Affection | N.H

Chapter 7

("Insecurity, commonly regarded as a weakness in normal people, is the basic tool of the actor's trade." -Miranda Richardson)

Even after my tries to avoid sitting beside Niall on the ride, I had to. It's obvious to scream your lungs out while you're on a roller coaster but I didn't want Niall to hear me yell or even see me vulnerable. I don't sound good like all those perfect girls out there when I scream. I look horrible when I try making cheeky faces. You see, basically I am not like any other teenage girl, I am a horrible version.

"I am never taking you on rides, ever. Jesus Christ." Niall says still covering his ears as we walk down the roller coaster section of the fair. However, I can't help but notice the smile on his face. It's probably the first time I am seeing him smile.

"You shouldn't have bought me here at the first place." I smile.

Niall and I walk to his car in silence. Strangely, I am glad for the quietness. We both get onto the big car and Niall turns on the engine. The vehicle barely started moving when there was a knock on my side of the car. I turn to see a dark figure pressed against the window. Niall rolls down the glass on my side and turns on the light inside the car. The light lightens the car and casts a shade of light on the person.

Instantly my mouth goes dry and I swallow air. All the butterflies in my stomach chirp around in aggression as the goosebumps on my skin stand right up. My fear. My only fear about Melbourne. My mother, my so called parent is staring at me with fake love in her eyes. "Tisha? Is-is that you honey?" I want to correct my name but my mouth doesn't move. I take a moment to take in her appearance. Her eyes are still big and gray. Her make up style hasn't changed at all. She has perfctly decorated her eyes with black penciled eye liner and has painted her lips a deep shade of red. Her hair is perfectly styled into a messy bun on top of her head. The only difference I can notice in her after four years is that her blonde hair has gotten lighter and greyer. However, the amount of effort she has put into looking young, is evident by her short clothing.

I refuse to look back at Niall's silence because I know he is more confused than I am. "Mother?" My voice quivers. All the memories of her beating me, flows back into my mind.

To my surprise, she reaches out her hand to touch my face. "You've grown up so much honey. You're so beautiful and tall and..I missed you." She sniffs. I hear the fakeness behind her voice. It is evident. She didn't miss me at all. She probably has got back the want to have her punching bag back after these years. That's why I was afraid to come to Melbourne; because of my mother, my past. I didn't want to reopen the dreadful and violent chapters of my life.

I remain silent as my mother examines my face with fake awe. At last she spots Niall beside me. A smirky grin creeps onto her lips. Instantly her eyes fill with lust and want. "Is that your boyfriend?" My mother croons.

"Oh my fucking god. What is with people thinking I am your boyfriend!" Niall whisper shouts to himself but loud enough for both my mother and I to hear. I swear I hear a sigh of relief from my mother.

"So he is not. Hey handsome." I see in disgust as my mother winks at Niall. I turn my head to see Niall putting on the fakest smile on his face. "Anyways, you are coming with me Tarisha." My mother cruely smiles.

"I am living at the College dorms."

"My baby is a College girl already? You are definitely coming and living with me." She says through clenched teeth. Niall is very confused and annoyed. Without causing anymore drama in front of him, I get off the car and stand beside my mother. She takes ahold of my wrist and my skin burns on fire under her harsh touch. Before I could thank Niall for the day, my mother turns me around furiously and pulls me with her. I knew all that nice attitude wouldn't last long. It only lasts in front of other people.