Love, Give Me Wings

Chapter 7

(All Monsters Are Human)

   Today is the first court date. I'm so scared. I know I have tons of evidence, but dad knows people. So does mom. She would never run against me, but dad would make her. The things pure evil can do to manipulate people. How evil do you have to be to cause fear great enough to twist someone to your command?

   The answer to that is the devil himself and all his little monsters. All monsters are human. I learned that quickly. Though, not all humans are monsters. No, some are saviors; angels. With just one touch they can lift your sorrows, your pain.

   That's what Nick did for me. When she touched my wounds, it didn't hurt. Her words didn't sting. Her eyes didn't cut me like a knife. Instead, she made me feel absolutely amazing. I had butterflies in my stomach, I felt tingles where she touched, and there were sparks when we kissed. In that way I was free.

   I miss her so much. I've taken the SD card out of my phone for the time being so they don't know my exact location. I've also tried to stay off social media for that reason. I talked to her a few times on Sammy's phone to let her know I'm okay.

   I haven't told Sammy about us yet. I'm afraid to tell anyone after what happened with my parents. What if they do the same thing? What if they reject me just for that reason? I've tried once before, but nothing came out of my mouth. The only people that know are my dad, my mom, and my brother. Just telling those three people ruined my life. If I told more, wouldn't it just add to the burden?

   Luckily today I don't have to go to court. I will speak on the last day of the trial. I'm trying to prepare myself for that day. There's no doubt it's going to be hard. I just hope that everything goes accordingly.

   I have only pressed charges on my 'father', so mother and my brother will be witnesses and speak either for him or against him. I hope they tell the truth. I know mom would if she wasn't afraid of being beat, but she could possibly still speak up if she knew if it meant that monster going away. My brother on the other hand; he's a wild fire. He has always been 'Daddy's Favorite"... I have no idea where he stands.

   I called mom the other day from a payphone.

~Flashback~

   "Hello?", A deep, raspy voice answers. I freeze. It must be my dad. I wasn't expecting him to answer. He never answers the phone.

I think for a moment then continue, "May I speak to Marissa Clark?"

"Who is this?", He asks.

  I haven't thought about this. What do I do!? I can't tell him it's me, and if I say I'm some random charity or something he'll hang up. Why would mom get a call from a random number in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Not a doctor's appointment, no charities, not bill collection agencies. What could I do!?

   Wait! I know! Mom has been applying everywhere for teaching jobs. I'll just act like the principal from my old middle school here.

   "Oh! Excuse me for not introducing myself, I am a principal from Broken Arrow Public Schools. I have called to ask for an interview. May I speak to Marissa?", I say as polite and cheerful as I can.

   "Oh! Yes Ma'am. Here she is."

   He whispers something and hands off the phone.

   "Hello?", Said a high pitched voice. Her voice is raspy unlike usual. Sounds like she's been crying for days.

   "Hello Ma'am. Are you alone?", I ask, still acting as the principal until I know dad's not around.

   "Um... yes?", She seems confused.

   I broke out of that character, "Okay. Good. Mom, I need to quickly speak to you. Please don't tell dad. I need your help."

   "Oh my god, Catherine. Are you okay!? Where are you Baby? I- I- ", She sounds as if she's about to cry.

   I have to break her string of questions, "Mom listen to me. You have to speak against dad in court. If you have to, disappear after you confess in front of the jury. You have to help me win this. It's the only way to stop him. Please."

   There's silence on the line.

   Finally she speaks after a small sniffle, "H-honey, I don't know if I c-can."

   She clears her throat.

   "Yes mom, you can. You have to. I'm making sure nothing happens to you. Trust me this once. Also, don't go looking for me. Try to keep dad from finding me. We need to win this." I pleaded to her.

   All of the sudden I hear a slam and the deep voice again. It sounded like the sliding glass door at the house.

   "Thank you for calling me Ma'am. Hopefully I'll see you soon. Talk to you later. Bye."

   That's all she said before the phone clicked. Dad walked in. I put the phone back and lean against the pole.

   I'm going to put faith in my mother that she'll do the right thing.

~End of Flashback ~

We'll see what happens in the days to come...