The Art of the Broken Brush

Chapter 2

I looked at my reflection on the mirror of my bathroom. I could see a tall man with a fair skin, blue eyes, messy hair, and some creases on the clothes. But, when I slowly remove everything that keeps me away from my painful reality, it revealed a woman who is covered with invisible scars caused by the war for freedom. As I remove my contact lens, I discerned the light brown eyes that flicker different emotions. Then, I removed the prosthetic that I put to cover my real face, revealing the dark skin complexion of my face.

I reached for the scissors and cut some hairs to make its length uniform. The wavy hair that reached on the middle of my back, now turned into a clean cut hair. He fucking cut the last piece of my confidence! He didn't fucking left anything for my fucking self!

After cursing my father in my mind, I took a shower and scrub my body to remove the body paint that I used to have a fair complexion of my skin. Upon finishing, I wore a robe and looked at my reflection again. Now, this is the real me- tall, dark skin, clean cut hair, light brown eyes, pointed nose, and heart-shaped lips. I have a blood of an African because of my mother, and a blood of a Hungarian because of my fucking father.

I just wore my pajamas and a t-shirt before dozing off to sleep.

I could feel the wetness of my face and near my neck. It's like someone is licking me. Fuck! I lifted immediately the lids of my eyes when I realized that someone is here inside my room. I should not be mistaken. The fucking built of his body! D-Dad! I could feel my blood boils upon seeing his face.

"What the fuck are you doing here!?" I shouted and pushed myself towards the headboard while holding the blanket up to my neck.

"Get ready. Your friend is here." He remained calm even though I wanted to explode from rage. He, then, headed towards the door and went out of my room. When he was out of my sight, I raised my middle finger, thinking that he is still there.

My friend? I am not associated with anyone except--

My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed a creature that has a square short unwrinkled muzzle, short muscular legs, and a long dense flowing coat.

"Sheena?" I murmured when I saw the cute Shih Tzu that was busy sniffing the cabinet. Damn! I thought someone really licked me.

If Sheena is here, it means the owner is also here. Why would Erika visit me today?

I did my morning routine and went downstairs to see no one in the living room, not even their shadow. Erika!

My heart pounded loudly while I scanned the area. What if something happened to her? What if my father will also do to Erika what he did to me? No fucking way!

"Stop what you are doing. Just end it already." I heard the deep voice of my father. Who is he talking to?

"No." I realized that it was the voice of Erika.

"Why are you here?" I interrupted their conversation. I am so damn curious with what they were talking, but I am not comfortable with my father, being inside this fucking house. He acted like he didn't do anything last night!

When Erika turned her head towards me, her eyes widened while looking at my hair. She looked at me with a furrowed brow, probably asking me what happened.

"I just wanted to visit you. Besides, I asked for Tito Kazimir's permission if it's okay to bring you to the mall." Erika glanced at my father's direction then to me.

"Why in hell are you here!?" I asked again with gritted teeth, this time, looking at my father's eyes with so much hate.

Don't fucking tell me that he didn't know that I am pertaining to him!?