Where Did It Go Wrong?

Two

September 27, 2014

10:35am

Im still here. In the closet. Smiling like a maniac. Its been 30 minutes and they still didn't find me. Are they this stupid? Just as i think i would have to live here forever until i rot, i hear heavy footsteps walking around my room. The closet door finally opens. My clothes get moved around until eventually, they find me.

"We found her!" The police officer yelled. "Come here sweetheart." I carefully leave the closet as the police officer picks me up. I ask to get put down and he does so. Just as he does, i instantly get picked back up by my dad.

"Where the hell were you, Meilana? Why didn't you come out when we called your name." He semi-yelled. I couldn't help but cry. I knew if i told him the real reason, he would think its stupid.

11:47am

After the police left, i ate a slice of my cake, then we left to go get breakfast. My dad wasn't in the mood to cook anymore.

I woke up and we were in front of IHop. My dad walked out the car and came around to the backseat to help me out my carseat. I didn't get to sit in the front because his girlfriend was sitting there.

                            ⚠️TW⚠️

He carried me inside as if i was a baby. When it was our turn to get a table, he passed me to his girlfriend. I was too sleepy to walk anyways so i just let her hold me.

She held me differently though. Usually, when my dad holds me, its like im sitting on his arm and he holds me by my leg. But the way she held me was different, and uncomfortable. She held me with her hand on my butt. And by me wearing leggings, it only felt that much more weird. I tried to shift over to her arm but her grip was too tight on me. Very uncomfortable.

"I can walk now." I told her in the nicest tone possible.

"Don't be silly baby, i enjoy holding your little ass in my hand." She whispered. I felt even more uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, i wanted to cry but i didn't.

When we finally got to the table she put me down but whispered in my ear, "Don't say anything or I'll hurt you."

12:05pm

We had finally got our food, but i couldn't get over what my dad's girlfriend did and said to me.

"Why such the stale face baby? Aren't you happy to be 6 years old?" My dad asked me. I put a fake smile on my face.

"Of course im happy daddy! I just don't like to smile while i eat." I knew my excuse sounded stupid but he believed me.

I spent most of the time picking at my pancakes that, last year, i ate as if it was my last meal. i finally grew the courage to eat my hashbrowns. i couldn't reach the salt because i would have to reach over her and i was scared she would do it again.

"Okay baby what's wrong. You never eat hashbrowns without salt. You don't need to be scared to ask Angelina." He chuckled a bit but i found nothing funny. She smiled at my dad then looked at me as if she hated every bone in my body.

My dad's phone started ringing and it read "Lanas Mom". he flipped his phone over and kept eating his pancakes.

"Why is mom calling you? Does she want something to do with me?" i asked. My dad slowly swallowed his pancake and choked a little. He looked at Angelina then me. I may be 6 but im not stupid.

"Listen, baby. Your mom is trying to exploit you for money. She said if i don't let her, she's gonna permanently take you from me. All you have to do is take a few pictures smiling then we can go home and be a family forever." The more he spoke, the more betrayed i felt.

"Do i have to keep doing it every year or will the woman-" i stopped as i realized what i just said. What i called my mom.

"She's not just some woman she's your mother-"

"Well she has a very weird way of showing it!" i screamed as i ran to the boys bathroom and locked myself in a stall. I was lucky it was empty and i didnt see any private parts.

This wasn't my first time cursing in front of my dad. Quiet frankly, he doesn't seem to care often. But i know what you're thinking, why did i run to the boys bathroom?

Well for one, im more familiar with the boys bathroom since I've always been in it when im with my dad. I've barely been out with my mom and when i am, i cant use the bathroom. She always tells me that she's gonna leave me if i ever use the bathroom in public.

And two, to avoid Angelina. I knew if i walked into the girls room, he would send her in to get me and God knows what she would've done to me in the one place my dad can't save me.

I heard the door open and i stood on the toliet. I really didn't wanna see his face.

"Meilana, this is the 3rd time in less than 48 hours that you've hid from me. Im eventually gonna put a bell on you or something if your always gonna hide." I felt his sarcasm and couldn't help but laugh.

"Im still really really mad. I thought i would live with you forever-"

"No no baby you got this mixed up. Your never gonna spend more than a hour at her house ever again. We're just gonna take these pictures, get your belongings, and go straight back home." He words sothed me. I opened the stall and he stood there holding his arms out. i accepted his hug and held him tight.

Best Birthday gift ever.