Affection: Becoming A Woman

Chapter One

"Talia, fix your sister something to eat." Putting up with the life of others, I get tired of doing everything for everyone.

Why can't I just go out and be myself? That, of course, would lead to an outcome of one that my mother would not approve. Why wouldn't she approve? Well because she claims, on a daily basis, that her life as a teenager was not a good one. Therefore, jumping to conclusion, obviously thinking that my life would be the same as hers.

We are polar opposites. Her life, as she prods to make it seem, was horrendous. As she sits and tells the stories of how our cousin did ungodly things to her as a child. Of course, I have to let it go because she brought me into this world. And like she always says, she can take me out of it.

Thankfully for me, I am turning 18 in a couple of days. For years I have planned my escape with my little sister, Donna. The age difference between us two requires for her to stay back for another year. The life that I'm living is not one that I would want my children in the future to have.

"Yes ma'am." Respect is key to living with this woman. Even though what she says or does is hurtful, I still have to do everything in my power to respect my elders as my grandmother has once taught me.

~*~

"But Talia, why can't you wait 'till I graduate?" Honestly, I hate seeing my little sister this way. We haven't really been separated from each other since we left our grandmother.

Looking away from her, I start to fiddle with my hands. "I have to do what's best for me. I'll come back to visit." Look of sadness takes over her expression.

Turning over to go to sleep I assume, "goodnight Talia, I love you."

After saying it back, there is nothing but silence. It gives me all the time I need to think and plan.

After a couple of hours of agonizing thinking, sleep takes over me. Drifting into slumber, I dream about God knows what.

~*~

Lights flicker on and off, which makes me toss and turn. It's no one but Donna getting ready for school.

Tomorrow is my birthday, I plan on leaving Saturday. I'm not going to tell anyone, just leave. I figured it all out last night as I fought to stay up and think.

"Talia?" Shaking my arm, I throw the cover from over my face to let her know that I'm up.

"I'm about to go to school. See you later, love you." She bends down to hug me and try to kiss my forehead. I just playfully shove her off and we laugh as she pretends to be appalled.

"Hah, have fun at school. Love you." Walking out the room, she pretends to model, knowing good an damn well she walks manly. I couldn't hold the combustion of laughter in another second.

Hearing the door close, I run into the living room to see if everyone is gone. Heading back to the room, I stop by the kitchen to get a piece of ice.

Finally in the room, I grab the bag from the top of the closet and start to put my clothes in.

After neatly packing the rest of my belongings, I slide the bag under my bed. Plopping down, I grab a notebook to leave them a letter.

As I begin to write, I think of the perfect thing to say...

Don't worry about me, I'm 18 now. I'm off to California to live with Trina and pursue a medical career. I love y'all!"

- Talia

Placing the note under my pillow, I have nothing to do except sit and watch television.

~*~

"Talia!" Here she comes. Talking about the pros and cons of the way her day was. How the everlasting talk about her beliefs of this person wanting an loving her.

Judging her would be the least of my worries.

"I'm in here." Wishing that my mouth would have stayed clamped shut

Never in a million years would I have thought that the woman who raised me, would be completely indulged in a life that is not suited for a woman of her caliber.

That just shows little of what I know.

"What you doin'?" There's the line before a never ending story.

"Just watching t.v." observing the look she has on her face, its the look of satisfaction.

"Well...." Here starts the story of her boring day!

The Next Day

"Happy birthday you old prune." Bouncing on the bed, she jumps down.

"Hah, thanks." Today is going to be the last day I spend with them. Tomorrow is the day that I leave for California. Honestly, I don't feel bad at all. I'm excited to start living my life the way I want to.

I haven't mentioned to Donna that I'm departing tomorrow. Its Friday, so she should be heading to school any moment. When they leave, I can check to see if I have everything packed.

~*~

As the day drags on, I haven't done anything but watch television. Reruns on top of reruns of the Golden Girls and Good Times.

Tomorrow isn't coming fast enough. Then again am I really prepared for what life holds for me?

~~**~~

This is going to be a real personal story for me.

Hope you enjoy! Have a nice day, babes.

-Jessiey.