MON L'AMOUR

Philia

Trigger Warning :
Abuse,Abusive Parents,Strong Language
NOTE: Some words are written in Trinidadian dialect/broken english

"Hey Sidra!" , the said girl turned,bright eyed searching for the person who called out in the crowded corridor.Upon finding me,she managed to push her way through,meeting me by the side of the railing.At this time most of the other kids had already departed down the stairs.Scrambling to be the first in line for box lunch,as can be grasped  by the dean shouting at the kids for order.

"How was the chem test?" , I enquired
"HAHAHA!" , the said testaker burst out laughing,shaking my head i comforted,
"It's just course-work,it doesn't even count for much"
"I guess,but I really need to start putting more work in"
"Why don't you try lessons"
"That'll be worse..I have no energy after school..I doubt i'll keep up in lessons"
"You'll make it through"
"I hope-" , snorting she continued , "My mom said she'll pack my bags if i fail chemistry"
"My dad said the same about Math"
"We both got work cut out for us"
"True"
"Hey i need to use the washroom and fix my hijab,you wanna wait by the benches or?-"
"I'll come"
"KK great"

I probed the fading purple flesh on my shoulder.Feeling the sting i brought the white shirt back down covering it.Opening the door i exited the washroom stall,the smell of Sacha perfume filling the air.A class must've had PE before lunch.Washing my hands and fixing my hair i looked at Sidra,busy typing away on her phone.
"Share some of the wifi nah?"
"It's on messages not Watsupp"
"You shouldv'e told me you got a boyfriend"
rolling her eyes she responded,"My mom just wanted to know what i'll eat for dinner tonight since she and dad are going to one my dad's client's house for dinner,I'm staying home obviously cause it's a school night"
I couldn't help the grip that came over me,the grip of wanting to tell her how lucky she is to have parents who care to feed you,to have parents who care about your schoolwork.But that'll be unfair to her and mean of me to do.Changing the subject I told her we should probably go eat lunch.

"Bye Sidra"
"Buy Aahana,text me the spanish homework when you get home,cause i didn't take it down in class"
"No,thank you"
"Thank you!" , waving vibrantly Sidra laid her eyes back on her phone,most likely asking her mom when she's picking her up.
Letting out a breath,I began my dismal walk home.

"Ah chile,go buy me some cigs by the shop nah!"
"Yea,I'll go change first dad"
"Well hurry up nah!"
The hooks on my bedroom door shook as the door slammed .I began my usual routine of preparing for the evening.
"Eh girl! hurry up nah!"
"Coming dad!"
Sighing I exited my bedroom and went down to the living room where my dad was focused on the cricket game on TV.
"Here" ,he said handing me the money.
"Go buy yourself some snack too one time,cause you need to go grocery tomorror,cause the fridge empty."
"Got it" ,while grabbing the ten dollars and slugging to the door,I realised the rain started to drizzle,I grasped the umbrella by the door and hurriedly left.

"Thank you!"
"No problem have a good evening!"
By this point the rain was pouring,knowing the walk home was going to be lengthy ten minutes I prepared myself before heading out the door of the shop.Thunder cracked,causing squeals to be emmited from toddlers in the store.This rain boy.Sighing i tightened my hold on the umbrella and finally  took my leave from the cool insides of the small shop.

Finally,after a grulling ten minutes of carefully  manoeuvring my feet across the brown murky water,I managed to arrive to my house's front porch.Juggling the door nob I realised it was lock.Sighing I pounded on the door to get my dad's attention.Muffled voices sounded from the inside as I breathed in the faint smell of that cheap Sacha perfume.The door creaked open.
"Eh,You can go by your friends tonight" , siezing the cigarettes in my hand,my dad shut the door.
Not bothering to knock back and ask What the Fuck is he talking about,I left my front porch.Knowing the consequences if I didn't.

Normally,on nights like these,after getting shut out from my own home,I go to granny across the road.An old woman in her 80's who children migrated and husband died.Usually spending her days reading and looking out at the road.She doesn't mind when I come over and tell me I could stay forever if I wanted.However she was visiting her friend living in Chaguanas and wouldn't be back until tomorrow.Anxiously I fidgeted on my phone,She's probably busy..but I have no where else to go...I don't want to intrude.Shaking the thoughts out of my head I decided to dive head first and press the call button.
"Hey Aahana,everything good?"
"No" ,pressing my hand on my mouth I tried to collect my words
"What's wrong?-"
"I..I need your help"

Waiting by the small shop,the rain began to ease into a trickle,the dark clouds parting to show the crescent moon of the night.Wringing my hands in my shirt I looked out for the familiar white van.Glimpsing headlights coming up the street,I waved frantically noting the number plate was my friend's.Pulling up at the side,Sidra's mom came out.
"Hello Mrs.Mohammad"
"Come in quick dear,it'd dreadfully cold outside" , nodding appreciatively,I opened the door to the backseat,reavealing my friend of four years.
"It's ok" ,holding my hand she smiled at me , we drove off.

The drive to Sidra's house is a good half an hour,looking out at the streetlights flashing by,my eyes grew heavy,my chest felt tight.The music on the radio trickled out and I closed my eyes.My head falling on a warm shoulder.A hand soothed the back of my head and I drifted off to sleep.