Amore Mia

“Mia, your dad just had a long day and too many beers with his friends after work. It will get better.”I looked at her with shock written all over my face. Am I still dreaming? Am I really awake? Did she really, really just stand up for him? I cannot believe what I just heard. I have lived through this nightmare for 18 years. I knew no words would change her mind about him. You know what they say. Love is blind. Yea some people are more blind than others. But all I know is, that I am done. As soon as I’m done with high school I am out of here. I love my mom more than anything, but she has to leave on her own accord. Maybe, things will get better for her once I am gone. I stood up and went inside the house with my mom. I first took a quick shower and climbed into my bed. That night I made myself a promise. I need to get stronger. I need to learn to fend for myself if I want to go live on my own after school. Because I know. I will not come back to this house, and I will never have some

“Carolyne, my mom called. Clara sprouted nonsense to Richard again. He wants me home right now.”“But why can't he wait until tomorrow. It's already so late.”“You know how he is Carolyne. My mom told me if I don't come back right now he will come looking for me himself. I do not want that to happen.”“Okey, let's go. I will take you back.”“No Carolyne, I don't want to spoil your night, I will take a taxi. I still have a few bucks left from our summer break job.”“Are you sure Mia? I really want to take you back and make sure you get home safely.”What an ironic word “Safely” I think I am safer on the road than at home. Home is anything but safe.“No Carolyne. I will take a taxi, please stay, and enjoy yourself. Maybe you will be lucky and meet one of the fighters tonight. You have been so excited for this night.”I really did not want her to take me home. I was scared that Richard will be waiting for me outside. I know Carolyne would not leave if she saw Richard hurting me. I did not

I felt the train coming to a stop. Opening my eyes, I quickly jumped down. Walking away trying to see in which town I am. I’m so tired. How late is it anywayWalking into town, I got a few stares from the town people who are still awake. I probably look like hell. I could imagine what was going through the people’s minds. A young girl walking alone at night looking like crap. Hell, I would also stop and stare at myself.I spotted an Inn in front. It does not look too bad. Hopefully, it’s not too expensive. Walking through the doors. The lady sitting behind the counter does not look too happy to see me.“How can I help you?” She looked me up and down. Scrunching up her nose.“How much for a single room?”“Sixty dollars.” She said while chewing on her bubble gum.Searching through my jean pockets, I took out my last money. Counting sixty dollars, sliding it over to her. “Here.”With a frown on her face, she looked between me and the money on the counter.“Am I supposed to pick that up? I

Luckily, we quickly turned into what looked like his driveway, that’s what I hoped.Closing my eyes, I started to pray softly, please oh please, don’t give me any more surprises.When the car stopped, two beautiful boys ran out. He quickly got out and hurried to them, picking both up and showering them with kisses. I slowly got out, standing very uncomfortably next to the car, switching legs now and then.He turned to me with a wide grin on his face. “Come on in, we don’t bite.” He started laughing again.Walking to the house. I slowly followed behind him. The children were acting like monkeys. One hanging on his arm and the other one strapped around his legs.“Honey I’m home.” He sang.“Look at what I brought you, ain’t I a good husband!” He said while looking very smug.OH, please earth, please open, and swallow me whole. Rubbing my forehead with my hand. I looked confused at the man standing in front of me. Why would any man give another woman, what doesn’t even belong to him, to hi

“Uhm, Charlene said I could stay with them until I get my stuff sorted out.” I looked down at my hands, not knowing what to do with the situation.“Uh” He, said while nodding his head.Charlene came in looking tired. “I’m exhausted I love those two to death, but they are sometimes a handful.” She said while slumping in the chair.The kettle started to whistle. Charlene stood up. “Who wants coffee?”“Me please,” Joe said.Charlene looked over at me. “I would also like coffee, three sugars,1 coffee, and milk please.”“Coming right up.” Giving me a big smile.Joe looked up at Charlene. “When and how did you two meet?”Charlene and I looked at each other. Charlene finished our coffee and placed our cups in front of us, also taking her seat.“We met today. Amore, asked Rudolf for a map at the Gas station, he suggested she can catch a ride to Myrtle Beach with us, we had a quick talk at home, and now she’s going to stay with us until she gets settled down.” Charlene looked at me with a smile