Darlin' // Richie Tozier

Chapter 4

"-and it seems to be that they might make the curfew earlier than before if more children go missing."

"That's right, Karen. On that note, if you've heard or seen Betty Ripsom please call the Derry Police Department. Now back to Jerry with the-"

I turned off the radio on my bedside table and held my knees tightly to my chest.

Last night, after I had gained enough courage to leave my room, I quickly ran downstairs and took the radio, bringing it upstairs.

The past few days have been rough, I haven't gotten much sleep and I jumped every time I heard a noise. I was terrified to move, even breathe. After my encounter with it, I didn't feel the same.

Memories of my old childhood came flooding back to me, and I couldn't handle it. I had tried so hard to get it out of my head, but nothing seemed to work.

I glanced over at the clock and saw the time: 9:00 am.

I thought about the possibilities of the day: I could stay inside and worry myself shitless just thinking about things, or I could leave the house and maybe get some fresh air.

Besides, I hadn't eaten much either, I'd been snacking on crackers and bottled waters these few days.

I honestly would love to do the first choice, but I know I need to get out of the house at some point, so I thought, why not?

I got up and limped out to the hallway to go to the restroom, hugging my body as I slowly walked to my destination. Ever since the other night, my foot has been hurting when I walked.

Before I got there, however, I heard a door open from down the hall and quickly scurried to the restroom, locking the door behind me.

I was shaking even more until I heard a woman's voice.

"Are you sure you need me to go?" she asked pleadingly.

I heard the response and let out a sigh of relief, glad for once that it was just my asshole of a father.

"Yes, doll face. I have to go to work. And someone is coming to clean the house today and specifically asked me to leave the house with no one here."

Lies. He doesn't want her here because he doesn't want her finding out about another woman banging my dad.

I heard the woman whine, and she said," Okay, baby. Then I'll leave."

I gagged at the nickname she gave my father and heard footsteps pass my bathroom door, holding my breath as they passed by.

After a minute or so I heard the front door open and shut, and I waited another few moments to get up from my spot by the door.

I looked in the mirror and saw my face, examining everything.

My hair was a bit of a mess, and the dark circles under my eyes were so noticeable that it's all I seemed to look at.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my brush, beginning to French Braid my hair on both sides of my head.

A memory came across my mind and I smiled, remembering the day.

My mom was braiding my hair as I sat on the little stool I had gotten for my birthday.

I was five years old and it was my first day of school.

I looked up to the mirror and smiled as my mom carefully and gently braided my hair, a smile on her face.

I smiled and said," Momma, what is it you're doing to my hair?"