Footprints in the Sand

5. When You Marry Me Divorce Ain't an Option

All I heard that night was my parents arguing. Mum screaming at Dad, Dad sobbing for forgiveness from Mum. I sat watching TV all night, trying to drown out the domestic going on in the kitchen. By 4am, I was shattered, and the shouting was dying down. I switched my TV off and walked across to my bed. I shoved my head between two pillows, and slowly, painfully, fell asleep. I was awoken around midday by another round of shouting, this time from Dad. I wrapped a blanket around my head and shoulders and trundled down two flights of stairs to see my parents having a full domestic in the lounge. I walked in, rubbed my tired eyes that were hidden behind my thick-lensed glasses. Mum looked at me with pleading eyes. I walked over to her and she wrapped her shaking arms around me.

            “Do you not see what you’re doing to Flo?” Mum asked as she held me tight.

            “Her name is Florence!” Dad growled.

            “Actually, I prefer Flo.” I corrected. He glared at me.

            “Not helping, Flo.” Dad said snidely.

            “Soree.” I said, resting my tired head on Mum’s shoulder.

            “Go eat and get dressed, sweetheart.” Mum whispered. I groaned, lifted my head from her shoulder and walking into our light, cream kitchen. I found myself a bowl, sorted out some cereal, and made myself a mug of coffee. I ate and drank before I headed back upstairs, got dressed and pulled my suitcase from my wardrobe and tossed some clothes and wash things, all the bare essentials I needed. I turned my phone on and rang Seb.

            “Everything alright, Flo?” He asked cheerily, as ever.

            “Mum and Dad arguing.” I groaned. “Can I come over?” I asked, I heard him talking to Becks, his wife.

            “Yeah of course, if you can babysit Charlie and Lewis tonight.” He replied. I smiled a little and wheeled my suitcase down the stairs, my rucksack over my left shoulder.

            “Of course! I’ll be over in about half an hour, if that’s okay.” I smiled,

            “No problem, see you soon, Flo.” The line went dead. I picked my keys from the table next to the door.

            “Going to Seb’s, I’ll be back when you two have sorted everything out.” I shouted over the raucous sound of my parents shouting. Mum heard me.

            “See you soon, love.” Mum called.

            “No, you are staying here, young lady!” Dad shouted, storming towards me. I ran out of the door, unlocked my car, and shoved everything into the passenger seat, all before Dad could catch up with me. I drove at the speed limit, the last thing Dad needed now, once this got to the press, was his daughter speeding. I got to Seb and Beck’s in half an hour, parked up in front of their suburban home, got out and carted my stuff to the door. Charlie, my little brunette cousin, opened the door.

            “Flo!” She screamed as I walked towards her. I picked up the 8-year-old and spun her around. She had the same blue eyes as Mum and Seb. “Does Daddy know you’re coming?” She asked, taking my hand, leading me inside. I dragged my suitcase behind me and shut the door behind me.

            “Of course your Daddy knows I’m coming. I wouldn’t turn up without letting him know first.” I smiled. Seb’s face appeared around the door, and lit up as he saw me.

            “Flo!” He beamed. “What’s blown up?” He asked,

            “I’ll explain later. It’s… complicated.” I explained. Seb nodded.