Stories and Songs

Safe and Sound

Trigger Warning: Abuse, alcoholism 

"Are you sure you can't sleep over?" Asked my best friend looking over at me. Her books are clutched at her chest as we walk out the front door of our school.

I thought to my little sister. Tonight was Friday, he would most likely go out drinking tonight.

I shook my head trying to cover up my fear. "I'm sorry it's a sister night tonight."

My best friend pouted. "You always say that."

I shrugged. "I'm sorry. I'll see you on Monday?"

She nodded and waved good-bye as she climbed into her mother's car. I watched as it sped away. I sighed wishing I had a parent to come and pick me up from school instead of making the hour journey each day on foot.

I pulled at my backpack strings trying to pull it higher on my back when it suddenly became light with a thunk behind me. I groaned and took my backpack off me, inspecting the damage.

"He's going to kill me." I mumbled gathering my items in my hands and scooping them up.

The backpack I've had since elementary school. He just refused to get me anything new since all the money went to him and his drinking.

The trip back home was a long one, but I made it to our street. I whipped the sweat off my forehead. The heat was intense right now, even for spring. Before heading to my house I stopped next door.

"Coming!"

The door opened and the sweet smell of fresh baked cookies came out. The elderly woman smiled at me.

"Hello dearie." She looked behind her. "She's just finished putting some cookies in a bag for you both."

She waved me inside and then shut the door behind me.

"Thank you as always." I said. "Did you need me to-"

"Don't you even think of it." My neighbor narrowed her eyes at me. "It is a joy to have a little one around again."

I smiled and nodded. "Still. Thank you."

She patted my arm. "Anytime dear."

I went around to the kitchen where my little sister was putting cookies into a bag and pinching it closed. She turned and then giggled when she saw me showing me her bag of cookies.

"Sissy look what we made." She said beaming.

I nodded. "Do I get one?"

She frowned and shook her head. "Nope."

I faked a gasp and then poked her sides making her giggle.

"I'm gonna drop them!" She said between laughs.

I roll my eyes. "Okay, well get your stuff. We're heading home."

I watched as she shoved everything into her backpack. The cookies were probably crumbs now. She then zipped it up and skipped over to me. She took my free hand.

"Bye, Mrs. McAlister." She said with a wave to the elderly woman.

Mrs. McAlister waved back to her. "Good-bye Emily."

Emily opened the door and then carefully closed it behind us as we walked out of the house. She then took my hand again as we crossed the yard to get to our house a few yards away from Mrs. McAlister.

"What did you want to do for dinner?" I asked as we got to the gate around our property

She thought for a moment. "How about spaghetti?"