Motherless

What Billy Wants

When will she wake up?" I hear a voice inquire. "Only time will tell; her injuries are severe," another voice responds. "Can't you speed up the process?" I think this voice is my mother's. "That's not how it works, ma'am. I have other patients to attend to, but I'll have a nurse check her vitals," I hear as a door closes.
I groan, shifting in my sleep. Suddenly, I'm being roughly shaken. "Wake up," I'm told sternly. Unfortunately, I wake up. "Come on, get up now," I refuse to comply.

My mom grips my wrist tightly. "Get. Your. Ass off this bed now, or promise you will see the afterlife," she warns. I try to get up but then realize I have an IV in my arm. "I can't leave; this is in my arm."

She releases my arm slightly, shoving me. Before she can say anything, a nurse walks in. "Hello, I'm Amanda; I'll be taking your vitals," she says, looking between my mom and me. "There's no need for that; just take this thing out of her arm, and we'll be on our way," my mom gestures to the IV.

"She is not discharged; I can't remove it," the nurse replies. I see my mom become angry. "Please remove it; it's itchy and hurts," I say, trying to convince her. The nurse walks over, looking at the IV. "I'll take it, but I need some gauze. It won't take long," she assures, then leaves.

Shortly after, Amanda returns with gauze, tape, and gloves. She puts on the gloves and tells me she'll be removing the IV. "I'll make it so you don't have to be in pain, okay, sweetheart?" she assures. I smile slightly.

When Amanda finishes, she says she'll speak with my doctor. After a few moments, my mother throws something at me. "Put those on; we are leaving. Hurry up before anyone comes," she orders. I comply, realizing my mom has snuck us out of the hospital.

I wonder why I didn't fight her; I don't want to go back home. It has never felt like a home anyways. I hiss, feeling pain in every part of my body, especially my head. "Talia, stop making noise," my mom scolds. It's kind of hard not to when I'm in pain everywhere and this damn car is rising and falling like it has hydraulics.

"Talia, you're going to make that money you stole. You hear me?" she tells me. "I don't have any money," I reply. "I don't give a shit. You will find a job. Fuck an old man, I don't care, but whatever you earn will be given to me. Do you understand?" I reluctantly agree.

(Time Skip 2 days)

I'm in the tub, soaking in water. I notice some parts of my body are swollen. The slightest touch can make me scream in pain. You would think these bruises would be nothing, but the thing is, I've never been beaten like this before. I wonder why?

My mind is swirling with thoughts about why they're here. I hurriedly step out of the tub and drain it. "Get dressed quickly in something decent, not that trashy shit you wear," she snaps, but I'm too lost in thought to respond.

My face is suddenly gripped tightly. "Now listen because I will not be repeating myself," she says, locking eyes with me. "If you tell those cops anything you regret for the rest of your miserable life. Now look presentable for once," she orders, shoving my chin and leaving me in my room.

I hastily get dressed, trying to ignore the pain. I make my way to the living room, attempting not to limp. Inside, two detectives are waiting—one average-height Hispanic woman and one tall, mean-looking Caucasian man. I guess his height compensates for his less-than-appealing face.

"Dear, this is Detective Garcia and Detective White," she says, wrapping her arms around me. I stare at the ground until she nudges my bruise. I bite my cheek to stifle a scream.

"Introduce yourself, honey," she says. "I-uh m-my name is Talia, sorry," I mumble, feeling the female detective approach me calmly. "Hey sweetie, me and Detective White wanted to check on you and have a quick chat, is that okay with you?" the detective asks. "Once my mom says it's okay," I respond, trying not to get her angry again. The detectives look at my mom for approval, and she gives it in her fake caring voice.