Miss Sacrifice

Jaaliyah

Candy pieces were sprawled out all over my bedroom floor as I sat and read the latest version of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. I couldn't help but think of Malik and I when I read the book, only having it backwards in real life. I was the vampire who brought bad news and he was one whom I fall in love with, making everything seem better for the both of us. My dad left for work leaving the food I'd prepared for him untouched as he always does, so I decided to eat it for him. He usually comes home late at night drunk or upset from work and without a care in the world for me or himself. If I'd known he was going to leave so early I would've walked with Malik some more--if I had the balls to do so--but I didn't want to take any chances. I dove so deep in my thoughts about Malik that I forgot what I was reading and put my book down to check my phone.

Whats up. He texted me about 15 minutes ago and my heart dropped knowing that I didn't answer.

Nothing really. Hbu? I replied.

He answered right away, When can I see you Ma?

I didn't know what to answer so I just put my phone down and picked my book up again. I read for about 5 minutes and replied back to Malik. I'll let you know when I'm free.

Aight. What you up to right now? He asked.

We texted back to back for about 2 hours until I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door to see my dad standing there with a mean look on his face and behind him I saw Tanya standing there. "Hi daddy." I said.

"You aint hear me knocking on the door? I forgot my damn keys!" he scolded.

"I'm sorry daddy, I was in my room and the door was closed. You're here early.  What happened?" I didn't look him in the eyes, fearing what I would see. 

"Ya lil' friend here asking for you." He said ignoring my question and pointing to Tanya who looked uncomfortable.

"Oh OK." I said with a small smirk looking at Tanya.

"Move." He mumbled and pushed by me.

"Hey Liyah. O-M-G girl!, what happened to your face?" Tanya said with a shriek. 

I went out to the front with her and shut the door behind me. "Lets sit outside, it's hot in there."

"Get your phone you're gonna need it." She said with yearning anticipation.

I was glad that Tanya was distracted by whatever it is she wanted to show me that she didn't bother asking again. I didn't want to face what it was going back in my house, I just wanted to stay outside with Tanya and never go back in. "Just show me on your phone."

"I can't. Now go get your phone Liyah."

I hesitated before walking inside and walking past my dad who sat on the couch with his legs spread while he watched TV. I didn't look at him as I went up the stairs but I could feel his eyes follow me with each step. Without a second to blink he was on my tail, running to come and get me grabbing onto what he could. I tried to get a grip on the railing  to hold myself from falling to him but it did not help. I saw his pernicious face hovering over mine and he breathed into my face giving me a horrid stench of whiskey and cigarettes. He was drunk. My dad held my eyes with his but I looked away to the door thinking of what would happen if Tanya walked in.

"Don't you ever try that shit with me again, you hear!?" He yelled.

I was in so much shock that I didn't know what he was referring to. He released his grip on me and I took the advantage to run past him and to the door forgetting that I was suppose to get my phone. Tears burned under my eyes but I held them in and walked out the door putting on a fake smile--as always.

"You OK? What took so long? Your face still looks horrible. B-T-dubs" Tanya said with an upraised eyebrow of disgust.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, and I was looking for it. I don't know where I put it." I said in an utterly calm voice ignoring her comment.

Tanya let out an agitated sign and started rambling about her relationship and how she thought her boyfriend was cheating on her. I listened but didn't pay attention, I gave her different expressions of 'oohs' and ahhs' and a lot of 'damn that's crazys'. My mind couldn't stop itself from drifting to what my life has become and once again I couldn't stop and think how Malik would feel if he knew the real me.