M.I.A 2 : New Beginnings

2

Mia...

"How was school?", I asked Talia, who was sipping on a caramel Coolatta, as she and my husband walked through the door.

He kissed me on the cheek as she did the same.

"It was good, Mom. Same as usual."

"What's for dinner babe?"
"Popeye's, damn it. I've been cooking all week," I said with a laugh.
"Alright, alright. I'll go pick it up in a little bit," he responded, laughing too.

The rest of the night consisted of just me and my little family watching movies in the living room, eating chicken, and enjoying each others company. It was perfect.

Nowadays everything has been going smoothly and I'm loving life twice as much.

17 years ago I was locked up in my own home, forced to do despicable acts at the hands of my dead mother's abuser. I had no one. I never seen myself making it this far, being this successful, making love to this man, or having this beautiful family.

Life was dim. Now my future is bright..

___

I woke up early the next morning, before the rest of my family. Talia wasn't going to be up for another half an hour and Cairo didn't have anything to do this morning so I know he would be knocked out for a while. I could be petty and wake his ass up because it's his turn to drive our daughter to school, but I'm not gone do that to him, I thought with a smile. He worked really hard yesterday.

I poured myself a cup of orange juice and sat on the living room couch, sipping it. I wondered why I was tossing and turning so much last night. My head was filled with images I couldn't recall at the moment. I knew they weren't anything good though. When I tried to remember, it sent literal shivers down my spine.

Just a random nightmare.

Hopefully.

I heard Talia's door open and her feet drag to the hallway bathroom. Time must've passed pretty quickly while I was in my thoughts.

The water ran while she brushed her teeth and then she turned on the shower. I was feeling extremely apprehensive for whatever reason. After about 20 minutes she came out the bathroom with her hair and body wrapped in a towel. From the couch I could see her.

"Talia, come here babe," I said.

She turned towards the staircase and walked down them, stopping halfway.

"Yeah, Ma?"

"Do you, um, wanna stay home today? Neither me or your dad will be busy, we could all chill together," I asked.
"Aw that's sounds so awesome mom. Can we do it tomorrow? I have a really important midterm for chemistry. I studied so hard for it."

My heart dropped a little. I can't keep her home. But why the fuck am I so scared to let her go to school?

I didn't let anything show on my face.

"Oh okay honey, yeah finish that. I forgot that midterm was today. Do your best," I smiled.

She smiled back and went up to her room to get dressed.

___

On our way to her school, the apprehensive feeling in my stomach subsided. I still can't tell what triggered it, but I'm glad it's gone.

I pulled up at the curb and she gathered her things.

"Learn something today a-"

"Stay out of trouble, I know. I love youu," she finished my routine sentence with a smile. I told her I loved her too and she got out of the car.