Stories and Songs

Fast Car

So this story I had planned out but as I was writing it it took off on it's own. I hope you all like it.

Trigger: Parental alcoholism 

I watched as Momma packed up her little car with suitcases and boxes. I couldn't believe she was leaving me. Leaving Daddy and I.

Momma looked up at me one last time. She looked at me with disappointment, like I had disappointed her. No. She's the one who's leaving. She's the one abandoning Daddy. She's the one to call it quits.

She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. Without another word or a goodbye Momma got in her car and started it. I watched as she drove down the road. Away from her family. The family she was abandoning.

I rubbed my eyes and sighed. I didn't want to cry, she didn't deserve my tears.

"May?" A voice from inside the house floated through the screen door.

I took a deep breath and put a smile on my face as I went back inside. Daddy was sitting in his chair in the den with a bottle of beer in his hand. He stared at it, swishing the liquid around in the bottle. However when he heard me he looked up.

"Is she...?" His voice broke slightly.

I nodded and walked over to him. "Yeah Daddy. She's gone."

He let out a strange noise. I kneeled down in front of him and tried to take the beer from him.

"Why don't you go up and lay-"

"No." Daddy grumbled, his grip tightening around the bottle.

I let go and instead moved to put my hand over his on the bottle. "You haven't slept in two days. I'm worried about you."

His gray eyes met mine and softened instantly. He looked like he was thinking, I tried very hard to communicate with my eyes. Eventually he moved his hand to hand me the beer bottle and stood up.

"I'll try." He said, his voice low and full of hurting. "For you I'll try."

I smiled at him and nodded. I stood up on my toes to kiss his cheek.

"I love you Daddy." I said. "Go get some rest."

He nodded slowly and shuffled towards his room. I waited until I heard the door open and close then I headed to the kitchen. Dumping the beer down the drain I couldn't help but think this stupid little drink is the reason why my mom left.

"Someone's got to take care of him." She said a few nights ago. "I've tried for years. He won't help himself and it's exhausting."

I tossed the bottle in the recycling.

I felt so angry. Daddy just needed a little help, that's all.

Glancing at the kitchen table I saw my acceptance letter to my top pick school. It would've been perfect, but it's out of state. Now with Momma gone, Daddy will need someone to take care of him. I can't leave him.

There was a knock on the door, making me jump. Ben poked his head in.

"May?" He called out. I moved so he could see me. He came in the rest of the way and closed the door behind him.

I couldn't help but walk over to him, burying my face in his chest. He wrapped his arms around me.

"Hey, I got your message." he said softly.

I pulled away from him and smiled gently. He frowned.

"I hate when you do those fake smiles." He said, reaching up to cup my face. "Wanna go for a drive?"