Shedding Tears [COMPLETED] #Wattys2016

Chapter 20

I look at Karen sitting infront of me, staring into space. She looks startled, i wonder what's wrong. I clear my throat breaking the awkward silence as she looks at me which eyes glistening so much emotions and simplicity.

'Stacey I' She begins, 'Before i tell you what happened, I'd like to tell you something about me. My dad is a pathetic alcoholic who beats me and my mum all the time. On the contrary, my mum is seeing someone and she's usually out with him. I never got the love, attention and care that i deserved as their blood daughter. I used to throw tantrums and get myself tattooed and do stupid stuff, but they never acknowledged my existence and i turned into a rebellious bitch.' She says in one go, gasping for air. I simply nod because obviously i don't know what I'm going to say.

'So,' She continues, 'I'm one month pregnant and my mums fiancé noticed my bump, my parents found out that i hadn't aborted and all hell broke loose. They beat me up till i was just alive, see these bruises?' She says as she traces her index finger over the purple bruise under her eyes and at the corner of her lips. My eyes grow wide, how could somebody be so ruthless and inhumane?

'Today, my dad was drunk as ever and he had this huge iron rod in his hands and he tried to hit it on my stomach in an attempt to kill the little one inside and hurt me. I ran through the house in horror defending myself in every way possible. I ran out of the house and he yelled behind me, I swear if you enter this house ever again I'll kill you. Your mother and i disown you forever. You're dead for us, bitch. And i ran until i came to this spot far from my house. I cried there recollecting some thoughts. How awful is it to be disowned by your own parents just because you have a baby growing inside of you?' She says and wipes the tears that have been falling all along.

She's right. The feeling is awful. I know how it feels like to be abandoned forever, when you don't have guardians at every milestone you take in life. But I'm sure Karen feels worse. Her parents have never loved her, never cared for her. She has been like this because she never got the parental attention that she deserved. At least i got the love and care and I'm thankful for God to award me with two people who loved me till their last breath. Mom, i miss you, come home, please.

She continues, 'Stace, i apologize, for being the bully that i was. Im sorry for victimizing you with my mental aggressions. I was jealous. I was jealous of everyone who was loved. I hated myself, which altogether added to my rebellious side. I'm so sorry Stace.' She cries and i don't know what erupted in me, but i pull her into a big warm hug. She immediately returns the emotion, and hugs me back like she has been owned, for once.
'Thank you.' She whispers in my ear and i rub her back before pulling away.

She smiles, a genuine smile is plastered on her face, for the first time.

'Continuing the story, so i cried on that spot to look up and see my mad as ever ferocious father standing infront of me with an iron rod in his hand. With increasing horror, i yelled at the top of my lungs and bit his arm in self defence and came running like a hungry lion was chasing me. I found your house and here i am.'

Her face expression suddenly changes to utter worry and dejection. Noticing the sudden change in her mood, i ask her, 'Everything okay?' She looks at me and sighs, 'I need a favour.'
'Yes?'
'Can i stay one night at your house? Please? I promise to leave before dawn and I'll run outside the city, rent an apartment there and i promise to never bother you again. One night. Please?' She begs, hope lightning her eyes.