Perfect Maniac

A Walk

Iris' P.O.V

Blood ran down her arm. Her cheek bruised and beaten. My father stood there screaming. I was terrified. So many emotions put together. Yet, terrified seemed to make more sense.

Everything happened above me for a couple of minutes. My father started beating my mother. I screamed. The neighbors didn't hear at that moment.

My mother picked me up, sitting me on the counter. I felt comfort in her arms. That lasted two seconds. Those two seconds I wish I could live for the rest of my life.

Looking me in the eyes, she said a quick goodbye. She kissed my head. She wasn't much of a screamer. I was told that she didn't want to frighten me. That makes me feel guiltier. This time she let out a blood curling scream.

I began screaming and crying. I thrashed almost falling off of the counter. My father ignored me, trying to silence my mother. The neighbors called the police, before rushing in.

The worst past about the ending of that story is, she was dead by the time they got to her. Now, no one knows how she spent her last few seconds. I can't remember, and I was the only one present.

I have been refused details. I just want to stop being told that I can't end up like my mother. It wasn't her fault. People don't see that. Some of them only know half the story. That's why I hate to listen to these words.

________

"Iris?" My aunt shouted from the other room. I stood up and met her. She looked at me with pity. I don't deserve pity.

"Yes?" I tried to reply respectfully.

"I will be going out for a bit." She informed me while putting her hair up. I was going to speak when she added. "I'll be gone about four hours." She finished putting her hair up. "Maybe longer."

I nodded at this. She didn't always leave me home alone. It was on rare occasions that she did. The only plans I ever have are the ones where I go to art class. That's not much though. I guess the only friend I've talked to recently has been Miss. Ace.

Now, that boy was probably at that art class right now. The one with the red hair and an abundance of talent. Not noticing my absence. That, I was use to. I just couldn't help but wonder what his mind was set on.

My aunt passed me, snapping me back to reality. She didn't speak another word. She simply just waved and shut the door after her.

I scurried over to the window and watched as she left. She didn't use her vehicle. She had only walked. If she was going to be gone so long, why would she walk? That specifically didn't make any sense.

As she grew further and further away I slowly focused my attention on something else. I picked up my phone that had many notifications. I spent most my time drawing and sleeping. Being unmotivated, I lost opportunities by sleeping. Feeling drowsy often I failed to keep my eyes open on most days. I usually went to my art classes at night. Waking up at eleven o'clock, filled with energy I've needed something to do.

Miss. Ace usually stayed late. She didn't always teach me. On some days she observes me as I draw and give up. She has tried to give me ideas. She's suggested some designs knowing I hadn't liked the one I'd used. I have always ignored her. She stopped giving me suggestions after a while.

Using my phone I hit the notification that stood out.

10 messages.

Who would message me?

The first word that caught my eye was the word school. I did go to school. It was close by. Though I preferred to not let people have an idea where I live. Peer pressure has caused me to wish I hadn't had to go. I've begged my aunt to let me stay home. I go to a middle school. It shouldn't be as hard as it is. I've been bullied by many different people. Sometimes they make an appearance twice. Sometimes there's more then one person. That's what made my heart stop at this text message.