S t o r m Cloud

S e v e n

「 S  E V E N 」

:

The silence lingering in the air of the vehicle was like ice upon a frozen lake. It could crack at any given moment if someone applied  the right amount of pressure to it. It could either be broken peacefully or in a chaotic hazardous whirlwind.

I was already aware of Harleys eyes flickering from the road to me. I know it's hurting her, the cold shoulder that I'm given her. But she must understand, this is all to much. My head hurts with all the emotions bubbling up in my mind. All the toxic questioning thought left with empty answers and blank worrying stares.

I rest my head on the cold glass of the window staring off at the gloomy streets passing by. The familiar road signs and cars of my street coming into view. A small sigh leaving my lips as we approach my home.

But we weren't stopping.

Harley grip on the steering wheel tightened as she urged the car to go faster, screeching past the house. My heart sinking as I stared hopelessly at the front door. The lights all out, the empty shell of a happy home.

" H-Harley." Her eyes flicker as she process her name on my tongue." Where are we going? You've just passed my home." The hurt in my voice as I stuttered on the empty words.

A warm smile begins to grace her lips as she adjusts her mirror, quickly glancing behind us.

" I know silly." Her voice shifting, almost childish as though she was pushing everything rational to the back of her mind. " We are going to my home."

I felt my stomach clench, almost knotting itself doing flips. She wants to take me to her home. Is now the time to call her mom? or is it too soon? is she taking care of me now? is this just for tonight?

So many questions.

" I-is this just or tonight? If it is I will stay out of your hair, you can just drop me at the apartmen-"

I started to stumble over my words, worry and panic filling up my lungs.

" Scarlett, it's alright sweetie. You're going to be with me for a while. I want to be the mother I haven't had the chance to be." A warm fake smile gracing her lips. Everything about the glimmer in her eyes seemed perfectly polished. It's an act I'd seen countless times before. The act aunt Hayley performed every once in a while.

"I can tell you are lying."

Harley's eyes lowered as the words left my mouth. I didn't mean for them to sound so harsh. " I know you feel like you have to take care of me now but you don't have to."

I know she's doing this out of guilt. I could see the way she looked at him. The way her eyes softened, her eyes sparkling like she was staring up at a thousand stars. I know she'd rather be with him. A monster. And that angers me. She'd rather be with the man who hurt her than her own child. It hurts. Oh god it hurts.