More or Less

Chapter 11 • Catharsis

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Alisha's POV

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I dash into my room and lock the door behind me. Stephon is sitting on the edge of the bed with Angel by his feet. When he notices my expression, he stands up and ignores a dangerous growl from Angel.

"Alisha," He whispered, "What's wrong?"

I dodge his outstretched hand and pull his t-shirt off over my head. I shove it against his chest and open my drawer. I push clothes aside, throw some over my shoulder, but I couldn't find something quick to put on. My hands are shaking and my tears are making it hard to see. I close the drawer in frustration.

Stephon comes behind and wraps his arms around me. I attempt to get him off, but he just tightens his hold.

"Stop," He fiercely demanded. He stares into the mirror as his eyes searches my face in the reflection. "Talk to me, Bootyhead."

"Get off me, Stephon." I warned him as I raised my hands. "Now."

Stephon looks hurt. As if I had just stabbed him in the heart with a blade. He loosens his arms and I pull away from him. I dig through my closet and pull out a simple, tight, dark green dress. It's long sleeve and covers my chest, but it's short. I slip on my creme wedges and grab my car keys from atop the dresser.

"Where are you going?" He asked in a tired tone.

I just rush out the room and leave the house through the back door. I don't know where I'm going, but I need to be out that house, and away from Theodore.

Far, far away from Theodore.

I slip the key into my ignition and just drive. I drive to the McDonalds down my block and buy enough french fries to feed a party of ten. I always come here when my anxiety gets too high.

Stephon calls, but I don't pick up. I feel horrible for just leaving him like that, and I know that he would never do something like that to me.. But I can't have him see me like this.

I can't have anyone see me like this.

I end up at the entrance of Fulton Park. I'm surprised that out of all places, I chose this one.

Why this place?

I decide not to think about it and turn of my car. I step out and lock the doors.

Not much people were here. I slip off my wedges and carry them and my McDonald's bag in a hand as I jumped up onto the playground. The metal frame was hot, but not hot enough to burn my feet. It certainly was a hot day. The green dress stuck to my skin from sweat.

I climb up into the highest platform and set myself down in a corner. It was hot and humid in the tight, secluded space and it was terribly hard to breathe, but I ignore it and begin to devour my fries.

Why is he here? They said that he'll be in prison for another five years because they found unregistered firearms and illegal substances in his property. I would have been gone by then. In another state, with a husband to protect me. But, no, Theodore has been through this before. He knows how to trick and cheat the system. Smile at the judge's face. Apologise. Be on your greatest behavior. Let them think you've changed for the best.

But he hasn't. He's still the mindless beast who's actions run on disgusting impulses and temptation.

I lean my head against the green, metal wall and look up into the cone-like ceiling. It was painted to resemble the sky of a summer's day. A blue, blue sky with birds and clouds and a big, beautiful sun. I used to feel as if I lived in those clouds, flew with those birds, and bathed in that sunlight. I used to feel like that sky was around me and embraced me with pure love.