Wistful

Chapter 19 - I Think Pierce Is Rubbing Off On Her

(Kadynce's POV)

**** ALMOST FOUR YEARS AGO ****

"Nikkol, Mommy's coming." I cooed my fussing daughter.

She sat in her highchair, hungry and sleepy; that is never a good combination for any two-year-old to have. Nikki can be a handful at times, but I love her so much. She reminds me so much of her dad, I see him in her every single day.

She tough, smart, and silly just like him.

Her eyes are a replica of his, bright, and sweet.

She is my piece of heaven; my connection to him.

Gosh...

I miss him.

So much.

But I can't go back now, even if I wanted to. Jake won't let me. He has forced me to hide Nikkol from my parents, they don't even know that they have a grandchild. Not that I would be able to tell them anyway, he barely lets me speak to them.

He controls me at every turn.

Abusive.

Insensitive.

And crude.

I hate Jake.

I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can barely breathe when he is around.

He's been the worse in the last few days, the most unpleasant that I have ever experienced since Nikkol was born. It's like he has been on edge about something for the last week. He comes home in a range, late in the night, reeking of alcohol. He insults, slaps me, and demands food.

It's like I 'm not even a real person, it's like I'm just alive to serve him.

He doesn't help me with Nikki like he promised before she was born, but that doesn't bother me, I don't want him to be near my daughter, let alone touch her. He doesn't deserve to have the type of privilege to her.

Opening the microwave, I ended the beeping signaling that Nikkol's mac 'n cheese is done. Grabbing her spoon, I stirred it on the way to her highchair, testing the food's heat on my lip before place the bowl on the tray in front of her. "There you go, baby."

She eyed the food greedily before grabbing her spoon and digging in.

I can never go wrong with mac 'n cheese; she loves it.

Grabbing a salad from the fridge, I joined her for dinner.

"Mmm, good." Nikki smiled, mouth full of food.

I giggled at my silly girl.

Once we were finished eating, I made sure to clean up because I know what will happen if Jake comes home and sees the kitchen a mess. Why make my situation worse when it doesn't have to be?

Afterward, we headed upstairs to wash up for bed. We were both tired as it has been a long day for both of us. Jake had us out all day, running meaningless errands, errands that he didn't need either of us for. He just wants eyes on me, he frequently accuses me of bringing men to the house and having sex with them.

I don't, I don't even have friends. I'm not allowed to go anywhere without him. He rarely lets me answer the door.

As soon as I put Nikki down for bed, she was out like a light. I like to stay in her room and watch her until she falls asleep. It comforts me, and most importantly, her. She's my baby, I would do anything for her even if it meant going against Jake's word.

She is my number one priority.

"KADYNCE!" I heard as I jumped from my sleep. I hadn't even realized that I fell asleep in Nikkol's room, in the rocking chair. "KADYNCE, GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE!" Hearing the front door slam shut, I shot up from the chair.