A Rose In The Dark

Chapter 8

I wake up the next day, with mama next to me. The house seems strangely quiet, and I'm confused for a second, before realising that it's because dad isn't here, making noise, shouting for mama to make his coffee, or something along those lines.

I sit up, disorientated for a second, because I don't recognise where I am. Then I realise I'm in mama's room, with Lucía on one side of me, and mama on the other. They're both sound asleep.

I look at the clock, and gasp, causing Lucía to stir. It's 7:45 already! We need to leave in fifteen minutes if we want to get to school on time!

I shake mama and Lucía awake simultaneously. They both groan and mumble, but are wide awake when I tell them the time.

'Que te den!' mama says, then looks at us. 'Sorry, mija's, we need quick.'

We start running around the house, shouting out to see if anyone has seen our whatsitsname, and asking if each other are ready yet.

Somehow, miraculously, we are ready to go on time. We all collapse into the car, and breathe a sigh of relief as mama pulls out from the driveway.

'Gracias, Sofía.' says Lucía, and I look at her in surprise. 'What?' she says. 'I'm complimenting you!'

'Yeah, but... like...'

'But like what?'

'But you never compliment me...'

'What do you mean?' she says, looking hurt.

'It's just- well, you always side with dad against me, and- and you never believe me, and you- you're just so perfect all the time.'

'Oh, Sofía, ¿sabes que todo fue un error? Me siento tan mal ahora, tratándote así. Y ponerse del lado de dad... eso es defensa propia. Asegurándose de no ser el siguiente en su línea de fuego. Lo siento, y sé que no mejorará mucho, pero Sofía... simplemente, te amo. ¡Eres mi hermana pequeña! Necesito protegerte más... todo esto es mi culpa.'

(Oh, Sofía, you know that was all a mistake? I feel so bad now, treating you like that. And siding with dad... that's just self defence. Making sure I'm not the next one in his line of fire. I'm sorry, and I know it won't make it much better, but Sofía... just, I love you. You're my little sister! I need to protect you more... this is all my fault.)

'No, no lo es, Lucía. No es tu culpa. es de papá. No necesitas decir lo siento, ya te perdono. Es papá quien debería disculparse.'

(No, it's not, Lucía. It's not your fault. It's dad's. You don't need to be saying sorry- I forgive you already. It's dad who should be apologising.)

Mama looks back at us.

'¡Mis queridos! Eso fue tan dulce, y los amo a ambos. Me alegro de que pudieras averiguar... lo que fuera necesario resolver. Ahora, es hora de ir a la escuela. ¡Qué tengas un lindo día! Dad debería estar en casa para cuando vuelvas.'

(My darlings! That was so sweet- and I love you both. I'm glad you could figure out... whatever needed to be figured out. Now, time to go to school. Have a great day! Dad should be home by the time you get back.)

'Oh sí, ¿dónde está dad?' I say

(Oh yeah, where is dad?')

'Away.' she replies. 'I- I don't know your dad is. Oh, mija's, am I bad mama?' Tears drip from her perfect eyes.

'No, no, mama!' I say, and lean over and give her a hug. 'You're a great mama, and we love you!'

She sniffles, and hugs me back.