Just A Girl

Chapter 1

Looking out her window, Adeline admired the way raindrops slithered down the glass.

Slow.

Gentle.

Going whichever way the wind blew.

She heard a crash downstairs causing her to jump. Pressing her head against the window, she let out a steamy sigh that caused the glass to fog.

"Here we go again." Adeline said outloud.

Creeping to her door, she cracked it open just enough to see her desired objects.

Her parents....

Her dad made his way towards her mother. Raising his hands as if he was about to strike her, she heard her mother call out to God for help.

Taken aback by her mother's boldness to call on God, Adeline clasped her hands over her mouth and her eyes widened with fear.

"Why mom?'" Is all she managed to whisper out.

Adeline's father became enraged.

" Don't you EVER say that name in this house again! Do you hear me Anika?!" My father screamed as he grabbed my mother shaking her shoulders vigorously.

My mother's hair flung wildly in different directions. Her slender 5'1 frame looked fragile in his muscular hands. She was so delicate and beautiful, yet he treated her like an unwanted thorn instead of an exquisite flower.

HE WAS THE THORN! I hate him.

My emotions began to take over before I realized I was biting down on my lip entirely too hard. Tasting blood I snapped back into reality.

Dang it! I swore and kicked the door.

I took a deep breath and went back to observing the overly replayed scene between my parents.

Another scream filled the house.

My father, in all of his 6'0ft and 200 pounds of masculinity, threw my mother against the wall and stormed out.

--

I awaited the routine time and ran down the steps to my mother. Her hair tousled every which way as she attempted to straighten herself up.

Did she really think I didn't know what just happened? Did she think I was fast asleep and didn't witness the whole thing take place?!

I couldn't stand when she did that. She wants everything to always look "okay". Well it did on the outside, but in this household, behind those doors, it was everything but.

My mother stood up, fixed her clothes, and walked across to the cleaning supply closet. Taking out a broom she began sweeping. I watched her in a daze. She's not the same. Our family isn't the same. So many thoughts consumed me.

Were they aware of the torture they've been putting me through? All the fighting, the fake happiness in front of outsiders, all of it! I'm just sick of being spoken at and not spoken to. I just feel like an object taking up space in an empty home.

Snapping back into reality I watched my mother pick up a picture frame... So that's what crashed earlier. I thought to myself.

My mother brushed off the broken glass unto the floor and stared at the picture. Within a few seconds she fell to her knees and began to cry. Her shoulders moved up and down rapidly as she panted for breath.

"Oh no.... No mom!"

I rushed and pulled her in between my legs cradling her trembling body to my chest.

"Mom, relax, breathe. Breathe mom breathe." I whispered into her ear.

Stroking her hair and rocking her back and forth always worked. She continued to gasp for air as the tears fell harder and harder.

"She'll calm down soon. Please calm down." I said to myself while rocking her and staring off into the room.

Ten minutes later she laid asleep in my arms. Her face looked so peaceful. I'm not even sure how that's possible.

Moving her to the couch, I covered her with a blanket and kissed her forehead. I'll just have to stay down here until she wakes up.

Taking one last look at her before I finish cleaning up I took the broom and began sweeping.

As I cleaned I sung "Little Lady" by Mali Music.

"I see the sparkle in your eyes. I can't wait to see you fly little lady. Life is but a dream right now."

I stifle a laugh and shake my head. I wish this all was a dream. I would give anything to wake up from it.