Him

Chapter 1

"How many times do I have to tell you that I didn't cheat!" my mother cries.

"Stop trying to deny it, it's clearly evident. I can see the guilt all over your face! You are such a liar Renay." my dad says as he tries concealing his sobbing.

I bury my head under my pillow, traumatised by my mother's disgusting actions. I look to my left, seeing shadows of arguing people and ask myself...how did we get here?

Just a week ago, my mom and dad were the happiest couple. I absolutely adored their love towards one another. Little did I know that my own mother was seeking pleasure else where.

I grab my favourite pillow and hug it tightly. This pillow has gotten me though my darkest most fearful nights. It has witnessed my laughs and cries but most importantly, it never left.

"Jessica. We're leaving. Get whatever clothes you need for tomorrow. There is no way that I am staying another night with this man." my mother says.

I try to speak but before I can, she storms out of the room to inform the others.

I quickly get onto my feet and take whatever clothes I need for tomorrow. I grab my favourite pillow and head out of the room.

I pad through the passage way and stop right before my mother's room door. I hear her frantically zipping up her suitcase. Does she ever plan on coming back?

"What do you think you're doing?" Is all I heard my dad say before my mother's frightening scream woke me up from the recurring nightmare that I've been having since that day.

I wake up with a buzzing headache. I look at the time on the clock alongside my bed and it's 4am. This nightmare seems to get less scary everytime that I dream of it...and that's everyday. Hopefully it won't bother me so much in a week's time. Ughh, I mentally punch myself in the face as I remember that campus starts in a week.

This holiday has been far from exciting. Dramatic yes, but where was the fun that we used to always have. I used to look forward to holidays. Now, I don't look forward to anything. My parents splitting up, which was 2 months ago, didn't only take a toll on me. As much as Josie insists that she is okay, I know my sister better than anyone...including her boyfriend, who's been with her for almost 2 years.

Ever since mum moved out with us, we've gotten much more freedom than we had back when we lived with my dad. I do always think of him and miss him so much, but I always change that love that I have for him to hate every time my mother's black eye and bust lip comes back to haunt me. I couldn't believe that he would do such a thing to her. My dad had always been good to everyone. What changed him?

I look back at the clock and I've been lost in my thoughts for almost an hour. I grab my earphones and force myself back to sleep hoping that when daylight shines through those lace curtains, good things will come my way.