Bri

Chapter 34: Flashback

*Mia's POV*

I'm standing near my parents, listening to them shout at me before they throw their glances of hatred my way—all of this for merely being myself, a lesbian. Is liking girls such a bad thing? Suddenly, my mom says, "Well, our daughter just confessed that she likes girls. She is a GAY, LESBIAN, FAGGOT, ELIAS!"

"YOU ARE NOTHING BUT AN ABOMINATION, MIA!" My father explodes, towering over me in an intimidating manner, making me feel small and inferior. I immediately winced at his tone.

I lowered my head to the ground, fearful of looking them in the eyes, scared of what might happen next. My tears are streaming down my face at a pace that I cannot even control anymore. The next thing I knew, my dad threw the duffel bag they had packed earlier at me, and it landed at my feet. This action prompted me to look up from the ground and into their eyes, only seeing expressions of abhorrence.

"You know what, I have a letter I wrote for you last night," My father said, but stopped talking, which made me look at him. He took a sheet of paper from his back pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to me, then he said, "Read it aloud, right this instant."

"Mia, you are a good-for-nothing child. I h-hate that you came from me and my family line. I regret that I couldn't convince your mother to a-abort you when we had the chance. You are unwanted. You are h-hated. You are a disgrace to everything this family stands for. My only vow to you is that I will make sure that everyone knows we have disowned you. You will n-never be part of our f-family. You should, and I hope that you remain alone for the duration of your life. The only good thing you can do is not pass your sickness around. N-nothing you can do can fix the fact that you continue to live your life in sin and will end up in h-hell. You will never have a happy ending, that, I promise you." I finished reading his letter. It completely shattered my heart; I felt like I was dying inside.

"Now, get the fuck out of our house! You no longer belong here, and you are no longer our daughter. You are a disgrace to God!" My father spoke with such rage and bitterness in his voice; I attempted to beg, but my mom stopped me when she said the following words.

"You heard him, LEAVE MIA!" She shouted at me yet never looked my way. I gradually picked up the duffel bag and stepped out of my childhood home, never to go back.

My eyes snapped wide open as I jerked awake, sitting in an upright position; I was trembling and covered in a cold sweat. Not even two seconds later, I felt Cambria's arms around me as my heart continued to frantically hammer in my chest. It was slightly difficult to catch my breath, and I felt terrible knowing I woke her up. Then in the most calming voice that I had ever heard her use before, she said, "It's okay, Mia; just focus on your breathing."

"Damn it..." I sighed and looked her in the eyes, "Bri, I'm so sorry to wake you up like this all the time... it has to be annoying for you to have your sleep interrupted by me."

"You don't have to apologize, and no, moments like this will never be annoying to me. You are my top priority; you always have been, and you always will be, that's a promise," Cambria reassured, and by her tone, I knew she was telling me the truth. I believed her.

"But-"

"No buts, honey," Cambria replied, and I caught the endearment she used; it came out so quickly and naturally. It's different to hear things like this now, knowing what I know between us.

"I hate these nightmares; they always make me feel weak," I revealed.

"You're so strong, and you've been through so much. Today is simply another day that will make you even stronger. Each time you have ever had an obstacle, Mia, you push through and grow from it. I know you'll do the same with any possible nightmares that may come your way," Cambria explained, and her words triggered something in me; I closed my eyes while a memory flashed through my mind.