Red Dye

l. Happy Birthday Mae

Red Dye - Happy Birthday Mae

Mae Jacobs-

"Happy birthday Mae!" My mother, Linda, screamed at the top of her lungs with the brightest smile known to man-kind. Her overly-eager smile told me a lot about how she felt about me turning eighteen. She clearly wanted me out as soon as possible. A small tug on my lips caused me to frown and shift in discomfort.

"Gee, thanks mom, I know when I'm not wanted." I breathlessly muttered under my breath. Her lips altered slightly, but still remained for show. Considering our family members and friends were here to celebrate my birthday she couldn't blow a horn on me. Her fake smile didn't faze me though; It's a habit she'd grown fond of since dad's passing and all. Her presence came behind me and the soft touch of her hands nestled on my shoulders. It almost made me forget how horrible of a mother she actually was, and reminded me of when she actually cared. She leaned in close to ear with the same plastic smile while whispering harshly,

"You know why things are the way they are dear."

I carefully eyed the room full of relatives and friends who had come to celebrate me. The genuine smiles from them, or even the bored facials from the children were something I wanted. Something I hadn't felt in a long time. All I ever feel is worthless and hurt. The thought alone left my eyes watering, begging for release. Pain was a feeling I despised; the feeling where your heart tugs down to your stomach and you still feel empty and unsatisfied. I felt my mother's hands clench a little harder on my shoulders, letting me know she was still here. My rage and sorrow were on full over dose and I knew words were going to get the better of me. I did indeed know why things are the way they are mother.

"Right, because you just have to let every man screw you like there's no tomorrow, or no dad for that matter." I hissed in a bitter tone with my arms laced around my chest. She cautiously eyed everyone around us before returning her hateful gaze to me. Her eyes burned hatred as she demanded,

"Out. Now."

Who knew three words or less could hurt so badly? The irony in my choice of thinking almost made me laugh, that is if I hadn't been so heated. I glared at her cold heartily. My hands came in contact with the table causing many silver wear and glasses to clatter. The once happy joyful sounds from people dimmed down; a lot. I continued my hard glare at my mother while others around us starred at us with wide eyes. I lifted my body from the velvet chair -which sent it flying to the ground- and calmly spoke with no emotion,

"Fine."

I showed myself out the door with an ear screaming shut -in other words I slammed the door so hard I'm sure the hinges fell off- while everyone watched my every move. The pain lurking in my chest slowly found its way to my eyes. My eyes brimmed with tears as I realized how cold it was outside. The pebbles beneath me were feeling the wrath of anger lingering from me as I tossed them with my shoes. The wind blew through me sending me to wrap my arms around me for warmth. I continued further down the ghostly road while rolling my eyes. I guess no one ever heard of street lights. The salty tears trickled down my eyes and streamed down my face. I quickly brought my arm up to wipe the tears away but it was no use. I already knew what I looked like without looking in the mirror. I knew my eyes were swollen and puffy; as well as my nose. The tears were sure to leave a glossy stain.

A deep sigh crawled its way up throat as I hung my head down in defeat. I felt so damn helpless and weak. My fingers laced around the charm bracelet on my opposite wrist that my dad had given me just two years ago. I squeezed my eyes shut and let a single tear fall. My eyes came open to realize this was my reality.

Out of my peripheral vision I could see the headlights of a car by-passing. I continued down the road with an eerie feeling lurking in my chest. The headlights hadn't gone by, and the light was pretty bright. So either to car was purposely following me, or I needed glasses. I was going with the former. I let a few minutes pass by before snapping my head around to come in contact with the owner of the car. I actually hoped it was my mother who had chased after me but my false hope died down. I came in contact with sharp blue eyes and it was like two years ago all over again. His lips tugged down before relapsing into a tight line. Our eyes searched each other for the longest time before he spoke without a hint of emotion,