WAR between SISTERS

13 years back.

***Divine's pov***

It's another morning with my dad away. He left for a business trip last two weeks and is yet to return. I spoke to him yesterday over the phone and he promised to be back soon. I miss him so much. Mum keeps punishing me everyday. Dad hasn't stayed abroad for this long except if it's a family vacation. He is china currently trying to seal a deal. I don't know what the deal is for. I'm only 7years old. Dad keeps saying I'm a strong girl and I'm growing so fast. But am I? Am I strong? What does it mean to be strong? What's your definition of being strong? My life is only peaceful when my dad is home. I'm always safe once he is home. I feel alive when he is home. I won't wake up with bruises when he is home. I won't sleep on an empty stomach once he is home. I'm allowed to use my devices once he is home. I have a parent figure to talk to once he is home. Only when he is home.

He knows I don't like it when he leaves me here and travels out. Why can't you just take me along dad? Before he leaves each time he is always reminding me to be strong. How can I be strong when I'm bullied by my own sister? How can I be strong when I'm never enough for my mum? How can I be strong when my own mum body-shames me? How can I be strong when I have no breathing space here? How can I be strong when I feel suffocated when my dad is away? How can I be strong when my mum invades my privacy every time. Telling me to be strong won't change anything. I will always be weak in the eyes of my mum.

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I heard someone whisper directly in front of my room and tears leaves my eyes. It's just 6am, yet I'm not allowed to sleep. Is it just me, or every 7years old have to wake up this early? Even on holidays? It's Easter break but I have no bunny. This is the worst Easter for me so far. Maybe, because my dad isn't home to celebrate it with me as always.
My door is slammed open gently and I flinched. I closed my eyes hugging my pillow and waiting for my mum to go away. Deep down I knew she won't go. She would prolly stay and watch me for a little while before smacking me. I braced myself but I got a gentle pat instead.
      "Baby, wake up. Your mum is heading here. I overheard her telling Delight she wants to use a new whip on you. So she can't find you still in bed".
     I understood what she meant. Most times Aunt Maria rushed here to inform me about my mum's next move. In order for me to get prepared for it or avoid it. I knew I couldn't avoid it this time. If she wants to try out a new whip on me she definitely will.

      "I'm serious here, Divine". Aunt Maria said shaking me violently. "You need to freshen up".
      On cue, I ran to my bathroom immediately. If I get ready on time and put on the rags she makes me wear each time dad isn't around, she might let me be.
      I hurriedly pulled off my torn pj's. My bathroom is large. My mum wasn't in support of it but my dad refused to oblige to her request. I run my hands gently round my bruises and I hiss. I declined the urge to look at my bathroom toilet. I turned on the shower bracing myself for the pain. The cold water runs down harshly down my back and I screamed in pain. It hurts more this time. My bruises isn't allowed to heal before I get new ones. I squat and cry loudly on my laps. Why won't she stop? Will she ever stop hitting me God? She doesn't hit Delight but hits me all the time. What did I do to her? The last time I apologized for whatever I did wrong, I got slapped instead. I close my eyes as tears runs freely down my cheeks.
       ***************************
     
     I managed to get dressed in a torn pink gown despite the pain. Aunt Maria walks in with my breakfast. I smiled as I watch her drop it on my bed. She always nice to me. I wish she is my mother instead. Noah and John are very lucky. John is her son while Noah is her nephew. Yet, she loves them equality. The kind of love I yarn for.

     "Do you mind if I feed you?" She asked smiling at me.
      "Yes please". I smiled and sat down on my bed.   I opened my mouth as she fills the spoon with rice. She feeds me five more times before I start sniffing.
     "What's wrong baby?" She asked concerned. She moves forward and place her palms on my laps and I hiss in pain.
    "Sorry", she said and removed her hands immediately.

      " I don't know why your mum is doing this. It's a pity to you see you like this everytime . But what can I do? The last time I tried to talk some sense into her, she threatened to sack me. I can't let her do that. I have nowhere else to go. This is the only home I have with two boys under my care. Aside that I can't leave you alone with them. If your dad leaves for a business trip you will be totally alone and that will be on my conscience. I can't let that happen. I can't talk to her either. I'm sorry". She cups my face and used her thumb to wipe my tear stained face.

       "No it's fine, Aunt Maria. Honestly it is, I'm getting used to it. I just don't understand why she hates me. If I'm her step daughter I would understand. But right now, I don't understand. I'm so confused. Is there something I don't know?" I asked once again hopefully.
     "Noo, you're her daughter fully. I know she loves you so much. Just give her time she will come around". She pulled me into a hug and placed her palms on my back gently.

    I cried on her shoulders a little and lift my head up to look at her. "Am I adopted Aunt Maria? Please be honest I can take it". I asked looking deep into her eyes.
     "You're not, stop asking these questions Divine. Will I ever lie to you?"
    She pulled me in for a hug and I hugged her back tightly amidst the pains. I love her so much. She is my backbone aside my dad. I smiled as tears run down my cheeks freely.