the girl called mystery

• 11 •

Colin and I were locked in another bedroom together. We sat on top of a bare mattress. This bedroom once belonged to my little brothers. The room and its walls were once nicely decorated, but now it stands bare. Unlike the rest of the house, there was nothing to make this room welcoming or inviting. It was honestly strange to have such a sharp change in surroundings.

"I have no idea what type of nonsense he's been doing. I remember how crazy he gets when he's had a lot to drink, but I often didn't see that side of him," I sighed.

Colin nodded in response.

"He used to be so kind and sweet. He wouldn't have ever thought about hurting me like this before," I motioned to my cheek, "I have no idea what's gotten into him. He's so scary now. I just wa-"

Colin's lips were on top of mine. Before I realized what was happening, he pulled away.

"Was that okay? Oh, God. I'm so sorry." His face turned red.

"No, it's okay." I pushed my lips back on his. Colin's hands made their way around my body. This time I felt warmth and love. I wanted to be in his embrace forever.

I tugged at his shirt. I wanted it off.

Colin broke the kiss, "Mystery, what are you doing?"

My face got hot, "I, uhhh..." I trailed off.

"You really want to do this? Now?"

I nodded.

"Your dad literally told us to not touch each other. I don't think he'd appreciate us doing that."
Colin had a point, but that man is not my father. That is a shell of who he used to be.

"He won't even know. I promise. We're probably gonna die here any way. So why not have something to remember before we go?"

"As much as I really would love to, I can't let you do this. It's not a good idea," Colin took my hands in his, "I'm not going to let you die here. You deserve some happiness in your life for once. I want you to go out and find it."

"Okay, woah. I wasn't being serious. No one's going to die. I don't think he's crazy enough to do that. Hopefully."

Colin doesn't look convinced, and I'm not even sure if I believe myself.

"You're his daughter. He's not going to kill you. He'll just kill the white guy his daughter decided to sneak around with."

I pull Colin in for a hug. The door opens.

"I told y'all not to touch each other! Can you not hear or are you just stupid?" My father shouted angrily from the doorway, a beer bottle in hand.
He lurched toward us flashing that blade again. 

I let go of Colin.
"I'm sorry," I speak.

"Mhm," he turns around to leave the room.
I see an opportunity.

I stand up and jump on my father's back. I attempt to wrap my arms around his neck to choke him, but he pushes me off.

"You just don't know when to stop."