The Secrets We Carry

Chapter Eleven | Single Mom

Adam

Liv looks stunned following what James just shared with us.
I'm just as shocked at the news and curious to know what he thinks we can actually do about it.
Runaway?
Fight back?
Hide?
So many things running through my head.
I decide to just ask him what he means. What his plan is.

"So..." my voice catches in my throat as my bedroom door opens and my dad is standing there.

"Hi guys." He says as he looks around the room. His eyes meeting mine for a moment before I look down. "Everything ok? You guys all look like you've seen a ghost." I look up to see Liv and James both have surprised looks on their faces. Liv's face has also gone a shade lighter, making her look pale.

James clears his throat and stands up taking a step towards my dad. "Yes, sorry Sir. Hi, it's nice to see you again." He extends his hand and my dad takes it in his returning the greeting.

"You too James. Did you kids want any snacks?" My dad is wearing his father of the year cap at the moment as he smiles at us.

I look at Liv and James and they both shake their heads, no.

"We're ok dad, thanks though." Liv says to him.

"Alright well you kids have fun then." Turning around he shuts the door as he leaves.
A breath leaves my lips as my body slowly uncoils from the tense state it was in.

"Well he seemed nice." James turns back to us and takes a seat again.

"He usually is, until he's not." I reply. "He could have also heard us. That was too close." I'm very aware of my heartbeat thrumming through my body, as my nerves are on high alert.

I can feel Liv's eyes on me, I steal a glance over at her and our eyes meet confirming what I had felt.

"He has a way of pretending nothing ever happened and actually being a really great dad." I continue to explain. "Which brings me to my next point, I'm sorry that's happening to you at home, James." I look to meet his eyes. "Liv and I are ok here. Yes it sucks sometimes, but I can handle it"

I catch the look on Liv's face from the corner of my eye as I look at James. She clears her throat and I feel her hand take mine. "You mean we can."
I turn to smile at her. I know she doesn't agree with what I'm saying but she has always been loyal.

James is certainly taken aback by my response. I watch his eyes flicker between us. "So you're saying you're good with your dad beating the shit out of you?" His shock clearly registered in his voice.

I look down no longer wanting to meet his eyes.

"Dude I saw your back, those scars and the fresh marks, what is that a belt? No they're too thin. A switch?"

I feel Liv stiffen beside me as her hold on my hand tightens.

"We don't need to live like this. Why can't either of you see that?" He sighs, rubbing his hand over his face.

"You've lived like this. Why don't you do something about your own situation? Why do you need us?" I snap at him.

"Because now we have each other." His eyes seem to be begging.

"And what do you suggest we do?" I don't hold back as anger starts to boil inside me. "Fight them? Run away? Oh no even better, kill them?" I take my hand from Liv and stand up. "We don't have it that bad here. We have a roof, food. He provides everything we need. We have a chance to finish school and then we can leave, build our own lives."

James gets up from the chair, taking a step towards me. "You know what, you're right. You do have it pretty good. You have a rich daddy that pays off when he hits you. Mine doesn't even throw scraps my way. This was a waste of time."