Three: I love you, Mom

Anne

I woke up on someone's lap hearing the sound of crickets. My body shifted so I could see who's lap I was on. I saw Seth sleeping on the couch. His black hair falling all over the place. I sat up and realized it was night time, and Mom and Derek are still at it, from the sounds of it. I groaned and leaned back on the couch staring out the window for the billionth time. It was dark, and the moon shone from a distance above. I got a view of my favorite getaway, the woods. It was the only place I could be without Mom.
-----I heard Seth's breathing, and I turned to face him. He seemed quite beautiful in so many ways. His peach skin dimmed by the night. Black sweater, and jeans making him blend with the dark, as well as his hair. His eyes closed softly, then I see them squeeze tightly. I figure he's having a nightmare when his hands twitch. My brows furrow, and I reach for his hand. The second I touch him, he jumps and yelps.
-----"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you." I apologize seeing his wide, scared blue eyes. It was pure royal blue. Clear as day in the moonlight. "I'm sorry." I whisper looking down at my hands. I'm shaking, as always. By fear? No, I'm in pain. I feel like a dirty sock. A hated dirty sock. Pain is all I feel from Mom's beatings. I regret, and don't regret calling Dad earlier. He is my only hope, and I do hope he contacts his lawyer. I feel sick, and tired, beaten, and depressed. I need Dad, he's my only vacation, escape from this hell.
-----Seth smiles at me, a smile that I've grown to love in minutes. It's the summer and I'm caged away from people. It's refreshing to see a smile. "It's okay, Anne. You slept well?" he asked leaning back on the couch. I was amazed at his kindness the second he stepped into my life. Only Dad has been kind to me in such ways. I loved Dad unconditionally for that, and I feel strong feelings for Seth.
-----"Yeah... I guess. I dreamed... It's something that hasn't happened for awhile." I admitted looking down at my hands. I listened to him breathe. It was a soothing sound. I never though someone's breathing can be so peaceful, and medication for my wounds.
-----"Anne? Well, I am curious. Do you love your mom?" His question struck me with surprise. I've never imagined myself loving such a creature. I've only imagined myself loving Dad. He gave me love. He let me believe there is love in the world, and not only hate. Mom never loved me. She always tells me how selfish I am, what I'm doing wrong, what an idiot I am. I'm never loved by her.

-----"Yes." I found myself say unthinkingly. Why did I say yes? I have no idea. I've always found myself hating her every time I'm alone, or with Mom.
-----"Hm, that's good. I love my dad too. But there are some things I don't love." Seth sighs and pauses for a second, long enough for me to think. "I miss my dad. My real dad. The one who would go to the park with me, and tell my mom he loves her." he sighed and I could feel tears forming in my eyes. It's like he knows how I feel about Mom. I miss the old days when Mom used to smile. It was so far back, I couldn't remember the last time she said "I love you" to me.
-----I smiled, "Me too." And with that, we fell asleep once more unable to speak another word. I love you, Mom. I always did, and I always will.   

Reviews

[diannesam]

Loved this chapter! I'm hooked!