Just Over There

Part One

The rain was getting heavier. It could no longer be called a drizzle. It turned into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Raindrops splattered with heavy thuds against the windows. Even the windshield wipers sliding back and forth didn't seem to be of any use. I wonder if it was a good idea to start the journey at such a late hour.

I was reluctant. But Dad was persistent. He had to catch his flight at six. Then why tag me along? I could've stayed with Aunt Abby and Uncle Marcus for a few more days. But no. A girl like me has to be under surveillance 24/7, or so he believes. So staying in a house where all the members are out at work for the entire day is strictly prohibited.
What could I say to him? So I ended up following.

To be honest, I don't trust myself either. Especially after that day. I think I...

"Maisy, are you even listening?" My thoughts got interrupted, thanks to Dad's sudden outburst.

"...What?" Was all I could utter.

He rubbed his temples. "I asked, 'Does your tutor know that you won't be home for a week?' Did you notify him about it?"

I shook my head only.

"Guess I'll have to call him then." He murmured to himself.

The raindrops on the window pane created an eerie vibe. I started to shiver. I was trying hard to avoid all those memories gushing back in; memories abandoned long ago. Unfortunately, it wasn't working. The agonizing memories ruptured the surface, ready to dig deeper.

Welcome home dear, a voice whispered to my ears.

I closed my eyes shut. Now is not the time to think about those things.

But dear, if you ignore me like this, Mommy will be sad.

The voice continued speaking in her usual saccharine-like tone.

You're not Mama, I said it more to myself. Mama doesn't speak this way. Or spoke, to be more specific.

I diverted my attention to the window. Rain drops were trickling down the pane. Although the window was getting foggy, her reflection was evident in it.

I looked away not being able to take it any longer. She's just my imagination. I kept telling that to myself.

Are you sure about that?

I could sense her grinning maliciously.

Oh, I am real as much as you are. After all, you saw me. Don't you remember what happened that day? You know sugar-plum, you are responsible for this, she hissed.

My whole body was shaking. I tried my best to blink away the tears forming in my eyes.

Now don't cry. Look at me. Am I an eyesore to you?

I hardly gave the monstrosity a sidelong glance. She resembled my mother. Only worse.

She had an unsightly profile. Shreds of glasses were penetrated into all over her body. Especially her face and hands. They looked mutilated and disfigured. Blood dripping out of those wounds had dried up long ago.

See what you've done to me?

With a venomous look in her eyes, she gently touched her skin cuts.

What do you have to say about this, huh?

I hung my head downwards, apologetic. And immensely guilty. I recalled the events of that day when my mother had an accident. The day she died because of me.

I used to be a difficult child. Things were never smooth between me and my parents. Not just that, both my parents had anger issues. Dad still has it though. True that my parents loved each other, but they also had their rough days. And sometimes they inflicted their anger towards me. I always ran away from home whenever it got unbearable for me.