What We Create

Chapter 12, 13,14 & 15

Chapter 12

Jessie

I swam in the muddy green water of the lake. The water was cool, but I swam frantically, barely aware of the temperature. Heavy cloud cover blocked the sun. My rapid breath bounced off the water. The smell of mud, moss and fish filled my nostrils. Dad thrashed, swimming after me. I chanced a look back at him. His black eyes focused on me. I could see the happiness in them. The joy evident on his face as he hunted me. I knew if he caught me, he would kill me. Who was this man? Why was he my dad?

I couldn't see the shore, and he gained on me. The sense of impending doom overtook me. I didn't think I could out swim him.

His hand clamped tightly around my ankle, and I started to scream, and kick hard to loosen his grip. As I went under, I sucked in lake water.

My foot connected with my bedroom wall, and I awoke from the dream with a gasp. I sat up, and rubbed my aching toes and foot. My heart pounded. Soaked in sweat, I flopped back down on my bed and took some deep breaths. Unfortunately, nightmares made frequent appearances, and the lake dream constituted a particularly bad, recurring one. I looked around my room, and noted my closed bedroom door. The carefully arranged toys, and stuffed animals on my floor were undisturbed. I booby-trapped my floor, I didn't want Dad coming into my room with me unaware. I listened for sounds in the rest of the house to determine who was awake. I could hear Mom's light step on the kitchen floor. I didn't hear the telltale signs my dad was up,

such as the radio playing oldies in the back bedroom.

I myself to the kitchen to start my day with bran cereal. As I chewed, I slowly started to wake up. I thought about last night's drama. It had probably caused the dream.

Dad came home late, and drunk, which led to a fight with Mom. Thank God, I studied in my room so I didn't have to face him. I stood still in the middle of my floor and listened to them fight. Adrenaline whipped through my body, and my legs twitched in response. Baby crawled under my bed and cowered. Brian studied at Tracey's house, so he wasn't home.

Alone, I dealt with them. Their fight progressed from the kitchen to the bedroom. They shut the bedroom door, but I still heard their angry voices.

"Put your clothes back on! What's wrong with you?" Mom yelled.

"Is it a sin to be comfortable?"

"Do you plan to walk around the house naked? In front of your daughter?"

"Let's not upset Jessie. The all-important child! Fine, I'll get dressed."

I could just imagine his ridiculous face to go along with his comment.

"Just calm down. Stop shouting." Mom asked.