Amia
I beat the alarm this morning. My eyes were already open as it blared. The pain was a dull ache now as I crawled to the edge of the bed. I’m hoping Mom and Greg sleep in since they went to bed early this morning. The safest course of action would be to go out the window but I really don’t want to take the chance of breaking my leg again. I just need to get out of here before he wakes up.
I dressed for school as quickly as possible and peaked through the crack in the door. When I was sure it was clear I took my first hesitant step into the hallway. Every day in this house was hell. I was constantly on the edge. It was as if my fight or flight was constantly activated. I tiptoed down the hall as quietly as possible, careful not to step on the pieces I knew would groan under my weight. I’m finally working my way down the stairs when one of the floorboards creaked. My heart dropped and I froze as I listened for any sign of movement from upstairs. When I don’t hear anything, I continued to make my way downstairs. When my feet touched the bottom floor I let out a breath of relief. I dove for the door when I saw a blur of color in the corner of my eye. When I realized who it was I slumped against the wall.
“Oh my goddess. You scared the living shit out of me,” I exhaled.
“Language,” mom hissed.
I cracked a halfhearted smile. I wanted to laugh, she was really going to reprimand me about saying shit when all I heard growing up was her and Greg cussing all night? I don’t think I’ll ever understand adults.
“Why are you up so early?” I asked.
My mom did not wake up early. She never was anymore. She always slept in with Greg. He was the nicest in the morning after he would beat her. I preferred seeing her to Greg but that didn’t mean that this wasn’t a red flag.
She wore a long-sleeve shirt and black shorts. Cigarette smoke came off of her in waves. My mom didn’t smoke but she must have something weighing heaving on her mind to steal one of his. Her hair was a mess but it wasn’t as bad as her face. She had bruises all over her face.
I couldn’t help but stare at her. The two of us together standing in the living room, faces covered in bruises. We must be something to look at. I wanted to laugh for the second time today, but I didn’t. My self-pity wouldn’t let me.
“I wanted to give you this,” mom said.
She took a few steps toward me and brought hr hand forward. She held a first aid kit and I swallowed down the emotion in my throat. The kit she would use after I would try to protect her from Greg. I may not have told her what happened with Dylan last night but she knew.
“I don’t need it,” I said.
“Your face looks really bad. If you don’t want people bothering you with questions at school… you’ll bandage your face,”she whispered.
“Fine,” I sighed. I took the kit and turned away from her.
“Wait.”
“What is it mom? What are you trying to do? What is this? The mother act?” I asked frustratingly.
“I had plans too step out with Greg today… to get supplies,” she said.
“Okay?”
“Seeing as how I have this,” she said, pointing to her black eye, “I can’t go out in public.”
“Yeah… I can see why…” I mumble.
I wasn’t sure where she was going with this. She never cornered me to talk to me about this. She didn’t do this to talk to me about anything really. My mom had stopped being my mom years ago. Her eyes darted around nervously before locking on the top of the stairs. When she confirmed whatever it was she needed to confirm, she turned back to me. She took a step toward me and leaned in.
“I don’t have much time. He might hear but… after school I need you go to go the coffee shop on Main,” she whispered.
“Why would I? Why would I meet you at a coffee shop when you’re not supposed to leave the house?” I asked.
“You won’t be meeting me,” she whispered. There was a sound upstairs and she pressed her fingers to her lips.
“I—” I trailed off as footsteps rushed over our heads.
“Go!” She hissed.
She doesn’t have to tell me twice. I threw open the door and rushed outside. Greg called for her but she’s right behind me. Mom’s hand is on the door handle as she stared at me with a look in her eye. She slammed the door shut and locked the door. I took off toward the woods and I don’t stop running until I get to school.