Chapter 10 A thunderous look clouded my father's face . " I told you - no beef ! You trying to drag us all down with you ? Do you have any idea what it took for me to get his help ? I quit my job for this ! " He shook with fury . " First Flynn loses his civil service shot , now you've ruined this too . What , you want us all destroyed ? " Mom teared up , still defensive . " I only added a little . It was for his own good - he's never had real Menudobefore . All I ever do is for this family . Why is everything my fault ? " Dad was absolutely fuming . Flynn's fantasy of being a rich kid shattered , and he went berserk too . The house filled with shouting , hitting , crying . This time , I didn't stop them . I just called the cops . When the officers arrived , I knelt beside Mom , helping her sit . " Dad , how could you hit her ? She only wanted to save you money . Why can't you ever appreciate her good intentions ? " Dad turned purple with rage . " You shut your mouth ! Can't you control your mother ? What good are you , useless girl ? " I rolled my eyes . " Don't dump your crap on me . I won't carry your blame . " Dad raised a hand to strike me , but the officer caught his wrist . " Sir , calm down . Violence won't solve this . " Dad barked , " I'll beat my wife and daughter if I want . None of your business . " The officers ignored him , hauling him and Flynn in for a " talk . " Before they left , Dad glared at me . " Ungrateful brat . You actually called the cops on your father ? You're no daughter of mine . Get out ! " Inside , my heart sang . Out loud , I forced a tremble , eyes brimming with tears . " You don't want me anymore ? But ... I still need school . You're legally responsible- " He sneered . " School ? Not my problem . You're no daughter of mine . " I bit back a smile , put on my best pitiful act , and cried , " Fine . Let's end this now . Estrange me - cut ties . " He didn't get the chance . The officers had already cuffed him and Flynn , dragging them out the door .