Almost

The Story They Tell

I could practically hear you both freeze. You probably weren't expecting me back so soon. Though you had argued against it, you knew I was returning. I was never strong enough to resist the call of my mother. 

I stomped back up the stairs, making sure my footsteps were heavy enough to be heard. This time, when I neared the room I pushed to door open, revealing the arguing best friends. 

You're hair was longer than usual and ruffled like your hands had been it it constantly. It was like you were worried. I couldn't understand what for. 

I was the first to break the prolonged silence. It was unusual. "So...um, where is she?" The words seemed to break you out of your stupor. 

"Aria.." The words were a whisper. "What the hell happened to you?" You were staring at my head, or more particularly, my new hair. In a foolish attempt to become a 'new' me, I had cut of my long, brown locks and dyed them a body red.  I chose to ignore the unintended jab and repeated my question. Kaleb answered with a nod towards the study.

I hesitated for only a moment, remembering the all of the moments of hatred shared in this house. In this particular room, I had been pushed to starve myself. I remember it like it was yesterday. 

"Really, Aria? You need to cut down the carbs. Honestly, do you even realize how embarrassing it is for me to have everyone see you so big?"

 I'm thirteen and slightly chubby. My stomach wasn't flat and neither was my chest. Things jiggled and for my mother, this was the end of the world.

Wila was in the window seat listening with intent. She had just started realizing the power she held over me and was greedy for more ways to torment me. The weight issue was something she would use until the day I left.

"I'm restricting your food intake. If you want something, you have to ask for it and there will be absolutely no carbs or sugar. I'm being very serious about this, Aria. I need to be notified of everything you put in your mouth. But don't bother me when I'm busy. You'll have to wait until I'm no longer occupied. Although, it may be best to just not eat." The last sentence was said in a mutter that ended in a chuckle. 

This was the only reminder of their cruelty I required to close my heart once again. Bracing myself for a messy reunion, I entered the room that held my one and only sister.