Twelve

Lucrezia! Lucrezia! My mother’s voice rang into my ears. I came around the corner terrified. 

“Yes? Mommy.” The booze was wafting out of her pores. 

“Come here you dumb child, this is all your fault.” Her hand lashed out and landed on my shoulder. “All of this is your fault.” Another blow landed on my back this time. 

“I wouldn’t have to do any of this if it wasn’t for YOU!” This time her fist connected with my side. I let out a squeak. Big fat tears started to run down my cheeks. 

“You want to cry, I'm going to give you something to cry about. I’m going to show you what I have to do to feed you.” All the pain was unbearable.

I Jolted upright sweat covered my whole body. I looked around dazed. Both Cedar and Daire were still sleeping. I wiped the tears from my face.

I got up trying not to wake them. I walked outside and sat on the porch. The sun was coming up over the horizon. I could see the chickens from here. I got up and started to tend the things that needed tending. I wanted to get my mind off of that horrid dream. I relished the sun on my face. I had chosen Daire and this life. He was good to my brother. I felt safe with him. 

It wasn’t very long until Daire was up. He found me and wrapped me in a huge hug. I let myself have the moment. 

“You okay, love? You seem somber?” his deep brown eyes watched as I tried to busy myself. He didn’t push which made me feel slightly cold. 

“I’m okay. I just had a dream about my mother. She wasn’t a very nice person to me.” I reached into the bucket I was holding and threw some feed to the chickens. Daire kissed my forehead and went on his own way. I watched him go. Cedar was up later. I let him sleep in. He was a grouch when he woke though so I gave him the job of fetching fire wood. I fussed over cleaning, Daire worked on the room for Cedar and Cedar practiced his archery. The day fell away in a lazy fashion. By the end of the night I was ready to lay in front of the fireplace with Daire’s arm as a pillow. 

“I didn’t know you could sing?” I said as we lay together quietly. 

“I like music. I used to study it when I lived in Strary.” I turned my head to look at him. He kiss the tip of my nose. I giggled. 

“Strary is the country Fae live. My father was Fae. He was my mother’s donor and lover.” I buried my head into his chest. I was just about to drift off when a crash made my eyes shoot open. I sat up and looked around listening. Another crash. Daire was on his feet in a second. 

“Do you remember what I told you about people not liking me because of what I am?” I nodded my head. “It’s that time. Go in the room with Cedar. I will be back.” My heart was hammering in my chest. I didn’t want him to leave. I didn’t want him in any danger. I stood frozen watching him pull his clothes back on. I was useless, there was nothing I could do to help. Daire took a deep breath and shooed me to go into the room with Cedar. I forced my legs to move even though it felt like a block of ice had them glued to the floor. I shut the door behind me. Cedar lay in the bed completely knocked out. I sat on the floor. My body started to shake. My teeth chattered. I tried to stop but it was uncontrollable. I could faintly hear something happening but I wouldn’t go look. I trusted Daire. I sat on that floor for so long my joint became stiff. That was when I heard a hard thud come from the main room. I cracked the door. Daire was in a heap on the floor. I jumped to my feet and ran to him. His eye was swollen and his fists were bruised. 

He pulled me into him. I hadn’t realized that I was still shaking until his warm body was pressed against mine. 

“Are you okay?” I sobbed. Tears started to run down my cheeks. 

“I’m okay.. Shh.” He kissed my forehead and brought me close. I clung to him. Allowing his telepathy to calm me. 

“I felt useless just sitting and waiting for you.” I croaked. 

“Shhh…come lay beside me.” We laid back down in front of the fireplace.