't let her out of his sight. It felt at times like she only existed for his pleasure and comfort.
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