The Goddess Within

Say You'll Haunt Me

I walked the block and a half from the hospital to my home, constantly peeking over my shoulder. I felt that I would turn around and see my father. You have no idea how terrifying that thought can become, especially when you’re only memory is of an abusive bastard who left your family to grow up without a father.

            I flicked the light on as soon as I walked through the door. Isis and Bastet were excited that I had finally come back after leaving about ten this morning. I swear they think their dogs. They circle your legs, begging for attention, and are absolutely thrilled when you sit down so they can climb all over you, showering you with affection.

            As soon as I sat down and put me feet up, I was drifting into sleep...

Darkness was enveloping me as I ran. I stopped in front of a series of doors, pausing momentarily until I heard the footsteps getting closer. Panicking, I jiggled the first doorknob. Locked. Then the second, the third and then the fourth. All locked.

            I spotted a sliver of light coming out of a door to my left. How could I have missed that? I ducked into a dimly lit room and shut the door softly. It was a small office. Desk, couch, and two chairs a coffee table and a single lamp was all I could see in the faint glow. I swiftly crouched behind the desk, trying not to make any noise. That way he didn't knew where I was.

            Heavy footsteps clicked down the corridor. My breathing ceased. Goosebumps covered my arms. Hairs stood up on the back of my neck. Oh God this couldn't be happening. This couldn't be it.

            I heard him jiggling the knobs as I had done. The first one rattled under his heavy hand. Then the next three followed. I gulped. Glancing at the door, I realized not only had I forgot about locking it, it had no lock.

            I could see his shadow start to go past the room. His shoes clicking on the linoleum echoed through the hall once again. I let out a sigh of relief, happy that this ordeal was almost over. As I peaked around the desk, double-checking to see if I'm alone, I stop breathing.

            He was standing in the doorway. The soft light in the hallway silhouetted his muscular frame. The knife in his hand shined, and I saw my reflection in the blade. This couldn't be happening. Not now.

            "Looks like we meet again, my sweet, and this time, you actually know why I’m here. Don’t you Ariane? My beautiful daughter, you know the truth now, you don’t have to fight me anymore. I love you.” He whispered in a loving, fatherly tone.

            Before my heart would listen to reason. I stood up and walked around the desk, “Daddy? What’s wrong, what happened to you?” I refused to go closer than a few steps; I didn’t know this man...

            He reached out his arms, inviting a hug. I stepped over the stapler on the floor, and walked over to him. He gladly welcomed me into his arms. “My beautiful Ariane, I’m so sorry I didn’t stay with you. You were my girl, I loved you more than life itself, and can’t you see that? I missed your childhood, but not by my choice. Can you ever forgive me?”

            I rested my head on his chest, “Of course, daddy. I couldn’t stay mad at you.” He let out a sigh of relief and pulled me closer.

            “There’s so much I’ve missed, but I need your help. Can you help me, angel?” Tears glistened in his green eyes as he pulled me away from him.

            “What is it, daddy? What’s wrong? I promise I’ll help you, then you’ll love me.”

            He smiled and pulled me into his arms once more, “Atta girl. I need you to tell your brother’s the truth, the real reason why I left. I loved your mother, but I wasn’t myself after you were born. I was in trouble, sweet girl. I was in deep with a gang. They knew I had sent their friend to jail, and they didn’t like it. So they threatened me. I had to make your mother and brothers hate me, I didn’t want them to kill you, angel. You were my everything." You’re still my everything.