demand respect

"Ok, look..." I said hesitantly "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable with me being here. I hope we all get along, but that said, I am older than you and you really shouldn't be talking to me that way, you know"

I never ever saw it coming, but I felt the sting.

"Ive changed my mind" She snapped "I thought we could do this nicely, but if you're going to act like that, then ill have to discipline you and be very strict!"

I rubbed my cheek and stood there, in shock, silently, trying to come to grasp with what had just happened...

She had slapped me....

"Jamie" mom's voice could be heard from downstairs...