Broken Birds

Fifteen

Flashback.

My cramps had finally subsided.
But I knew it was just a matter of time before the pain comes back as excruciating as ever.

I wonder why it had to be on my sister's wedding day, when I've planned everything perfectly. I can't wait to see them when they get back, before they leave us.

It's been a very emotional day for me. That's it, they're leaving us forever.
I can't deny that I'm worried about Fadila though. I know Muktar has a motive for marrying her, I think he just did it to get back at me for declining him and I honestly don't understand why he's so bitter because I never led him on and I told him I liked someone else since day one so I don't understand where his disappointment is coming from.

I talked to Mami but she said it's because I'm envious my younger sisters are getting married before me. I can't deny that it feels a bit hurtful sometimes, especially when people talk about it but wallahi I'm happy for them, so happy and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I get up to get some water as my throat felt so dry.
I was wearing a sleeveless gown, something I enjoy wearing at home.

Ya Zubair called a while back and said he'd be home soon, that he was tired. He never really liked events in the first place. And I'm sure he hasn't eaten yet so I'll get the maid to make him something to eat quickly before he arrives.

I enter the kitchen and find her washing dishes "Vicky?"
She turns around and look at me "Anty, you're awake. You should be resting".

I smile "Don't worry, it has subsided. I just came to get warm water to drink"
"There's water in the flask. Anty Zainab put it there for your nephew's cerelac"

"Do you think she'll notice if I pour a little from it?"
She chuckles "Don't worry, I'll fill it up"

"Thank you"

I pour out the water in a mug, take a bottle of water and open the door to head out.
"Ya Zubair is coming back any moment now, please make something for him even if it's indomie. You know how he likes it"

"Yes ma"
I walk out.
The worst part was most parts of the house had their light off, they probably switched it off as they were leaving and walking was already a task so I couldn't go around turning on all the lights.

I take a deep breath standing by the edge of the staircase. I hope I don't fall in this darkness. The only light illuminating it coming from the moonlight. The switch is at the top and I didn't carry my phone along when I was coming down, so I'll just hold onto the rail like my life depends on it because it does.

Immediately I get to the top of the stairs my stomach starts churning. The worst part about my period cramps is that it starts two or three days before I see my monthlies.

It stops for a second and comes back more agonizing than ever. I drop the mug and almost fall but thankfully strong hands held onto me.

"Thanks"
Slowly we made our way to the top.
"I told Vicky to make your food—" I start saying when we finally make it to the top and he lets go, only for me to see my step father standing before me.

Under normal circumstances it shouldn't be alarming as he helped me from falling to my doom but not this man. I've always feared the day I'd ever be alone with this sexual predator.

They way he uses every opportunity to touch me or lust over my body. There was time he even told me he'd wish my mother had a youthful body like I do.

I was scared.
Shaking to my core.
"Thank—you" I barely say before leaning on the wall trying to hurry to my room.