The Game Of Life

Ginger

                   Ugghhhhhh!!!!! This is getting out of control! What do my parents think they are?? God?? Why do they pride themselves so much if they aren't capable of love? Today my father got me a shrink saying i was getting out of hand because i was a girl and needed counselling to make me more of a GUY!!!! I know my fathers problem. He's insecure. He thinks his position and power will go down the drain after his death because i wont be as capable as a boy to handle his "prestigious" work.

               I knocked on Chromes door, annoyed and disgusted with my fathers shallow thinking and mums uncanny delicateness. I must have knocked very hard because there was a puzzled look on his face as he opened the door.  There was something wrong today. He was hunched over, grimacing and there was a sad tinge to the way his face lit up when he registered my presence.

              "Hi!", I said, hugging him when he screamed, a pure sound of pain. I stepped back and curiously asked him, "Whats wrong, Chrome?". Defensively, he stepped back and adjusted his face. "Nothing at all Gin... Common in"

          We went up to his room and my venting began. "i just need to get this out of my system. My father thinks im incapable, only second to the perfect "male" gender. He is such a sexist. He thinks i wont be able...", i went on for about ten minutes and Chrome listened patiently like he always did. Then Chrome, moving very delicately took my hand in his. "I know Gin. It sucks. My life is anything but different. I really hope everything gets better."

A piece of paper fell from hid bed and he bent to pick it up when i inhaled a large amount of air, shocked and gasped because i chocked. There was dried blood everywhere and whip marks, both new and old. He turned around with lightning speed and stared into my shocked but questioning eyes.

"Spill," i said, "Before i go ask your father". When he didn't say a word i moved towards the door. At the last moment he gave up and finally told me everything. "My father has been whipping me since i was four, after my mom left because whether he admits it or not her leave devastated him. I have kept this a secret because everybody thinks i have such a perfect life. I don't tell Poppy, or you, for that matter because i don't want to hurt you or burden you further with my stupid problems when you already have yours."

"Stupid-". My phone started ringing. It was mom. "Ginger come home right now. Im pretty sure you're at Chromes. If you don't come immediately your father will come there and drag you home but your hair. You have some serious apologizing to do young lady." She cut the phone harshly.

"Chrome, we are sure as hell going to continue this conversation soon. I have to go now. My mum called to threaten me. Take care of yourself, please." I kissed him on his forehead and silently walked back to the disaster I called home.

___

by Elena