Love's Prison (On Hold)

It was the day my life ended.

My little heart beat loudly in my chest. I thundered down the stairs as fast as my small feet could carry me. The rain outside pelted the house and the wind wailed in agony. Only one thought was on my mind.

Where's mom.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I flew around the corner, darting into the kitchen. Frantically I looked for dad.

My search soon ended.

 I saw my father clutching a bottle in his hand and sobbing violently on the table.

"Daddy where's Mommy?" I asked, my big blue eyes pleading.

He looked down at me, his eyes red, "Mom left for groceries sweet heart." His voice sounded like he just swallowed shattered glass. 

"Is she coming back Daddy?"

The only response I received was more sobbing as he chugged the pale yellow liquid.

“Callie? Callie!!”

I was snapped back to the presant and looked around, apparently I had been standing in front of the doorway of the truck to load up the rest of the moving boxes.

“Sorry dad.” I looked down embarrassed and flung my box among the rest.

“It’s fine. Go take a look through the house one more time will you? Make sure we haven’t forgotten anything.”

I nodded and walked into the house. I wasn’t dissapointed because I never had anytime to get myself attached to anything. That was the point. But it’s kind of sad when you get on a first name bases with a moving company.

 It didn’t take me long to check through our flat, there were only nail pocks on the wall and some dust bunnies from where the couch used to be. I sighed, turned on my heel and came back out the garage door. The workers driving the truck had bolted the back door into place and slammed the car compartment shut. I watched with folded arms as the engine revved up, roared to life and blew out a cloud of exhaust as it drove away. Just another wonderful day in the exciting life of Callie Shay!

“Callie!!” my dad yelled, “You getting in the car or not?”

“Coming!” I yelled back.

I wonder what’s next? I grabbed my art purse and got into the car, our stunning 1998 model Camry. I’m surprised it’s still running! Though the leaking oil and exhaust pipe sounding more like gunshots is giving some subtle clues that it might be on its last leg. On the bright side when we are trying to get somewhere and dad starts up the car people sure do move out of the way fast! At least there are a few things in my day that makes me smile.

“Where are we off to now dad?” I wondered.

“This is going to be a fun one Cal! We are taking an expedition to North Dakota!”

My brow furrowed, “There is only one person in world who is allowed to call me that.” I stated flatly.

“And who might that be little lady?” He stated with the voice that said, I’m your father I can do what I want!

“No one. Just stick to little lady.” I replied with obvious annoyance.

My dad bit his lip jammed the in key and started the car. The conversation was going in a bad direction. So, I think you have noticed that my dad and I don’t have the greatest relationship. Ever since we started our crazy routine of musical houses he has acted like it’s a fun adventure. I know it’s hard for him but he doesn’t realize that in doing this he has made my life a misery. I still love him with all my heart but my social abilities have plummeted and my patience fuse has been whittled to a nub.