Between You and I

Between You and I: Chapter 2

“Ebony.”

My breathing laboured, I shot upwards from my bed. The covers tugged around me as my dream became a haze of memories and regrets.

I spun around in my bed, reaching over the cold sheets for someone I knew wasn’t there. Sighing, I rested back against my pillow. I silently hoped the circles under my eyes had faded from all the sleepless nights before.

I couldn’t decide what was worse, seeing her in my dreams or feeling her absence in my wake. Moaning, I stretched my muscles that had become all too tense for my liking.

I regarded the time, not really caring if I was late. I just needed something to focus on.

I threw off my blankets and flinched at the cacophony of cracks and shatters. As usual, I counted them out. Five bear cans that had burrowed into my comforter from the night before splayed across my hardwood.

Inwardly I scowled, that meant I needed to buy some more.

I hobbled over to my bathroom, blinking at the brightness as I searched the counters for some Advil. My calloused fingers grasped the tiny container and realised how light it was. Dismembering the child safety, I checked to see if I had enough. I took the two remaining pills at the bottom and chucked the remains. I guess I’d have to buy some more of that too.

I swallowed the pills dry, starting the shower and waiting for the hot water to kick in.

“Toddy, are you up? Mommy wants to know what you want to eat.” My baby sister invaded my room, and I heard her clicks as she skipped across the strewn clothes and mess. She knocked on the bathroom door. “Toddy! Mommy said-

“Yes, Annabelle. I know,” I growled. Today was a bad day for a hangover. “Just tell her I’ll get something on my way to school.”

“Okay, Toddy! Mommy also said you need to clean your room.”

“Later!” I undressed quickly, hoping to avoid her nagging long enough to take a shower.

“But Mommy said!” I turned on my heels and opened the door just a peak.

“Annabelle. Right at this moment I’m not wearing any clothes. Unless you want to see me walk downstairs completely naked, you’ll let me take a shower and leave me alone.”

Her eyes were saucers; she stuttered back at me “No clothes at all?”

I smirked at her, “None.”

“Ew!” She used what might she had to push against the door, screaming. I waited until I heard her slam my bedroom door shut.

Finally. Peace. I rubbed my temples as I stepped into the steaming hot cascade. This truly was a horrible morning for a throbbing hangover. At least the Advil was helping, soon it would pass.

Once washed and dressed I rained down the stairs.

“Toddy!” Annabelle ran at me and latched herself to my leg.

I groaned, stumbling into the kitchen with the child attached to me. She giggled each time I attempted to take steps.

I stopped and rubbed my hand over her bouncing curls, tangling them into a rats nest.

“Toddy, stop! No fair!” She whined as she fell off my leg, running to the nearest bathroom mirror.

“That’s what you get!” I laughed, shouting back at her.   

“Be nice to your sister.” My mother scolded me over her shoulder, as she cleared away the dishes from breakfast.

I shrugged, yanking my bag off the couch and headed for the door.

“Toddy wait! Mommy needs you to drive me to Daycare!”

I turned back for a moment, “On Parkdrive? But I have school?”

“I’m sorry Todd. It’s only for today because I have a meeting. It’s not as if you really care about the school anyways, just say I made you late.”

“Mommy, does my hair look good? Todd messed it up and I had to fix it.”

My mother leaned down and tucked a stray coil of bronze hair behind her ear. “You look perfect, honey.”

“Perfect,” Annabelle giggled, “I need to look good for Anthony.”

I gave her an incredulous glance, “Who is Anthony?”

She held her head high in some monumental pride as she proclaimed to us, “He’s the boy that’s in love with me.” My mother howled in laughter, much to my sisters displease.  

“I thought boys had coodies? “

“Nuh uh. We’re going to get married!”

I leaded her out the door, slightly worried. Once we reached my truck I lifted her into her seat.

“Annabelle, look at me for a second,” Her large hazel eyes met mine. “You have to be careful, okay? Guys are going to hurt you, and break your heart.” I hugged her tiny frame to my chest before reaching for the door. “I’ll protect you though, that’s what big brothers are for.”

She smiled innocently at me, “I know! I love you Toddy!”

I turned and slid into the driver’s side, adjusting my mirrors. “I love you too Annabelle.”

“Toddy, what happened to Ebony? She was really pretty, I like Ebony.”

My heart clutched, and I had to remember to breathe. I rested my hands on the wheel, making an absolute effort to relax again.

“Who’s Ebony?”

She dropped the conversation; too engrossed with her hand beaded bracelet and Tinker-Bell bag.

I dropped her off at the daycare, making sure she was in the door safely before I left for school. At the last minute before she walked through the threshold she turned and waved her hands wildly at me, screaming “Goodbye”.

I smiled and nodded, letting her know I saw her.

When the school came into view it took all of my will power not to make a U-turn. Watching all the students disperse into groups of friends and into the school made me anxious.

I only prayed that I would be able to protect Annabelle from the boys just like me.