•December•
I rubbed my eyes as I stirred in my bed, the Tv from the living room was playing a Christmas Choir Carol session. I sat up, using the wall next to my bed to prop myself up. My lean fingers brushed against paper.
I looked up to see pictures, a lot of them, each marking my birthdays and eventful memories. I traced my hands from a picture with "12" and stopped at the one with "22"
"Well, fuck me"
I muttered and traced my hand back to one with "14"
Dad had changed.
A lot.
He didn't come home like he used to.
He avoided Family Gatherings.
Always missed movie night.
And worst of all,
He began to hit mom.
•May•
I hopped out of mom's car, my bag slung over my shoulder and a few groceries in my hands. I entered into the living room to see Dad watching a documentary. At the sight of me, he stood up and went into his room.
"Huh?" I stared at myself, and then at Mama who has just stepped in
"What's the matter baby?"
I shook my head and went to drop the groceries on the kitchen counter.
Eudora stepped out, glasses propped on her head
"You're back"
She headed into the kitchen, avoiding me, and helping mom set up cooking utensils to be used.
I slipped into my room and changed into casuals before pulling out my homework.
Few hours into it, I heard a loud crash and Mama screaming.
I was about to stand up when Mama ran into my room, her apron and shirt torn.
"Mam-"
" You fucking wench!" Dad burst into the room, his hair flaring and red with anger
"No, no Baby don't look! Close your eyes!" She yelled as Dad's figure covered hers. I shut my eyes as I stood frozen
What was going on?
Hot tears rolled down my cheeks as I trembled in the spot I was rooted to
"And what are you doing there?"
I felt myself pushed violently and crashing into my study table
"No, don't touch her you animal!"
I heard Mama scream, I opened my eyes when I felt her arms wound around me, her skin tendrils latching unto me to offer me comfort but all I felt was her pain.
For the first time in my life, I felt Pain not from scraping my knees against coarse ground, or brushing my teeth too hard, or falling off my bed. I felt a pain I couldn't describe.