Rubber

Chapter One

Cool water runs down my neck. I look up from the water pooled at my feet to the dirty mirror in front of me. I stare into my gray eyes, the bathroom light casting dark shadows along my small, thin body. I press my palms onto the counter, my fingers turning red. I hear a soft knock against the door. I know it's my father and that he has his cheek pressed against the wood. He waits for any sign that he can come in. I push away from the counter, my hands falling to my sides. My eyes flick from the mirror down to my naked body. I turn and hold my stomach, staring at my reflection again. Another soft knock pulls me out of my lull and I turn to the door.

"Mhm." I place my hands back at my sides and wait for him to come in. The knob turns slowly and he pokes his head in. He doesn't show any fright or confusion as to why I'm naked, and asks if I want breakfast. "I'll have eggs." I turn back to the mirror and he leaves. The door clicks shut behind him.

I look around the small room and open a drawer. I search the contents for my brush. I find it and yank it through my short hair. I place it back into the drawer. I step back and look at myself again. My eyes rake over my body quickly before I grab a pile of clothes from the floor and step into the hallway.

The clanking of dishes and sloshing of water tells me both my parents are in the kitchen. I turn my back on the stairs and head to the end of the hall. I push the door open with my foot and flick the light on, the door closing behind me. I throw my clothes onto the bed and step in front of my full length mirror.

My hand rests on my shoulder, my fingers twisting strands of hair. I lock eyes with my reflection and see the feelings that have been floating around in my head for the past month. Swallowing uncomfortably, I begin to dress for my first day of public school. I close my eyes and walk blindly to my bed. I lay back and play with the velvety ears of my stuffed rabbit, my mind drifting to drowsiness and finally sleep.

I wake to humming and see my mother putting clothes into my dresser. I stay laying back when I ask what time it is. "Only 7:24, you've not missed breakfast. Dad's got your eggs ready. He made you your lunch, too." I sit up and cross my legs, watching her graceful movements as she maneuvers about my cluttered room. She stops when she realizes I'm watching her. She turns, her hair falling over her shoulder and into her face. The natural curls frame her stunning features. "Do you need something?" She smiles, but her voice shakes with concern. I shake my head and leave the room.

I pass the bathroom and jog down the stairs. I look out the picture window as I pass through the living room. I walk into the kitchen and my father hands me a paper plate full of eggs covered in cheese. I crack a small smile of gratitude as I walk back into the living room.

My mother comes down the stairs and brushes her fingers across the back of my neck as she passes. She heads into the kitchen to say good morning to my father. I hear a giggle and then his deep voice. I smile at the love they show for each other and dig into my eggs.