Shine Bright Like Diamond.

6: Unbelievably True!

(Aleeyah in the MM)

Diamond POV

From school to work, from work to the house, enduring mother's daily insults and school's abusive bully from most girls but I get to count on my girls, my baby, Taffy and my bosses. At least, nah everyone is up against me in this world. My alarm took off annoyingly but I have to get up. Quickly, I took my bath, did my personal business and got Akiylah ready for the daycare. Taffy was already up and ready to go to her high school which means asusual, she'd drop Akiylah at the daycare center downtown.

"Taffy, breakfast is ready"I announced.
"In a minute Daya" she had also adopted that nickname.
"Here honey, eat up okay." I served Akiylah her food as Taffy joined us.
"Mmm...smells yummy daya. Can't wait to devour" I chuckled at how she lick her lips hungrily staring at the ham, sausage and toast I had made. I tried serving but she declined.

"No daya,I can serve myself. Its enough you cooked breakfast." I smiled kissing her cheeks.
"I better get going before I miss the bus"
"Hey wait, you ain't takin' breakfast?" Looking at the meal it looks delicious and I myself was salivating but I can't afford to be late coz I need to get to school to get some work done.
"Um, no. Ain't really tha' hungry though"
"Really, nah even a tiny weeny bite. It tastes good" Taffy tried persuading me by waving a sausage at me. I only laughed lightly and shook my head
"No thanks . I better get going. See you girls later. Bye baby" I went ahead and kissed Akiylah.
"Love you mummy" she whispered back.
"Love you too honey" just the mere sight of seeing her relaxed and less troubled, my heart is at peace. I could be hurt by my mom, laughed at at school but if my daughter gets to be happy and comfortable, am happy. She is the source of my joy.

"HEY! Where the hell do yo' think you're goin'?" Mama asked but it looked more to me like she scolded.
"Am talkin' to yo' hippo!" Her voice grew louder.
"I-im heading to school" fear over took me as she approached me at the door with a cigarette in her hand. Once she was in front of me, she she inhaled the cigarette and blew the smoke at my face making my eyes water and my throat dry.
"And you didn't bother to tell me coz now you got no respect for me again, huh?!"
"No mama, I thought you were asleep so I didn't wanna wake up " I tried explaining but she just scoffed in irritance.

"Whatever. Gimme money. I need it now" she stretched her hand. I didn't hesitate as I dug into my pockets and handed over to her almost of the money leaving me with less than quarter. Her face grew angrier all a sudden.
"What the hell is this?"
"I gave you most o' the money and I guess it would be more than enough for" I tried sounding calm.
"Wha' the heck do you take me for? Some cheap tramp like you?"
"Buh mama..." She cut in angrily.
"Cut the crap and hand over wha' you have left'' she ordered. I swallowed very hard knowing I'd suffer all the same if I give and don't give it to her coz am left with my lunch money which is barely enough and if I hand it over, I'd starve but if I don't, I better get ready to get beaten.

"Hand it over!" She yelled. I held tightly to the few bucks in my shaky hand.
"I said gimme the ..." As she raised her hand to smack my cheek, Taffy cut in angrily.
"Don't you dare mama. She has given to you all that she has and what is barely enough for her lunch you wanna have that too?" She said.
"You talkin' back at me? You better stay out if this coz it no concern of yours"
"It is mama. Diamond is my elder sister and I have every right to defend her" she moved closer to her mom.
"Please Taffy, stop it" I whispered in fear. She gave me a deadly stare from Taffy to me dragging the cigarette. Suddenly, she snatched the money from me and burnt my neck with her cigarette. The pain I felt ached my heart.

"Mummy!" I heard Akiylah cry out running to me.
"This would teach you nah to disobey me again you stupid wench!" She spat coldly.
"That's enough mama. Just go!" Taffy stood between I and her mother preventing me from further harm. Mama eyed me deadly before storming the stairs.