Breaking Down

Prologue

Before we begin this tale of woe, we have to take a look into the past.

What led Aubree into the arms of a man who would one day destroy her?

~

You know how almost everyone says "Oh, I had a horrible, terrible childhood." And then they either go on to tell you a truly upsetting story of the things they experienced young or they explain how mom and dad didn't take them to Disney when they were eight but did every year before. Well, my story doesn't have the latter.

My childhood was one unlike most children, it wasn't all bad. Just a few rough spots here and there that would really stick with you.

~

My dad, he was an incredibly strong man, I can't even describe just how strong he was. While he was strong, he wasn't exactly healthy.

So from a young age I experienced a lot of long nights in hospital rooms as my dad struggled to breathe or struggled with his heart. I learned very early on just how significant life was and equally just as fragile.

My most intense memory was a day in April. It was windy, a little chilly but not enough to require a jacket. I was dressed in my private school uniform and I was ready for my dad to drive me into school.

He had just been laid off from his job as an CAD Engineer and my mom was providing for us until he could find another job in his field. My sister was a Freshman at the local high school and I was beginning the fourth grade, what an exciting time.

I remember that my biggest fear for the day was that I would have to recite the Gettysburg Address, by memory in front of my whole class for a grade. I was stressed and nervous. But I had no idea what would follow that morning.

~

I had grabbed my back pack and was waiting by the front door. Dad was on the couch, tying his shoes. I was impatient and pacing by the front door, I wasn't going to be late. Not by a long shot, I just loved to arrive at school early and sit in the cafeteria with my friends before school began.

After what felt like an eternity dad had finally finished tying his shoes and we were off!

Or so I thought.

"Hey can you call your mother for me?" He asked me as he handed me the wireless phone.

"Shouldn't I be getting to school? Why do we need to call mom?" I was impatient, I needed to rehearse The Gettysburg Address with my friends.

"Please just call her for me." He pleaded and sat back down on the couch.

I huffed and dialed moms number. I grumbled to myself before she answered.

"Hello, Elaine speaking" She answered, in her ridiculous professional voice.

"Mom, dad told me he needed me to call y-" Before I could finish he snatched the phone from my hand and began talking to my mom in a hushed tone.

Dad starting ushering me toward the door while he was on the phone. He was saying words like "slurring, drooping, numb". I didn't realize what the signs were of, my mom did. The CNA in her knew how vital the minutes would be.

Dad handed me the phone and I could hear the panic in mom's voice as she spoke.

"Aub, I need you to call 911 for your father, do it quickly. And then call my cell phone." I could hear the worry in her voice. My heart rate was rising and fear was setting in.

"Mom, what's going on?" I asked.

"Aub, please, just call 911 and call me back."

Dad and I were now seated on the cement outside our front door. I sat my bag on the sidewalk as I dialed.