the captured red hibiscus flower (editing)

scarred for life!

recap: she was studying my face as she chatted on the phone.

Unfortunately I could only hear one side of the conversation. "hello, who is this?.............. Alexis’ Father? Uh ok, and that concerns me how? ...................... You think your daughter is staying here? ……… no, I don’t happen to know any alexis’ ……………. Yes, I am sure. ……………….. Wait, I’m sorry who informed you that a young girl named Alexis was here? ………………… well if you can’t tell me, I’m very sorry but I think-………………………...HE WHAT! ………….. What? No. I don’t know a James either! I’m very sorry- …………. N-No need to get hasty and call the cops. ………………… yes? I’m sorry for lying before- …………. I don’t think that is a good idea. …………… I understand but uh she is currently unavailable at this time. …………………… uh she’s in the rest room"

I roll my eyes "I’m right here!" Margret glared at me and I silently snickered. Margret went back to the one sided conversation. "…………….. um that was uh the TV. ……………… EXCUSES? I am not! ………… fine."

         Margret pulled the phone away from her ear and clicked mute, she stared at me sterilely "It’s your father on the phone-" I smirked "yeah I gathered that much." She rolled her eyes she is way more relaxed then Larry. And she continued "would like to speak to you. now don’t be all miss hero and give out info to try and save ur butt. No fooling around got it? and-"

then a gruff annoyed voice spoke through the phone speakers "hello? I would like to speak to Alexis. But I won’t live forever I’m not all that young anymore." Margret rolled her eyes and unmuted the phone before placing it in my Lap and pressing speaker. "ok she’s here, you can talk to her now." I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

"um hey" he cleared his throat "hey, so your name is Alexis? What a pretty name. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you or your brother a name. you mother just would not agree on one. Who named you Alexis? I like the name it’s pretty and very you honey."

I blushed at his words I’m such a daddy’s girl. "oh well, after mom had abandoned me and my brother a young girl took us to an orphanage and named me Alexis and she named my brother zack." "Zack? Hmm I like it’s seems like a good name for your brother. Speaking of your – I mean zack is he there? May I speak with him?"

I sighed sadly at my dad urgent request. "I’m sorry but he isn’t here" without hesitation "well where is he?" I sighed, my heart burdened "he- I don’t know where he is. He was adopted by nice people, over a year ago." There was a brief silence before my dad spoke again "that’s too bad I wanted to talk to him. so um Alexis I heard you were adopted." I nodded even though I knew he couldn’t see me. "yeah." I muttered emotionlessly.

"I also heard that your adoptive parents are abusing you a lot. And am not happy about this, is it true?" I gulped as I peered into Margret’s stern brown eyes. She was shaking her head as if telling me to lie, And I wasn’t going to lie to my dad. I sighed out heavily, biting my lip nervously until I mustered up my courage and answered my dad’s question. "It’s true. And just for admitting that I’m going to get a beating."

        then I heard a clanking sound like a pot hitting the ground before he replied "NO! they better not touch you or I’m calling the police." Margret was frustrated "if you do that Larry will beat Alexis ruthlessly!" Margret threatened him. and I heard my dad snicker my dad is no fool, Margret. "you will beat her wheather of not I call them."

         I looked at Margret who looked angry I tried to smooth everything over "uh d-dad. I’s fine, I’m fine. If you don’t call everything will be fine I lied. I heard a loud sigh "NO! IT’S NOT! Alexis they are brainwashing you. This is Child abuse and none of it is your fault. And I’m sorry" I was puzzled "sorry? For what?"