𝑴𝒚 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒔𝒔

Five

There was a whoosh past my ear, a glass cup avoiding my head just by an inch. I was hit on the hand with a cheese grater.

"You always do this!"

"Could you stop? Please?"

Ashley rushed me, slapping me and punching my chest hard. I could only block her hits, not wanting to hit back. I never do. Another few punches in my head and I backed up.

"Okay." I quaked.

"No, not okay!" Another punch. I could hear crying in the other room.

"Can I check on them?"

"No! You wanted to be out and about until late in the afternoon, you don't get to see them. I take care of them not you!"

All because I had a meeting. But how else  will I provide for us? Ashley wasn't always this way, so aggressive all the time. She was a sweetheart, fragile. Further down the line things changed.

And then the boys were born, for a few months she was back to normal but then, she became the monster that was hidden.

Ashley huffed and I tried to stop myself from crying. She doesn't like it when I'm out late.

"Look, I'm sorry." She says. They're still crying. Ashley waltzed up to me and touched my face, wiping blood from my nose.

"Please forgive me. You know I love you, Asher." She smiled and wiped the tears that finally fell.

"Then why do you hurt me all the time?" Her smile faltered, but she forced it in place.

"Come on." I thought she was about to hit me once more but she just took my hand, gently, as she led me to the living room. Amper, Ashton, Allen, they're all on the floor, red in the face as they continued to cry.

She went for Ashton first, being so gentle, so fragile. I scooped Allen from the floor, his screams becoming louder. I picked up Amper next, doing my best to carry the both of the five month old infants.

I went upstairs with the two of them. Changing, bathing, then preparing a bottle. They were silent in seconds after that bottle touched their mouths. Five minutes later she same in with Ashton who's being breastfed.

My heart skipped a beat. I'm nervous.

Ashley joined me on the floor as I still held both bottles. She set her head onto my shoulder, getting comfortable.

"We make such a good family."

__

I'm so stupid. Why did I think I would be fit enough for a job with the Mayor? The Mayor? I had cried for hours. I was at a point of giving it all up, and the money I have can only last me for so long.

After I had cried for however long, I took a shower and made tea instead of eating. I was in no mood for food. I made sure all of my doors and windows were locked before barricading myself in my room.

I opened my laptop, drifting to YouTube. I watched a few videos, lost in what I'll do if nobody emails me for a job. I have no phone, so my email is my best option here.

I nearly broke out in tears once more. I set the mug onto the beside drawer and wiped my eyes. Maybe someone did email me.

I opened a new tab, the other tab still playing the sound from some random talk show video. I went to email, refreshed the page and there it was.

One new message. I instantly sat up, my mood changing. I crossed my fingers as I clicked on the message and read.

Good afternoon Ms.Young, this is Julia Grey, from SaintVille Elementary School. I have reviewed your resume and would like for you to come in tomorrow for an interview in the library at 8am. Looking forward to seeing you!!
-Julia