For However Long

Chapter 1

November 3th, 2015
Kadijah!!!!!!!
I heard my father yell and I groaned. Last Night was the best sleep I had gotten in days and it pissed me off I had to get up now but I had to go to work. My dad forced me to work to help pay bills so, I got a job as a dance assistant with my best friend Autumn. We help teach younger kids different dance styles. It wasn't that much but it was enough.
I had finally got enough energy to move. So, I got up and sat on the edge of my bed running my fingers through my hair. I undressed from my pajamas and got in the shower. I rinsed my hair and brushed my teeth. After the bathroom I put on some summer breeze lotion my Aunt had bought me for my birthday months ago. I put on my Nike jumpsuit. And checked my iPhone it was 8:45 I still had time until work. I was going through Instagram when my dad yelled my name.
"Kadijah bring your ass down her NOW." I rushed down to see what was up until I felt a slap run across my face. I feel back and hit my head on a step making my head hurt.
Dad: "Why didn't you make breakfast for me and your brother."
Me: "I apologize sir I---."
I interrupted by him slapping me again and kicking my stomach.
Dad: GET THE FUCK OUT YOU WORTHLESS BITCH
He went upstairs to his room. I snuck upstairs I quickly grabbed my bag, my phone and got Hayden from his room to take him to school.
I walked Hayden out and shut and locked the door once I got out.
Hayden: I heard dad I'm sorry he hit you Dijah. I didn't really want breakfast

Me: it's ok buddy it's okay let's get you to school. I sniffed and walked him to his school a block away. My dad's words replayed in my head constantly as we walked. Once I got to the school I kissed his cheek and we said our goodbyes.

I texted Autumn to come pick me up from the school because I hadn't felt like walking anymore. I pulled up my camera to check my face and realized I had a small bruise on my face. I saw people looking at me so hurried to walk away until Hayden's teacher Ms. Daisy called me.
"Ms. Pope!!"
"Yes." I replied annoyed
"May I talk to you for a second."
I checked the time again and saw it was 9:30 I still had a little time. I walked in the school and Ms. Daisy led me to a conference room and I sat in one of the chairs.

"Umm where to start.... Okay I called you here today about Hayden. He's been coming to school with scratches and bruises on his arms and legs and I was wondering what's going on." She said

I began to grow nervous I couldn't tell her the truth😓. That my father beats us or he would be put in CPS (child protective services) So, I came up with the quickest lie.

"We'll Hayden is playful as you may know and when plays outside he falls all the time trying to show off." I chuckled to make it seem real. "So, he gets those from him being on his bike and scooter."

"Oh ok....that's what Hayden had told me but I was checking to make sure." She said.

"No it's alright." I smiled falsely
I got up and walked out saying Thank you when I got a text from Autumn

I just pulled up where r u 😕😴
I replied back: I'm omw out
I walked out and spotted Autumn's 2011 White Acura and got in as we rode to work.
"Hay Dijah."
"Hi Autumn" I replied dryly

"Can I ask a question"
"Yes"
"What's that bruise on your face"
I began to get scared. I forgot to put on my concealer to cover it up. Autumn already knew about my father so there was no use in lying.
"It was your father wasn't it."
I nodded slowly putting my head down.

"Kadijah Amari Pope you need to go get help or call the police."

"But they'll take Hayden."
"We'll your staying at my place then no, if's, but's or what's about it.

"What about my......
" Clothes and all that stuff." She finished my sentence.
"We can get it when he's not there now stop crying"
I had finally realized I was crying and I had tears all on my jacket.
"I miss my mom Autumn"
"I know bestfriend...I know."

We rode the rest of the way to work in silence.
Once we got in we set up for today's lesson and sooner or later kids came coming in.