Wickedness Of A Child (Emison)

2

[E]

The walk home after the meeting with the principal felt like someone had jumped on my chest until my lungs had collapsed. It was like a nightmare, all of it. I had been warned before about being expelled if I didn't stop impose on other students, but somehow the craving to see other people suffer more than I do made me feel less dissatisfied about myself.

When I got home I instantly froze my movements when I heard unknown voices coming from the living room.

''I think the best thing we can do is to open a saving fond for her while she's there. It's the most economical option and we can make sure the money grows so you'll get your heritage back as soon as possible.''

''Thank you, Eric.''

I entered the room and saw my mother talking to the unknown man. They didn't seem to be strangers because of how my mother gently touched his arm, and he giving her a genuine smile every now and then.

Two other men walked past me and picked up a large painting with a golden frame from the main wall in our living room.

''Mom?''

My mother noticed my presence and excused herself to the man before she walked over to me and gave me a strong hug. ''Welcome home.'' She whispered and then let go of me. ''Emily, meet Mr. Patowski, our lawyer.''

''Nice to see you again, Emily.'' Mr. Patowski offered a handshake. I accepted it and felt how his strong hand held a tight grip around mine. He stepped closer, but kept the moral distance between us. ''You sure have grown. Last time I saw you was at your father's funeral. Your father and I were close friends since college.''

I simply nodded. The memories of my father have faded. It was almost 10 years since he died so I was five when my mother and I stood by his open grave. I remember us holding hands and my mother crying continuously. I didn't understand why then, but now I do.

''Here Emily.'' Mr. Patowski spoke up and took out a small card from the inner pocket of his jacket. He gave it to me and then placed his heavy hand on my shoulder. ''If anything comes up or goes wrong, you can always call me.''

I nodded again, this time with a smaller smile crossing my lips. This seems like a nice man. Too bad there isn't many of them out there.

Mr. Patowski left with a simple wave.

''Your teacher called me about ten minutes ago.'' Mom bluntly said and went over to the bureau to grab a cigarette. ''I suppose you smoke?'' She asked, and I nodded shamefully. She sighed and grabbed another one from the package.

It ended up in my hand and I was shocked. I had no idea my mother would handle it so light-hearted. ''I know everything.'' Mom casually said, and I felt the sweat appearing as I got filled with nervousness. ''Your English teacher told me about everything you've been doing at school, and about your meeting with the principal earlier.'' Mom sighed and rubbed her temples. ''And she knows. I had to tell her everything that's been going on here at home. And she understands. She has her hopes up for you. She believes in you.''

I lit the cigarette and inhaled the deadly nicotine. As it reached my lungs it felt like a huge lump of anger got released. ''I'm sorry, mom.'' I lowly said.

''Don't be.'' Mom ran a hand through my dark curls. ''There's so much I should've done for you, Emily. I'm the only one that should be sorry here.''

''Why are you selling some of your heritage?''

Mom let go of me and walked over to the couch to sit down. ''I didn't want to tell you anything before it got decided, but you're going to a new school.''

''A new school? Where?'' I put the cigarette in between my lips and sat down across from my mother. My hands were roughly compressing one another. I hate not knowing things that includes my life and future.

''It's a boarding school in Rosewood. Your English teacher told me about it and she signed you up, all I had to do was to pay the fee before tomorrow morning.'' Mom explained tiredly. I could tell she's been sleeping bad recently.

''Why tomorrow morning?''

Mom looked up at me, and without a warning her eyes filled up with tears and a second later she was crying. ''The cab is picking you up in an hour.'' She managed to say between the sobs, her hands wiping her cheeks dry on repeat. ''The uniform is on your bed.'' Mom got up from the couch and walked over to the bathroom. She slammed the door closed and locked in herself.

I sank lower on the couch and felt a terrible headache slowly appearing.

An hour passes by quickly, so I went to my room and saw the blue and white uniform laying with a hanger across my bed. I picked it up and sighed. I'm becoming one of those teenagers that wears a uniform and has an attitude. Fantastic.

On the floor next to the bed I saw two suitcases. Of course mom had already packed my stuff. She knew best and made sure I didn't miss out on anything important. Like a toothbrush or a towel.

I put the uniform on and grabbed the suitcases. As I were taking one last look across my room I saw my mother appearing in the doorway.

''When is he coming home?'' I harshly asked.

''Dad is working late at the restaurant. He'll see you when you get home for Christmas break.'' Mom said and brushed off my blue uniform jacket.

''He's not my dad.'' I remarked with a sigh. ''And he'll never be.''

Mom nodded and pulled me in for a last hug. ''Call me every night.''

''Bye, mom.'' I said as we pulled apart. I grabbed my suitcases and left the room without looking back. I will not call her. Not a chance.

I know he will be listening to our conversations. And I'm so tired of trying to be one hundred percent perfect in front of him.

I'm finally free of him. That's the only good thing about moving away from Philadelphia.  And one day I'll make sure that man gets what he deserves.

~~~~~~