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I WOKE UP HUNGRY.
The repetitive gurgle of my stomach, was a physical reminder of my need for food. So I went downstairs, deciding to start my day with a healthy, nutritious bowl of coco puffs. Make that two.
Collecting the last bits of the chocolate cereal, my eyes widened in realisation. Today was Wash Day, and I forgot.
The spoon in my mouth captured my lazed groan, before I slumped on the table I was eating at.
Now for the part I was avoiding. Wash day. Urgh.
The horrific thought of my hair staying in the same state it was for even more days, made me determined to complete today's task. Placing my bowl and spoon in the dishwasher, I recalled the last time I washed my hair, and confirmed that I had what I needed.
●•●•●•●•●
A GENEROUS AMOUNT of Creme of Nature shampoo, from the argan oil selection, was squeezed into my palm. My arms were about to give out from the amount of scalp scrubbing and massaging I was doing.
Ophelia had taught me many things seeing as she was basically my mother growing up, but one of the few things I would remember was to part my hair in four sections during Wash Day. Therefore, it would be less of a hassle. And indeed it was.
I shampooed each section twice, then applied conditioner. The black and pink detangling brush in my hand, run through my curls, unknotting the knots and detangling the tangles. After a while, I thoroughly rinsed the conditioner from my hair.
Water droplets pelted down my skin, lukewarm. My nights sleep was filled with dreams of freedom. But of course it was a dream. I would always be a kite held down by the anchor that is my 'mother'.
Freedom, what's that? Never heard of it. It's fake. A fantasy. Made-up.
Yesterday, I had trudged to my room annoyed and angered but most importantly, frustrated. Frustrated at the fact that her threats did their jobs well. Her spiteful words rung in my head,
'Fifty-seven days till greatness Alaina, but for fifty-six I will be gone for a...business trip. Don't you dare disagree on this with me because I will, and mark my words, make your life a living hell. You will face my wrath in the worst ways possible.'
I was scared, scared for the outcome of things. She took my future and threw it away, once again abusing the power she had over me and using it as an advantage.
All for money.
I was shameful of the fact that she controlled me. Trapped, was I. I was simply the puppet and she was the puppeteer. And I let it happen out of fright.
