Finding Peace Within Him

Chapter 2

Kayla Williams/17

January 10 2023, Monday

Crescent Lane*Primrose, May Pen Clarendon

The next morning, I rose early to tidy up the house and prepare the twins for school. I multitasked, making breakfast and packing their lunches simultaneously. Lewin had already left for work by 5:00 a.m., while Sophie remained in bed, sleeping like she was royalty—excuse my language, no offence intended to the royal family. Tamper was supposed to be getting ready for school, but instead, she was still in bed glued to her phone.

Austin sat patiently on the couch, waiting for me to finish styling Ashley's hair so I could escort them both to the taxi. He was engrossed in playing Subway Surfers on the tablet I bought him three years, back when online classes kept us occupied.

Austin was the quiet twin, always keeping to himself, much like me. He was reserved but had a remarkable singing talent. In contrast, Ashley was a different story altogether. She was loud and outgoing, often preferring to wander the streets like Tamper and Sophie. She had a passion for dancing but didn't take her studies seriously. I often had to remind her about the importance of paying attention in class. I didn't want her to end up like me or Sophie, lacking a proper education. My hope for both of them was to become successful individuals, with stable careers, and to rise above the challenges of our community.

"Alright Ash, these are yours. Go put on your school shoes," I said with a small smile, gently combing her hair into a Mickey Mouse hairstyle. It was the first day back to school, and I wanted her to look like a proper young girl. "Okay, Kay," she replied softly, warming my heart. She quickly slipped on her little flat shoes, ones I bought in the market for a reasonable price.

I stood up from where I was seated and brushed Austin's hair gently. He handed me the tablet, and I powered it off before taking it to my room and hiding it in my drawer. Unfortunately, I had to hide it because Tamper would often use the kids' tablets when I wasn't around and end up breaking them. Then, I retrieved a thousand-dollar bill from my drawer and returned to the living room to find them ready, with their bags and lunch kits prepared.

"You guys have everything?" I asked as we headed outside.

"Yes," they both replied simultaneously.

Just as I locked the gate, I heard a car horn blow. When I looked up, I saw Mas Ben's taxi pulling up. He normally drops them off at school. I opened the door and helped them into the back seat beside three other primary school kids.

"Mas Ben, when you pick them up at noon, please drop them off at Aunty Vanessa's home," I instructed as he handed me back the change. Then, I gave Austin the money, instructing him to buy juice for himself and his sister, as well as some snacks. I told him to save the rest for when they visit Aunty Vanessa.

Aunty Vanessa is Sophie's older sister, but she doesn't communicate with Sophie due to her questionable behaviour. However, she's always willing to help me out with the twins. I never burden her with the details of my abuse because I know she has enough on her plate, but her door is always open for me to stay with her if I need to. She even registered me at the school where she works, called Central High, which is located in May Pen, the same school I believe Tamper attends.

I returned inside to find Tamper already dressed in her school uniform, munching on cornflakes and engrossed in her phone. Without sparing her a glance, I headed straight to the bedroom. Placing my phone on charge, I made my way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. After bathing, I styled my hair into a neat bun at the back of my head, adding some edges to the front. I then tied it down with a scarf to keep it in place.