Escaping

Chapter 14

'Tanya'!!!!! Mama was shouting from the verandah. The sewing machine stopped. I lay in bed stretching from the nap she jolt me from.

' Tanya, girl i know you hear me so bring yu behind out here now'. She hissed her teeth.

I pull myself from the bed, reluctantly and sighed.

I stood at the front door, watching as she tried to string a needle.
'Yes mama', I rubbed my eyes.

'Lazy gyal, I need you to pick up something at Mass Jeff store'. She focused on the needle and thread but it was no use. 'Him owe me too long now and I need ma money'. She tried again, closing one eye but it was the same result.

'uuhh Mama, I hate going to him. Him and the boys look stare at me nasty', I whinned.

'Tanya, just go on'. She resign from the sewing to stand. 'I'm cooking your favourite yu know'.

She smiled at me and I fold my arms still upset.

'Hhmmm, what should i cook?' She asked, pretending to think aloud. 'Maybe I should boil some porridge instead of rice and peas with baked chicken'.

'No no', I quickly pleaded. 'Bake chicken please. Let me run to him and come back'. I shuffle around looking for my slippers.

Mama chuckled, 'that's my girl. So hurry back.

'Ok, mama' as I ran through the gate at bird speed.

'Take the shortcut and hurry back', she shouted at me as she disappeared inside.

I really didn't like Mass Jeff and his twin boys Jefferey and Junior. They were always staring at me like they would gulf me down. I was 15 years old, I know what it means. Mama told me all about the birds and the bees, besides, my friends at school always experimenting on each other in the shortcut.

My mind wandered on the shortcut. It was a secluded area of bushes and trees and it lies behind the district. A river flow through it and many paths and track lead from it. It's a quick way to get to school, the town square and the bus terminus. However, Mama always forbid me not to use it because it's a lonely road and anything can happen, her voice mimic in my ears. My friends use this area to have a quick frolick in the water, or to meet up with their boyfriends. There is a big fallen tree few metres from the river and that's where they go to hide and touch and kiss each other. I only tag along to watch.

I took the long route to Mass Jeff to give mama time to rush cook and decide to use the shortcut on my way back.

As I neared Mass Jeff Haberdashery, I composed myself from the running, smooth out my skirt and fix my hair.