Redemption

Chapter Seven

"Come on Shadow!" I whistled and ran out the porch door, the grass tickling my ankles. The puppy bound out the door behind me and plopped to the ground before giving a small bark then racing after me. Laughter filled the warm air.

An hour went by before I bent to pick her up, her tongue hanging low, panting heavy before giving my face a swift lick. "I love you too, girl." I rubbed her head and made our way back inside. The cool air hitting our fevered skin.

"There ya go." I smiled and walked away as she lapped at the bowl of water. Greedily gulping it before collapsing to the floor, closing her eyes in exhaustion. Grabbing a cold water out of the fridge I uncapped it and followed suit. It was refreshing but caused a wave to hit my chest and head, almost like drinking a slushee too fast.

Walking around the corner I was met with a hard body. His appearance strangling mine. "Why were you outside?" His voice was angry. I instinctively took a step back, trying to put distance between the both of us.

"I was playing with Shadow." I looked down. My eyes not daring to meet his own.

"Why?"

My mind danced. He was looking for a fight. Even at my young age I knew he was waiting for me to slip. Waiting for the moment he could put his hands on me once again. I pondered my answer. What was right and what was wrong? Was there any right answer anyway? I hid the shaking of my hands behind my back. Weighing the outcome in my head. Sweat beading my forehead.

"I was just having fun with her outside." I made the statement before trying to walk away. The fear boiling inside of me, too much to bear. My heart leaped wildly until I could feel the bouncing of my heartbeat. Hopefully that was enough of an answer and I could go about my day. Could it really be that easy? Turning, I hope for the best.

The yank on my head caused a lightning bolt of pain to thunder it's way through my scalp and down my neck. I yelped out. My mom coming around the corner. I see the fear in her eyes before she backs out of the kitchen. I can hear the growls emanating from my dad, willing my mom to question him. My eyes locked onto her, begging for the moment she'd say something, anything. He drug me by my hair to my bedroom before bending me over the bed and yanking off his belt. The slam of the door like an exclamation point. The sound of leather slapping my skin echoing in my head. The constant barrage making me go numb.

I closed my eyes and willed myself to go anywhere else but here.

~~~~~~

The salt streaks, made my cheeks feel tight. There was an ache that made my head throb more then it already did. I sat in the darkness, my knees pulled up to my chin, thinking of the day I could escape. Getting lost in the daydream it brought. A stillness and peace I longed for. I was afraid to come out when I heard a small knock on the door.

"Layla..." the voice paused before I heard the small creak of the door being pushed open. I hurriedly wiped at my nose and cheeks, willing the puffiness to dissipate. I came out, toy in hand.

"Yes, Mama?" I tried to paint a picture of being ok. I didn't want my existence to be a burden any more than I already felt.

"What are you doing in the closet?" Glancing at the open door.

"I was just playing with my toys." I looked down at the doll in my hands, playing with the pink frilly neckline of the dress, pulling the clasp closed on the back.

"Are you ok?" Her eyes always reminded me of a crisp cool Granny Smith apple. They felt cold and lifeless. The same fire was missing. Fine lines formed on the corners, the constant stress being etched along her pale skin.

Was I ok? No, not really? I wasn't going to tell her that though. She dealt with him in other ways I didn't. I never wanted to add to her chaos. I knew what that felt like. "I'm ok." I took a deep breath and hoped the smile being formed on my lips was enough that she'd leave it alone.