An Innocent Mistake (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 2

I stroll down the remaining path to my house, where there is a gate. Then after I reach I turn around to see if Julia is still standing there or has left me. But it is kind of her to stay there watch me until I am entirely and safely dropped off. I wave at her to signal that she can go home, back the same path from where she came along with me to lead me home. She waves back with the tiny sparkle of smile, and abandons me at last.

I turn my head again to face the gates in front of my eyes and shove it, swinging inwardly. Going inside I push the front door and a homely smell fills my nose and a familiar view of the lounge relaxes me. But since there is no one in the house, I feel like I am stepping into universe of loneliness. The air rounds me and seems to ask me about my day. I answer it in a soft whisper. Then door behind me goes shut, with my push, and I go to sit on the sofa.

Silently, I gaze at the doll in my hand. I dig deep through it's eyes, and instantly urge to embrace it and protect it from evil, and in return expect her company. I feel like it's like another family member that I have been looking for, to be with me all the time. Nobody would take it from me because it's mine now.

Later, I take the doll to the backyard to wash it. In the backyard, there is a water hose coiled up in the corner. I uncoil some of it and twist the water spigot connected. The water begins flowing little by little and with the force it gushes out, splashing on me. I place the doll under the flow and slowly the dirt turns wet. The brown contaminated water surges down the it's body, leaving it washed and clean. But unfortunately, there are some marks that I have to scratch off separately. They seem to be done by some object. I put down the water hose and turn off the spigot. There is a pool of water on the ground, like a pond and the grass for a while looks like marshes.

I take the wet, dripping doll inside the house, and trail off upstairs. In my room there is a carpet and I don't like wetting that too, so I open the door and rush to the bathroom and put it in the tub. I remember that I have an extra towel that I never use and I use that to dry the body. Later, quickly dress it with the other doll's clothes, of which by now I have already thrown. The reason was me. I had cut an excess amount of hair, used colorful pens to make jewelries because it didn't have any and worse of all, I broke the limbs by throwing too much on the floor. Mom has bought me several dolls to play with, but I always treat them bad.

I have realized and learned that dolls are made prettier and have good looking clothes, so we play and treat them nicely. This new one I found today is like a mini, second handed gift. I see things in there that I have never seen in any other dolls. I know there was something special and touching about this one. The way it looks real, it also reveals a real personality.

I take the doll and put it next to me in front of the mirror. I look at myself directly into my jade color eyes and doll looks in the mirror too. But it is bewildering that either it is looking at herself or somewhere where I cannot meet my eyes to. I attempt to stare at where the it manages to look. It is a tough competition to match. I wonder how doll's eyes are made, so realistic and evenly complicated.

The time is drawing closer to the sunset. The orange streaks of light are dispersed in the sky as sun the climbs down the west. There are other blend of colors too, which I know they are the hidden colors of rainbow. They never show. They would either magnificently appear during the weather when it's sunny and rainy simultaneously. And other than that I notice them when the day wears off.

At this moment, the house is scampering to the dismal silence, that in this state I can clearly hear nearly every movement occurring in this immense house. The creepiness starts to take over my imagination, making me feel the unusual presence lurking somewhere in the corner or right behind me. My heartbeat brusquely paces in my ears and I can feel the ominous moment breaking out. To avoid myself from tightly getting boxed in the terror and fear of loneliness, I clutch the doll against me and crawl into bed under the cover. I realize I can take a rest from my wild imagination and distribute the attention to something positive. Make connection to happier side of my life with Julia and school routine.

As my fear starts to dissolve. I eagerly come out from under the cover and with doubt scan the place. My eyes during looking at everything, are clung to the ajar door of the bathroom. It is black in there. I am about to think back to the fear. But pause and shake away my fanatic thoughts. No. Not now when nobody is at home.

It helps me resign my frightened mind. I ease myself. I remember about the book I am reading which is in the side drawer. I reach for it, and fish out the paperback book, The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. So far it seems interesting and I can't wait to continue reading. The doll is by my side, but is shoved up on the pillow because of my movement.

I read the lines in seconds, and flip the page immediately to my interest. I get so caught up in the book that nearly forget about getting scared. I can't recall when I admit to sleep while reading. I get cozied in my bed, dive under the cover, eyes rest closed and the book topples from my hands onto my chest.

Later it might have been couple of hours and my sleep is interrupted by the shrieking of the car, being parked in the driveway. It is the familiar sound and I can't misunderstand that my parents are home. The tapping of the heels on the solid paved ground walks inside the house, after car door thumps close.

I wake up and start looking out my bedroom window through the cotton designed curtains. It is already dark, even darker than when I had earlier looked. The post lights have flickered on in the lawn and I feel the night soothing over my head.

I quickly come out of bed, and go to the door. There are voices of mom and dad conversing downstairs. I open the door tiny enough to be able to peek out from the slim view. But can't exactly overview the scene. The talking is heard, and the noise of movement occurs. The sandals of mom make sharp, loud sound clack over the tiled floor. She seems to go back and forth in two specific places; kitchen to someplace in lounge and from lounge to kitchen. I guess that she has ordered food from a restaurant and are now preparing to eat.

Then unexpectedly, the steps chase upstairs. I fall nervous and instantly think to jump back to bed again, pretending that I have long asleep before they even arrived. My eyes shut down, body lays carelessly under the cover and I handle the breathing to natural state, so the doubt doesn't evoke the idea that I am faking in her presence.

As the door flings open, I cease any slightest ongoing movement. I feel the sweet perfumed breeze running over me and that explains that mom has come near me. She comes over and plants a kiss on my forehead like I am her little angel. The touch tickles me, but I overcome it and stay quiet.

She mutters near my ear, "Sorry, honey. I wish to come early so I can spend some time with you. Sorry. Have sweet dreams." She says that and leave, closing the door humbly so to create less noise.

But I am still provoked by the clapping of the door.

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