I'm Open

Chapter 1

When I woke up, I was surrounded by the dark shadows of the alley walls. It was even darker out. The moonlight illuminated the street. The air was calm and tranquil. I wanted to go back to sleep. As I closed my eyes, flashbacks from the night before flooded my dreams.

The man's cold hands on me. The force he pushed me with. The amount of fear that overwhelmed my body. I'd never experienced anything that frightening. I opened my eyes and jumped up from my seat on the ground. I pulled my dress down and ran home, crying.

When I got to my house, I ran into my room. It was 8:30 so the kids and mom were still asleep. I needed to take a shower. I didn't like to feel like this. This dirty. I went into my bathroom and stripped out of my clothing. I turned on the hot water, not cold, and rinsed the filth off of me.

While I was in the shower, I realized I didn't buy milk. I wouldn't be so worried about it, but the twins have school tomorrow and they'll need milk for breakfast. Realizing I am going to have to go out and buy milk, I finished washing my body quickly.

I changed into sweats and a hoodie and left to the store, again. As I was walking down the alley I prayed that nothing would happen. Thankfully, nothing did and I got to the store with no incidents. I grabbed milk and paid. I was on my way home when my mind drifted off to what happened in the alley. Who was the man? Why did he not take all of me?

I heard my phone ping with a notification telling me I got a text message. I took out my phone and saw it was from the same unknown number. Rocco. I thought. I opened the text.

Friday night. I'll call with further information and pay. My mood lifted just a little bit, knowing I will bring in money soon.

When I got home is was 9:20. I had a very eventful day and have an early day tomorrow so I decided to go to bed early.

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I woke up at 6:30 just like every other morning for the past two years. I started making the twins and my mother pancakes. They absolutely love pancakes. Who doesn't? When the pancakes started sizzling, I took them off the stove and placed them on their designated plates. Jonah would only eat his breakfast if it was on his "Transformers" plate. Lilly would only eat her breakfast if it was on her "Tangled" plate. Mom didn't care, but I still always put hers on a lighthouse plate.

I smiled as I remembered the day Mom, Dad, Jared and I went to the lighthouse, right out of the city. It was back when mom could walk fine and wasn't that sick. It was for Summer vacation. Mom loved lighthouses. She always said, "Like a guardian Angel the light house stands, sending out hope in the night. Like a faithful friend, reaching out a hand, brining comfort, trust and light".

My alarm beeped on my phone, telling me it was 7:10 and time to wake up my mom and twins. Jonah was really easy to wake up. All you had to do was say his name once and he was up. Lilly, though. Lilly you had to yell her name, then shake her, then take her blanket off of her. Then, maybe she'll wake up. Mom, was easy to wake up, but hard to get out of bed. Not because she didn't want to, but because of her illness. I gave my mom her pills, changed her wheelchair pads and wheeled her into the kitchen.

It was 7:30 and everyone was up and fed. I walked Jonah and Lilly to the bus stop and came back inside. I wanted to know more about tomorrow night so I decided to text the number.

When can I get the information about Friday night. I didn't know if Rocco had my name save so I texted the number again. It's Cara Valentina.

I waited for a few minutes and then I got a text back.

I know who you are, beautiful. Can you meet at Houlihan's? -R