Forlot: A Girl Who Needs Her Space - Book Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Eight

I remained in my jumpsuit when I awoken - in my new bed. I was on my back with my sheets to my chin. For a second, I forgot what happened. I grunted and sat up. I took in my surroundings - and suddenly remembered.

Did it work? Was I back in my hometown? Were Mom and Dad married? Was my biological father in my life?

"This is not my room," I said. "Mine is smaller and less organized. And it is not purple."

My door - which was also purple - was open. Mom was strolling past. She halted and smiled. She poked in her head. "Finally. You are awake. I was beginning to think that you would sleep through breakfast."

My stomach grumbled when she mentioned breakfast. "I would not miss it for the world."

"I am almost done, so you had better come downstairs. You know how your father gets when he is hungry."

My eyes grew wide. She just mentioned Dad. He was in the home. My dream came true. It worked - unless that she was messing with me.

I tossed the covers off me. "Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Will you and Dad have more kids?"

"Not now. I am busy at work, and your dad has made it clear that he is not interested in more children. He has his hands full with you."

"His hands are not full with anyone else?"

"Just you and me. Now come before your dad loses his patience. He is extra hungry today." With that, she left.

I climbed out of bed and processed what Mom told me. I was both surprised and ecstatic. Eposis kept his word and gave me my heart's desire. I have my actual father. No brothers. The smile on Mom's face said it all. Yes, I was guilty that my siblings were no longer in existence. I practically murdered them. But I did not. Know what I mean?

I ran into the kitchen and sat at the table - across from Dad. He was gulping down a bottle of what I presumed to be wine. Mom said that she and Dad used to drink it when they were young. I put my head in my hands and stared at him.

Dad swallowed the liquid and made eye contact. "What are you looking at?"

He is talking - to me!

"I am admiring you. I realized this morning how happy I am to have you and Mom as my parents. I thank God. A miracle from Him."

He wiped his mouth with his sleeve before pointing his bottle at me. "I told ya to not mention His name in this house. Do not make me get the punishment rope."

I was confused. "Whose name?"

"The name that starts with a 'g.'"

"God?"

He slammed a hand on said table. I almost toppled out from my seat! "Your butt will get a good massage if you say it one more time. Go ahead. I dare ya."

"I was not saying His name in vain."

"That is the only time that you may say it. Oh my—"

"Breakfast is served!" Mom announced. "I worked on it all morning, so I hope that you enjoy." She placed a big and a small plate in front of Dad. "I will grab yours in a minute, Carmen."

I scooped up my fork and knife as I licked my lips. This would be the greatest breakfast ever - seeing that I was an only child. Then I remembered Aunt Elore. She was not at breakfast with us.

"Where is Aunt Elore?" I asked. "Is she catching on her beauty sleep again?"

Mom looked at me as if I were crazy. "You know where she is. Actually, no. We do not know."

"What do you mean? She is in the house."

"Your Aunt Elore has not been here for months."

"Did she move into her own place?"

She shrugged. "I told you. None of us know. She cut us out because I married your father. He and she had this huge fight. He could not take it anymore and threw her out."

I could not believe what I was hearing. I laid said knife and fork down. "W-why did he kick her out? There has to be a good reason."

My parents ignored me and focused on the pancakes. I looooove pancakes, especially with chocolate chips and whipped cream and sprinkles. Did I make you hungry?

Dad cut off a piece of the pancakes and shoved it in his mouth. "Hmm...an interesting taste."

Mom was wiping her hands on a towel. "You like them, darling? Tell me that you like them."

"I do not like them. I hate them!"

"W-what?"

He spit out the piece and picked up his plate. "I did not order stale pancakes with sprinkles!"

"Honey. Calm down. Please. You will have a stroke or a heart attack."

"You will suffer a stroke and a heart attack after I teach ya!" He threw the plate of pancakes.

Mom ducked. The plate hit a wall and shattered. A sigh escaped her mouth. "I will clean...my mess."

"You can clean after you fix me new pancakes! Now get to it! You women were made to cook and clean."

"Not all women cook and clean," I piped in. "And some men do. And that is okay."

He slammed his hand on the table again. "Ladies must be quiet while the man of the house eats."

"But you are not eating."

"Do not talk back at me."

"I was not."

"That is it. Go to your room. No breakfast for you."

"But—"

"He is right," Mom agreed. "Go to your room and think about what you have done."

I did not feel like arguing with them, so I left. But I did not head to my room. I scrambled outside. I had to see Karma. She may not remember what happened.

I was walking down the sidewalk - when I bumped into a hooded figure.