Strange Things

Part 3: A Rude Awakening

You could see the rage on my dads face when he had shot them. I felt as if I was going crazy and
couldnt get away from anything that was happening. I didnt want to be near anyone because it seemed like everyone im near gets hurt as if Its my fault. I covered my body up quickly because I knew what my father was capable of doing to me now that my whole body is exposed with no one to stop him. He kept staring at me , I felt so weird I just wanted to run away. Surprisingly he didnt try to do anything this time but help me get my clothes back on. He told me to take his fingerprints off his gun and put it in the mans hand that was laying on the floor. He told me to run to the house and he would handle the rest himself. My father knew the ins and outs of this neighborhood and the tricks that his father taught him. I know youre all thinking why is all of this happening to a 16 year old ? Life is tough and people go through things and only the strongest survive.
I arrived at home and my mother asked me why did I have a bruise on my face. I gave her a smile and said it was daddys friend. "Daddys friend"? She asked. Yes ‍,I was walking home from school and they lowered me in to the car but before they could do anything daddy showed up and helped me. Omg Ann , Do you know how much trouble you could get us into? Why didnt you take the bus home like you were supposed to? She asked. I didnt want to be bothered and I needed space. She gave me a long passionate hug and rubbed my back. I felt secure at that moment. I have a surprise for you,she said. What is it ma? Here open it,she said. It was a boxed gift that had a red bow tie on it. I opened it and it was her ultrasound pictures. She asked me what did it say at the top and I looked at her and smiled. OMG MOM ITS A BOY!!! I was happy for this moment because I had been wanting a little brother. She said I knew this would make your day because this is some news you have been waiting on. I told her thank you and that I couldnt wait until he arrives.
Speaking of who will arrive , we will have guests coming over tomorrow, my mom said. What guests? We dont really know anybody mom. She said her mom and my aunts and uncles will be visiting. I dont even communicate with them and I know this will be an event that will go downhill. She wanted to let them know the gender of her baby and to celebrate it with the immediate family. I went into my room and sat on my window seat and all I could think about was my escape person..Josiah. He made me forget about all of the things I was going through , I guess I needed him every step of the way. I started to read this book I became interested in. Its about this boy who is different from everyone else but wont be accepted. He even tried to change who he was to fit in and it didnt work. Truth be told he should just love the way he is and dont try to fit in thats what makes him different. Afterwards I started to do my homework and watch tv. I soon began to fall asleep and woke up at about 5am because of a terrible dream. I couldnt go back to sleep so I stayed awake just thinking about life.
Ann? Are you awake? Its time for you to get ready for school, my mom said. I didnt even feel like going to school just because I wasnt mentally prepared to go. I wanted to stay trapped in my house forever. I had quickly got ready and I was on my way out the door as I saw my dad coming inside. All I could say was everything will be okay so I kept walking because if I let my mind feed into my father hurting my mom I would skip school just to make sure shes okay. Hey mama, what did you cook for breakfast? My father said. She started to stutter and said "Eggs, sausage, bacon and rice". Oh okay its smelling good , fix me a plate, he said. He told my mom that he saw her talking to a man the other day but my mom didnt engage in it. So who was that man that you was talking with the other day? He said. It was nobody and its none of your business. He smacked her and asked her again. Who was that man you was talking to? Dont lie to me. It was my business partner at work , we help eachother out. I dont want you speaking to him ever again , do you hear me? He said. You know if I see you talking to him again its going to be a problem and you know what type of problem im talking about. My mom held her hand on her cheek and shook her head up and down as a sign of understanding what he said.
I had returned home safely from school this time. My mom told me to help her set up for the guests to arrive. My father was laying in the livingroom taking a nap. We had to wake him up so we could set up. I believe I was the only one strong enough to tell him to get up off the couch. He got up and said well im going into your moms room to get more rest, dont wake me up when the guest arrive, I dont want to see them. Me and my mom cooked an amazing dinner for the family. Then hours later after setting up we heard the door bell ring. I went to the door and opened it , it was my grandma and her sister. Awwww shes so beautiful looking just like her mom. Her sister said. I could only fake a smile because I wasnt used to these people. More people arrived and it was my Uncle Ken , Uncle Joe on my mom side and Uncle Mark from my dad side. My aunties were there too it was Aunt Quita, Aunt Sam and Aunt Karen. They all were happy to see my mom and I. We sat at the table in the kitchen and talked about random family things. How's the baby? My uncle said. My mom stared at him and smiled the baby is okay and I want you guys to know that its a boy! They were all happy ,my grandma even shed a few tears. This was a joyous moment. My father had woke up from his nap and he came into the kitchen. He saw his brother and began to instantly beat him up. WHY ARE YOU HERE? WHO INVITED YOU? LEAVE NOW ! My father said. My uncle could barely get a breath out of his body. I came because I have some news , please dont be mad at me. One time me and your wife was on the way to come and get you from work. She had a few drinks so I was only trying to help her. I had some but it wasnt as many as hers. We started to get into the backseat and we had sex. Before my dad could reach for the knife in the kitchen my moms brothers stopped him and held him back from killing his own brother. I know you think you are the father of this child but youre not I am. He throws the paper on the counter indicating that he is the father of my moms unborn child.