The Nightmare Outside My Window

F O R T Y - T H R E E

{ Harlow }

The days move by so slow to me. I was counting the days to go back to work. I miss my job. I need to move around a bit. Staying in one place ain't helping me.

But it feels so good to be home and spend time with Jr. He's a sweet little baby and loves to smile. He even open his eyes and looks at me.

My mom helps me out with Jr. If I have to leave and go to the store, she watch him. Jenny is busy with her baby and work. She said she doesn't want to go to college now. Maybe later on in life. I don't blame her.

I was on my computer looking for apartments near my mom house. When I go back to work, my mom will take care of Jr for me. She said she won't work till Jr goes to Pre-K. Her husband got her back with money and other things. And I got her back as well.

"That's too much"I mumble looking at this 2 bedroom apartment that was for $930. Lights, water, and energy don't come with it. I have to pay that separate. That's something I don't want to do. "Next"I move on to the next apartment. It was a condo actually. 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, a backyard, and a garage. I looked at the price and smiled.

"Perfect"I started to dial the number till I heard the front door open and Michael singing. "Fuck"I hurried and close the computer.

"Hey baby. Where Jr?"Michael ask.

"He's sleep. I just fed him"I said.

"When you gone feed me? You haven't cook since Jr came"Michael said.

"I will. I'm bout to head out to the store. Thank God you here"I smiled.

"Mhmmm"he nod his head and made his way to the room. I grabbed the computer and speed walk to the counter grabbing my keys and purse. I walked outside the house closing the door softly.

"Thank you Jesus"

{ Mom's house }

"Why you leaving Michael?"my little brother ask.

"It's nun of your business"my mom slap his back. "Go clean that room like I told you"

"Man ma, you didn't have to slap my back"he got up from the couch and walk to his room.

"Now why you really leaving?"my mom ask.

"You worst then hunter"I rolled my eyes.

"Wha- No I'm not"she said then sat next to me. "That's a nice place"

"I know, and I'm getting it"I said taking out my phone. I called the lady who owns the condo. I waited for her to answer for a minute till finally she answered.

"Hello"

"Hi, I was looking on your website and find this beautiful condo that you own. I was wondering if I can look inside and see how it is?"I ask.

"Sure, what time do you want to meet up?"

"Umm, how about 3. Is that fine?"

"3:30 is fine"

"Okay, thank you so much"I hung up the phone and smiled.

"Tell me what's going on?"my mom ask.

"I don't want to live with Michael. I can't take the attitude, the yelling, the....."

"Bruises"my mom caught me off guard. I looked at her and hide my bruised arm. "I seen it Harlow"

"Mom....."

"Does he beat you?"she ask. I didn't want to tell her cause I don't want her to get involved. "Answer me Harlow!"

"Yes he does"I sniffle. "I'm tired of it momma"I cried. She held me in her arms rubbing my hair.

"Why you didn't say anything the first time Harlow?"my mom ask.

"I don't want you to worry your nerves"I said. "I don't want him to hurt you as well"

"I don't care. I will kill him myself for you"my mom said.

"Please don't tell him anything that I'm moving. Once I get this apartment, I want to buy my furniture first then move in"I said.

My mom nod her head and hugged me. "I'ma help you"I nod my head.

I have to get away from Michael before something bad happens to me.