I Just Wanted A Friend

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

“Mama!” I yelled as I ran through the house. I tossed my book bag on my bed and searched the rest of the house.

“I’m in the basement, Sweetie!” I hurriedly ran down to the basement and saw mom doing laundry. “How was your first day of school?”

I gushed completely. “It was amazing, mom! I have a best friend, her name is Libby. We have every single class together and we sit together at lunch. She gave me her phone number so I can call her tonight!” I took a deep breath. “Man, I sound like a little kid!”

Mom just laughed and hugged me. “I’m happy for you, baby. Would you help me fold these clothes before you call Libby?” It’s hard to think about what happened four years ago. We get to see Izzy every week, but moms fighting to get her back. I know she deserves it. She’s been sober for four whole years now and I’ve only been in trouble once.

I quickly help mom fold the clothes and then hurry upstairs. I call the number Libby gave me and a woman answers.

“Hello?”

“Can I talk to Libby, please?”

“One second, may I ask whose calling?”

“Emilie.”

I hear the woman holler for Libby and then I hear Libby’s voice as she answers the phone.

“Emilie?”

“Hey!”

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“Sitting in my room, I’m glad I didn’t have any homework today.”

“Yeah, you’re lucky. You’ll probably have a whole bunch tomorrow. Do you want to meet me at the park?”

“I have to tell my mom, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then!”

“Bye!”

“Bye!”

I rushed downstairs and almost tripped in my haste, but I regained my balance and looked up to come face to face with my wild eyed mother.

“Mama, what’s wrong?” I asked her worried.

“Baby, go up to your room and lock your door.”

“But, Libby wanted me to—.”

“Emma, I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. Go up to your room and lock the door.” She grabbed my hand and slipped something into it. “Now.”

I turned and ran up to my room. Once inside I locked the door and unfolded the piece of paper.

Your father is in the living room. Do not come down, no matter what you hear. I love you, Emilie.

Just as I finished reading the note I heard my mother scream.

“You leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this!” Loud footsteps got closer to my bedroom door and I backed away from the door.

“Emilie, I know you’re in there! Open this door right now!”

“Emilie, no, stay in your room!” My mother wailed.

“Shut up, I told you to stay out of this!” My father bellowed. I knew he hit her right as I heard a light thud.

“I have a phone in here and I’m calling 911. You better leave!” I grabbed the phone off of my bed and started dialing.

“I’m coming back, you just remember that!” I heard him run down the stairs and the sound of tires screeching followed behind it. I shut the phone off and ran out of my room.

“Mama, are you okay?” I bent down to help her up and she hugged me tightly.

“You’re so brave baby, thank you.” I took her to her room and tucked her into bed. I got her some Tylenol and left her to rest. Then I walked to the store and bought six new locks and installed them on the front and back doors.

I will not lower myself to that man, and I will not lose my mother after helping her get away from him.

I called Libby and told her I wouldn’t be able to make it and that I’d see her at school the next day.