Hello, Little Flower (REPUBLISHED)

3. "Have a great day sweetheart, I'll see you later."

 "James! You're going to be late for school!"

My... semi-peaceful slumber was quickly interrupted by the sound of my mother calling from the bottom of the stairs and my eyes shot open. Shit, what time is it?! I grabbed my glasses off of my bed and checked my phone. Eight thirty-four, damn.

I scrambled around my room trying to reorganize the contents of my backpack, making sure not to forget anything. "thanks again, for holding up this long.." I chuckled as I rested my journal on my desk, different from its usual hiding spot under my mattress. "This can give them something to read after I'm gone... so they can get the whole story from my point of view." Before walking down the stairs, I quickly peeked into the bathroom to make sure that none of my concealer had rubbed off. "Still alright, I'd better get going" I stepped out and walked down the stairs, being greeted at the bottom by my mom.

"Morning sleepyhead~ " my mother laughed. "Morning to you too, sorry for the sleep-in, I'll-."

I glanced at my mother and my heart sank. Yet another new bruise on her soft, gentle face, just under her right eye. She must have noticed that I was staring at it because she quickly covered the mark with her hand. "it's..." she tried to think of another excuse for it, she hates talking about things that my father has done. -I fell in the shower-  is a fairly common one.

"It's alright, I know." I decided it was best not to get too deep in detail, for everyone's sake. besides, I already knew the gist of what happened. My father, came home drunk as usual and did.. something to her. I remember last night, he came crashing into my room at about... eleven pm screaming about something. I couldn't tell what, either because I was half asleep, or his speech was slurred. Maybe both. He dragged me out of bed by my hair, and then he...

I shook my head. No, today is going to be a good day, and I'm NOT going to think about that. I looked back down at my mom and gave her a warm smile. My father has been drinking since I was about seven years old. It's the same routine every day: my father goes to work in the morning, and after his shift, he goes to the bar with his coworkers... I'm sure you can guess what happens when he gets home.

There is a moment of silence In the room before I decide to speak up. "I'd better get going, I don't want to be too late" which was a lie, I really couldn't care less. My mother smiled softly before hugging me. "Have a great day sweetheart, I'll see you later." before turning to leave, I gave her another hug, holding her tight. Damn, I'm definitely going to miss her hugs.
She laughed softly and hugged me back, giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead. Neither of us wanted to let go, but unfortunately, I have an entire day ahead of me that won't wait for hugs. "Love you, mom" I turned around and left before I had time to change my mind. "I'm sorry, for what I'm about to do..." I mumbled to myself, walking out the door.

"I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me..."

Once I reached the bottom of the driveway, I stopped to think about how I should get to school today. It's kind of chilly today, I could take the bus... No. Bad idea. I don't need those assholes mocking me again for every little thing. Walking it is, I guess. Good thing I brought a jacket...

I put in my earbuds and started on my way.