Behind The Scenes

Thirteenth

WARNING: May be mentions of abuse, panic attacks, trauma, blood, etc. If you are sensitive to these topics, please don't read.

Alex POV:

I was being carried by my father and Mindy was sleeping in my mother's arms. My mom looked concerned but my dad was comforting her, saying that we were almost there.

"Just ahead is where Nat lives," my dad said, making sure not to step on the glass on the ground.

Out of nowhere, something from behind pushed my dad and we both were knocked to the ground. My dad picked me up and hid me under a wooden crate. It was dark. Suddenly, the crate was opened again and Mindy was place into my hands.

"Hide with your sister," he said.

I obeyed. I wasn't sure if 2-year-old me understood what my dad meant but I didn't move a muscle. I must've been too scared. There were gunshots and my parents were begging someone to let them go. Then, the screams stopped.

"Where are the kids?" one voice said.

I could hear footsteps approaching me. I noticed Mindy was awake and rocked her slowly so she didn't cry. I didn't pay attention for one second and Mindy's head hit the crate. Someone's footsteps grew louder and the crate was lifted up. Two men with guns glared at me. They were about to shoot when a loud voice made them drop their guns.

"Police. Hands where I can see them," one officer yelled as the other two handcuffed the men.

I relaxed my body. Mindy had fallen asleep and I checked to see if she was okay. I cuddled her blankets and started crying. One police officer approached me. I was scared but she seemed friendly. She threw her gun far away from her and showed me she wasn't armed.

"I won't hurt you," she said.

She reached for Mindy but I moved away. She realized I wouldn't let go of her and helped me carry her to the ambulance.

"Red," I said.

This was the first time I had heard myself speak. The officer smiled.

"Yeah, it is red. The people in the red truck are gonna make sure you're not hurt, okay?"

"Okay."

The paramedics checked me and then Mindy. They gave us blankets and put carseats for me and Mindy. As the truck drove to the hospital, I could feel tears flow down my cheeks.

"I want Mama."

The scene changed again. I was standing in cold water while my first foster parent laughed at me. I felt like crying but I didn't want to seem weak. Another scene change. I was being convinced by one of my other foster parents to smoke. I was around eight at the time. One by one, traumatizing parts of my life came back to haunt me. Some I could remember, some I felt like I was experiencing for the first time. Then, the scene changed to where I first met my current foster parents.

"Now, you be on your best behavior," the lady helping me said.

I nodded. After a couple minutes, I could see two people approaching. It was them. I wanted to scream and run away but I didn't know how dangerous they were at that time. In fact, I was excited. I was hoping they would be one of the nicer foster parents.

"Hello, I am Marcia Ramn and this is my husband, Michael. You must be Alex," my foster mom said.

"Yes. It's very nice to finally meet you."

I shook their hands. My foster mom displayed a fake smile. I didn't notice it then.

"The pleasure is mine. Now, tell me. What are some things you enjoy?" my foster father asked.

The meeting continued like that. The scene changed to when Mindy and I moved in with them. They were kind the first few days. They lured us into their grasp. We thought we could trust them. Then, the scene changed to the first time they hit me. They were drunk that day. I barely remember what happened. All I remember was my life was living hell after that.

"You're ours. Do you understand?" they asked me before shoving me into a wall.

Before I could answer. The scene changed and I was in front of Lia.

"Are you okay? I was running in the hallway when I bumped into you. Did I hit you hard? I'm sorry if I did. I'm really clumsy."

Then, I was texting with her.

"Spidey sense."

Then, we were in the closet.

"Don't give me that I-don't-need-any-help-because-I-don't-want-to-be-a-bother-to-anyone crap anymore."

Then at the park.

"Alex some-middle-name Fox, will you be my boyfriend?"

As I watched these scenes, I realized I was stuck in my own memories. Then, I heard someone call my name.

"Alex, you have to wake up. Please," the voice said.

Lia.

I sat up and gasped for air.

"Alex?"