Daughter Of An Outlaw

Loving Homes

"Well good afternoon, Maddie." I said as she climbed up on my lap.

"Hi Momma." She rubbed her eyes.

"Did you have a good nap?" I asked, readjusting her in my lap.

She nodded, leaning her head against my shoulder. I smiled as I kissed her forehead.

"Where's Pawpaw?"

"He's outside with Nana."

"Can we go see them?"

"Course," I placed her down on the floor and stood. She began heading for the front door and I followed. She opened the door and we found Ma and Pa standing out near the barn. It looked like they were arguing. I grabbed Maddie's arm to keep her from going towards them. "Ah, hold on, baby."

"Why?"

I sighed and crouched down. "It looks like Pawpaw and Nana are a little busy right now."

"With what?"

"You know how me and Uncle Eugene argue sometimes?"

She nodded.

"Well, Pawpaw and Nana are arguing right now. And you know when I get angry, I get cranky?"

She nodded again. "Well, Nana and Pawpaw might get cranky if we bother them. So let's leave them to settle things so they aren't so cranky, okay?"

"Okay." She smiled brightly. "Can we go see Auntie Abigail?"

I smiled in return. "Sure," I held out my hand and she took it. I led her to the house and opened up the back door. Aunt Abigail smiled as Maddie ran up to her. She cooed her with kisses and hugs.

I let out a sigh and walked towards the back door towards where Ma and Pa were arguing.

"We can't keep living like this, Arthur!"

"And what do you suggest we do? Huh, Rose? What?"

"I don't know but this isn't gonna keep happening! We have to move!"

"Where would we go!" Pa paced around. His head shot up and he froze when he saw me. Ma looked over to me and she shook her head as she looked up at Pa.

"This isn't over, Arthur. I'm getting sick of this shit!" She stormed towards the house.

I looked over at Pa before chasing after Ma.

"Momma!" I said, following her. "Momma, what's goin on?"

"Stay out of this, Bria."

"Momma-"

"I mean it." She warned.

"But-"

"Beatricia!" She glared back at me. "I said stay out of it!"

I sighed and watched as she slammed her bedroom door shut. I ran my fingers through my hair as Eugene came out from the hallway, rubbing his eyes.

"What the hell is goin on?"

"I don't know, but Momma isn't too happy about somethin." I backed away towards the front door and made my way towards Pa, who was pacing in front of the barn. "Pa, what's going on?"

"Just some issues goin on between me and your mother," he spat, wiping his chin, "nothin for you to worry about."

"It is something for me to worry about," I replied, crossing my arms, "I live here too. With both of my kids."

"Bria-"

"What's going on?"

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "We ran into a couple people."