My Turn

Chapter 4

        Muffled voices and clatter coaxed me out of my unconscious state. Prying one eye open, I glanced at the window. The sky was still dim, my alarm wouldn't go off in an hour or two. I groaned in realization that due to sleeping early, I have woken up early as well. I cursed at my timed body clock, I couldn't even force myself to squeeze in those remaining hours of sleep that would surely help in escaping them while they have yet to leave. Aimee was sprawled over the right side of my body. Her tiny head was resting on my chest, rocking her softly as I breathe. Her arm was thrown over my stomach, her fingers grasping tightly to the fabric of my tank top. Even her leg had gripped onto my thigh. Aimee's face was scrunched up, dried up tears caressed her cheeks. I carefully unwrapped Aimee from me placing a kiss to her forehead. The frown she wore smoothed out and her arms searched for me. Placing a pillow within her grasp, she went back to sleep. I went to the sink and turned the water on cold, washing away the remaining grogginess from my sleep.

        With a resigned sigh, I journeyed downstairs to the kitchen to face them, keeping my face impassive. It was a rare sight to see. John Price was sitting down on his designated spot at the head of the dining table drinking his black coffee and reading the local newspaper. Susan Price was in front of the stove casually flipping pancakes and frying bacon and eggs. I inwardly cringed at the scene displayed out in front of me. It almost seemed normal, but I knew better. This good mood that somehow brought them to leisurely eat breakfast was freaking me out. With determination, I entered the kitchen and went straight to the fridge, bringing out the ingredients for mine and Aimee's lunch.

        Susan turned around with plates of breakfast and saw me. "Good morning Jo," she greeted, reaching out to touch my shoulder. A white bandage peeked out under her blouse sleeve that was tainted pink. Her eyes followed my gaze and she withdrew her arm. I nodded at her saying a quiet greeting in return and continued to make our lunch.

        Papers were thrown to the table and John rose from his chair. He strode over to me and crossed his arms over his chest. "Good morning Johanna," he greeted sternly. I glanced at him, intimidated, so I nodded unable to say words that he wanted to hear. His stare darkened with disapproval and anger. His large hand clasped tightly to the base of my head, fingers tangled in my hair and inched closer to my face. "I said, good morning Johanna," he snarled in my ear, his fingers tightening their iron grip on my hair.

        I swallowed the knot in my throat and licked my dry lips. "Good morning," I managed to say, my words faltering in fear. A small smile appeared on his face as he nodded in approval. His nose was in my hair as he took a deep breath and kissed my temple, hard. I closed my eyes in discomfort and my body shook. He released my head with a shove, my hands reaching out to the counter to balance myself. My head stung from the grip he had on my hair, a headache creeping up as soon as the stinging faded.

        "A good morning it is, Johanna," John smirked, licking his lips. A shiver coursed its way through my body once more. His eyes landed on a series of bruises that covered my upper arm. He wrapped his fingers around my arm covering the bruises perfectly. I winced as he applied pressure to the tender flesh. He chuckled as he saw my head turn away from him. "Make sure you cover that up. You wouldn't want people thinking you were so clumsy, do you sweetie?" I shook my head and he let go. 

        They finished their breakfast and rushed to work by the time I finished making lunch. With the lunch bags set on the counter, I heated up the leftover breakfast and went to wake up Aimee. Aimee was lost beneath the covers, pillows scattered all over the bed. Separating her tangled limbs from the bed covers, I gently shook her awake. She opened her eyes and recognized me. Her eyes fluttered closed and her arms went around my neck. I picked her up and set her down on her chair back in the kitchen. I took out the heated plates of food and set it back on the table with glasses of milk. Aimee fully woke up with the help of pancakes and bacon. "Good morning Jo," she greeted me happily with food still in her mouth.