Escaping

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

As I got dressed, I glanced at the calendar I taped to the wall. I smiled, touching the dates I mark 'X' on. My heart skip a beat. In 2 weeks I will be 18 years old. I was so anxious. I wish it was today.

'Only 2 more weeks,' I spoke out.

'My big girl turning into a woman'. Mother spoke, standing at my door post. I didn't turn to face her.

'Yeah', I mumbled, quickly pulling my shorts over my buttocks. I wasn't startled because i knew she would come to give me a report on last night and to remind me of the rules.

'Well, at 18 you can get a job. It's about time you help me pay some bills around this place'. She her voice stern like those war mood she got in when Micheal don't come home or when the tenants get on top of her nerves.

Michael was her new boyfriend. The only man I think foolish enough to stay with her and sensible enough not to sleep with me.

'Ok mother', i quickly replied. I wasnt stupid enough to anger her.

What she mean its time I help with the bills? I have been paying the bills for two years, I thought, wishing she would make her statement, recite the rules and leave my room. Nevertheless, she surprised me.

'Good. So last night, was very good. Good enough to earn you your birthday week off'. She was sitting on my bed, puffing her cigarette.

Did I hear her right? Was I dreaming?
'Thank you mother'. I was smiling ear to ear. 'You want breakfast?, I quickly asked not sure on what to do or react. I was almost through the door when she stopped me.

'No just sidung'.
I complied, careful not to allow my excitement to get the best of me.

'So you have no plans for your birthday?' Mother's cigarette was reduced to the butt. I watch my twin threw it through the window and focus her attention on me.

'No. Just to get a work and help you with the bills like you said'. I stared out the window to avoid her glare.

'Good', she sprang to her feet. It was as if she cowered over me, when in fact we were on the same height. 'You smart cause 18 or not, you still expected to work on Fridays. Nothing don't change. Same rules.' Then she left, slamming her door a few seconds after.

I exhale the breath I didn't know I was holding and sat on the bed with tears swelling up in my eyes.

'A wey you ago bawl fa?' The voice asked. I knew who it was.
'Remember you have plans?'

'Yeah', I responded automatically. 'But'.

'No buts, you shall have freedom in two weeks. To hell with Tanya and this yard'. She interupt me.

I didn't answer. I push myself from the bed, lift the mattress and pull out a folder.

She laughed synically at I open the folder and search through it's contents.

I have been planning and saving for this since I was 15 years old. Actually, it was all Olivia's idea. I just went along with it to quiet her down. I had a letter written and $5,000 stacked away for my birthday.

In two weeks I'm running away.
I don't know where to go. I dont onow Who to run to but I know who I'm running from.

Tanya Scott, my mother and this slavery she imposed on me.