Billie White

Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

“Roman seems friendly.” I let one eyes roll up and one roll to the side, then pursed my lips.

“Mom, what is that meant to mean?” She sipped some of her lemonade, and I popped a grape into my mouth.

“You two, seemed to be getting along quite well, yesterday.” Her cheeks sucked in, and her cheekbones suddenly became highly visible.

“He, was acting like a complete idiot; laughing at everything, and chortling like a baby.”

“I heard you laughing too,” she noted and I sighed.

“I’ll admit, that there were times that his laugh was funnier than the joke.” I slurped up some Cola, and my mom’s eyebrows quirked up at me.

“Interesting combination.”

“It’s all about balance, mom,” I smiled, then popped in another grape. The chilled, shaded air settled fondly on my skin. My dress hug tightly onto my waist, and I picked at it discouragingly. “I think, I need to start running again mom,” I added and she gave me a motherly smile.

“Honey, are you worrying again?” I shrugged and she let out a sigh. “If this is about Roman, then-”

“I’m not trying to impress Roman,” I interjected and her shoulders dropped in relief.

“Just make sure, that what you’re doing is healthy and for you.” I nodded, and she smiled. “Could you take Jessie out for a walk?” she added as I was getting up. I slurped up the rest of my Cola, and shoved a couple of grapes into my mouth.

“Shure,” I gurgled, and chortled as some grape juice sprayed across the grass.

“Billie, I thought you were going to take on the role of being a lady.” I shrugged, and swallowed the grapes.

“We all have to have at least, a little, bit of fun mom,” I noted. “JESSIE! Where are you honey?!” I heard a sudden scramble of feet, then Jessie bounded out through the back door and sat at my feet. Her golden tail was wagging, and her fur glistened in the sun. Her eyes shone brightly, and as she circled round my calfs, her wet nose brushed gently against my legs. “Is the dog lead inside, mom?” I asked and she nodded sipping some of her lemonade.

“On the kitchen counter.”

“Come on Jessie,” I beckoned, my voice changing it’s pitch. “Come on!” I marched inside, and Jessie followed me eagerly. Her excited barks, echoed throughout the empty house, and I grabbed the red lead and squatted so I was at her level. “Okay Jessie, calm down for me hon so I can put this on.” Her mouth shut, and her eyes dulled as she saw the red lead in my hand. Pathetic whines started to emit from her mouth and I let out a heavy sigh. “Jessie, I have to put this on you,” I said and started to put on the lead. “Remember what happened last time?” She carried on whining, and I did my best to ignore her. “Mom! We’re leaving now!” I yelled and I peered through the window, to see my mom giving me a thumbs up.

I tugged firmly on Jessie’s lead, but she followed with her tail sagging and her face drooping. “Come on Jessie!” I said, trying to cheer her up. We went through the front door, locked it and stepped back outside. Jessie cheered up immediately when we were on the porch. She bounded off, and yanked my arm at her sudden move. “Jessie!” I hissed and she stopped moving. The light had gone back in her eyes, and her tail was wagging again. “Come on honey,” I breathed and turned right. “We’re going to go this way, today.” My right hand clutched onto the lead, and Jessie led the way; a hop to her skip. “They didn't release you 'cause you're better, Dais,” I mumbled, and closed my mind and ears to the reality of the world. I needed to practice. “They just gave up. And you call this a life, huh? Taking Daddy’s money, buying your dollies and your knick knacks ... and eating his fucking chicken-” My head jerked, and I heard a sudden shriek and Jessie’s bark ringing in my ears. I shook my head, and blinked rapidly.