The Ghost of a Soul

Lost in the Truth

I try to look around Zeke but he moves with my head, blocking whoever is behind him.

I imediatly think that it's the crazy ass neighbor that lives next door or other danger. I mean, can you blame me?! I feel like the world is turning against me and every word is a sign of danger.

I jump up and run to the kitchen. I don't know what kind of game my Aunt and Uncle are playing, but I don't want anything to do with it.

"Emily? What are you doing?!" Uncle Zeke asks walking into the kitchen, looking at me, then at the knife in my hand.

"EMILY!" Zeke yells

I drop the Knife out of my hand and run back into the living room. Is Rachel okay?

Rachel is staring at whoever is around the corner, Zekes little surprise. She looks mad and unhappy with what is in front of her.

I mouth Rachels name and try to get her attention so she can tell me whether to go back to the Kitchen or to confront her. Rachel doesn't see me, or if she does, she dosent care. I walk over to Rachel slowly, with my back to the front door. I refuse to look at what is making Rachel angry, mostly because I'm scared. I turn around with my eyes closed. Before I open them, I think of what I will do if this person is danger. Who am I kidding? I can't do anything! If this is danger, its over. I open my eyes, starting at the persons feet. My heart begins pounding faster and faster as move up twords the face. My eyes stop at the hands. The fingernails are painted rose red with a touch of sparkle.

No.

No way.

A few days before we left to come to Florida for "vacation", Mom, Rachel and I went to get manicures together and I specifically remember mom getting this exact design.

This is my mom.

Instead of feeling happy that my mom is here, I'm only angry. Mom let "Dad" take over and let him send us away. She didn't stick up for herself, for us. I take a deep breath, thinking that my mom is here because she can't put up with "Dad" anymore. At least I hope thats why she's here.

After taking a couple deep breaths, I feel nothing but relief. Maybe my life is putting itself back together. Maybe Rachel and I do have a chance to grow up somewhere we might actually survive. Make it into the world.

I have a sence of patience, and hope. I am calm now, finally comfortable.
I pull myself out of my thoughts and see the real world now. I am still staring at moms hands. I feel comfortable to look her in the eyes now. I look at her and as my eyes meet hers, I took a breath in, then out, my air taking all the worry and discomfort with it.

"Mom," I say as I walk over to hug her.

"Emily, I am so happy to see you! I've missed my girls so much. " Mom says holding me in her arms.

"If you've missed us so much, why did you turn us over in the first place?!" Said Rachel. Mom and I looked over at Rachel. Me, I was surprised by Rachels reaction and a little upset that she said that. Mom looked, sad. She looked guilty.

I pulled myself from her grasp. Rachel reminded me of a reason to be upset. I looked in her eyes again and saw a bruise right next to her eye that extended almost to her cheekbone. Dad must have hit her! He could of killed her! At this point, I understand that mom only wanted to protect us while she figured out how to escape herself. I feel the most sympathy for her.

"I want to talk to you and your sister about all of this." Mom requests.

Mom and I walk outside together, finding Rachel on the swing. Of course. The last time I was outside, there was a lot of tension and fright among us. This time, with my mom here, it feels like the most peaceful place. Well, I guess it could be a little more comforting......without a crazy neighbor. But even with a crazy neighbor, I feel the most safe with mom next to me.