Read Punishing Me (Shaft on Tour #6) for Free Online

were doing would change the world someday. On
the rare occasions I complained, I would be reminded how I had my health and
anything my heart desired could be bought with the flash of a wad of cash or
black plastic card. I often felt guilty for crying because I wanted parents who
would tuck me in at night. The money and status meant nothing to me. I didn’t
want to be ungrateful for the life I was given; though, a lot of the time, I
was. I know there were people less fortunate than me, but I would have given
anything to be a normal kid on the playground. Sadly, Stephanie and Brady Tyler
never gave me the two things I really wanted: siblings to fill this big empty
house, and the attention and time of my parents.
    Eventually,
I learned to adapt. I went in search of the things I longed for and somewhat
sated that need. My volunteer time at the community center, possibly the
closest I came to having anything resembling a family. Every day, I’d look
forward to those hours in which I could pretend I had a loud house full of brothers
and sisters before going home to the silence of my reality.
    I
was accepted and that was all I have ever wanted.
    Opening
the fridge, I cringe at the labeled containers of pre-planned meals. Meatloaf
Monday, Turkey Taco Tuesday, a tub of my father’s favorite turkey chili, and
nothing that resembles anything vegan friendly. No vegetables in the crisper,
not even an apple or banana in the fruit basket on the island.
    Digging
through the freezer, I finally manage to find a bag of French fries. “At least
I can count on Dad keeping one thing you can classify Vegan friendly around
here.” Digging out a baking sheet from the bottom cabinet, beside the stove, I
cover it with aluminum foil before arranging some of the fries on it. Grabbing
the Rosemary and Thyme from the rack, I give them a little spice before putting
them in the oven, since I am sure the grease in the fryer is tainted with the
dead animals my dad has no problem eating.
    While
I wait on my food, I grab a juice from my bag and my notepad to make a list of
things to get from the store. No way I’ll survive eating nothing but French
fries all week.
    Just
as I think I’ve gotten everything written down that I’ll need, I hear the front
door swing open. “Darling, did you forget to set the alarm before we left this
morning?” my mother’s voice echoes from up the hall.
    “No,”
my father replies, sounding certain. “Wait, I know I didn’t leave the lights
on. Stephanie, this is just like that Supernatural show. We need to get to the
kitchen for the salt. It could be a demon.”
    I
can’t help laughing at the ridiculousness. Leave it to my dad’s head to go
straight to demons inhabiting his house, instead of his offspring. “Or, it
could be your daughter,” I deadpan, pushing to my feet and stepping into the
hallway.
    Their
eyes land on me, widening in surprise and realization. “Ireland,” my mother
says, hanging her jacket on one of the hooks beside the door. “Demons,” she
laughs, shaking her head at my father. Walking towards me, she wraps me up in
her arms and sighs. “I wasn’t expecting you, Sweetheart. I wish you’d call and
let us know when you plan to come home.”
    “I
mentioned the break in the tour when I called last week,” I remind her. “I also
called you earlier today when we stopped and left you messages here and at the lab.”
    “Hmm,”
she says, sounding completely shocked. Releasing me, she glances back at my
father. “Brady, did you put it on the board? I know I’d have remembered had we
written it down.”
    “It’s
fine,” I say, knowing that one will blame the other and it will only be another
twenty minutes of conversation that won’t get anyone anywhere. “You’re busy, I
get it. These things happen. Anyway, I’m just going to eat really quick and
crash. I’m beat.” Turning, I make my way back into the kitchen to check my
dressed up French fries.
    “Well,
had we known,” my