Chapter Two

Chapter Two

The sun was up and in the distance I could hear the birds chirping as the began to awaken to start their day. A light breeze drifted by every now then, picking up some fallen leaves off the ground and began dancing with them in the morning song. Up ahead I could start to make out the image of my school. The big dark brick building towered over the neatly trimmed trees. I stood in the front lawn and observed the intricate designs in the cream colored statues, that were starting to turn brown because of old age. Vines climbed up the bricks and tightly wound around the black paint chipped balcony fences. The door windows panned with colorful glass, like in a church, dulling also.

I walked up the wide concrete steps and grabbed the shiny silver handle, that was probably just polished by the morning janitors. I pulled on the handle and it gave some resistance but it squeaked and opened up, a rush of cold air hit me from the air conditioners that the teachers “forgot” to turn off before they leave. I walk down the hallway to my locker, a few students sat, doing homework that they procrastinated the night before, but other than the sounds of pencils frantically scratching at their papers, it was quiet. After a few turns and going up a set of stair I arrived to my locker, 254, I opened it and set my bag down and grabbed my drawing book from the top shelf. I had twenty minutes before school started so I sat down with my back against the cool metal, and opened to a random page and started doodling. I find contentment in drawing, the lines and different strokes of my pencils ease my mind and I can focus on just that. I was so lost myself in the moment of the beauty I was creating on the white page, that I didn’t notice the halls starting to fill with the chatter and rushed students. I was startled by someone slamming their locker closed next to me and I looked at the time, I had seven minutes to get to class, so I stood up and grabbed what I needed to Geology and began my path to the class, shoving my way through the crowd. That’s when the feeling hit me, the monster was back and every second that passed the feeling grew stronger and stronger.

It started with a sinking feeling in my stomach, then it spread to my limbs, making them feel nervous, I began to clench my fist, hopelessly trying to make the feeling go away.

“Not here, not now, please.” I whispered to myself.

My vision became blurry and I started to shake all over, I had to do everything I could to walk straight. Instead of going to my Geology class I walked right past it and ran into the nearest female bathroom. I ran to the handicapped stall and dropped my bag and curled up into a ball on the floor, the monster sunk its teeth into my mind. My vision turned red and my body shook heavily now. I covered my ears, warm tears began to fall down my cheeks. My body rocked back and forth, I don’t know why but it seems to help sometimes. My nails dug into my wrists and I shut my eyes tightly.

I don’t know how long I was in there, I missed two-maybe three classes. When I stood up my legs ached badly and I had to grab the wall to stay balanced. I walked out of the stall and to the white sink, I turned on the cold water and rinsed away the evidence of what happened. I fixed my makeup and walk into the hallway once again. I could still feel the feeling deep inside of me- but I won this time.

The day went by slowly and dragged on, the monster did not return for the rest of the school day. When I walked home it was much warmer and more lively. People strolled down the street, some alone, and some hand-in-hand with their lover. The morning song from earlier was replaced with the sounds of cars passing and birds chirping. The breeze was lighter than this morning, but it still felt nice.

I began hearing the yelling from three houses away. I didn’t have to second guess who it was. It grew louder when I got closer to my house. I stood on the porch estimating what room it was coming from and if it was safe to go inside. It sounded like it was coming from the dining room which next to the staircase, if I was quiet and ran, I think it would be safe. I opened the door as quietly as I could and shut it behind me. I could hear Jeff yelling, drunk, at his victim. I wondered who it was this time. Kaden knew better not to get in Jeff's way and mom should have been at work. She worked mornings and afternoons to support the family, Jeff sat at home all day and the most he contributes is a few bruises and black eyes. Curiosity got the better of me and I tiptoed to the dining room door. I carefully peeked from behind the wall, I saw Kaden against the wall with Jeff’s big hand gripping his neck, yelling nonsense into his face. Kaden tried pushing him away but he was no match to Jeff’s 6’5 height and 260 pounds. I felt a rush through my body and I dropped my bag and ran in, I used all my body weight and started to push Jeff away.

“Get away from him!” I screamed.

Jeff turned his face slightly, a fiery rage in his eyes, shooting daggers at my.

“He’s my damn son, I can do whatever the hell I want with him!” He snorted.

I shoved Jeff with all my body strength and he staggered back just enough for Kaden to release himself from his grasp.  

“You worthless piece of s**t!” Jeff spat at Kaden who was rubbing the red marks on his neck. Jeff looked back at me and took a step toward me, his face red and a vein sticking up on his forehead. I stepped back, terrified.

“And you, you little b***h! You have no say in this house! You hear me? None! You are just as worthless as him!” Every word he seemed to get more and more angry and he moved him arm slightly and backhanded my cheek. I staggered back and fell to the ground. Jeff didn't even look back at us, he shoved past Kaden and went into the living room. When I heard the TV turn on I jumped up and ran upstairs, not caring about the creaking noises now.