Runaway

Meet the runaways

"If you dance, I'll dance"
"I'll put my red dress on, get it on"
"And if you fight, I'll fight"
"It doesn't matter now, it's all gone"
" I've got my mind on you"
"I got my mind on you"
"Give peace a chance"
"Let the fear you have fall away"
"I've got my eye on you"
"I've got my eye on you"
"Say yes to heaven"
"Say yes to me"

My little sister sung her heart out on that stage. With a red tint to her cheeks, mimicking her usual blush, she held that microphone with both little hands. Of course I was proud of her. She practiced in the back of the parlor until finally she could sing the song without the aid of lyrics. If only our mother could have seen her performance.

My eyes harden and my jaw clenched as I reminisced on the reason for her absence. After having me outside of wedlock, my mother was shamed and banned from entering the cathedral. My father was let off free, of course he was. The man was never blamed in this society.

I softened my gaze, as I heard claps and cheers from every direction. I got up and whistled towards the stage amongst the cheers. I watched as my father followed en-suite grinning from ear to ear. Penny bowed her head and gave her audience a curtsy before blowing me a kiss and waddling off stage.

She was as stubby and chunky as a 6 year old could get. That didn't take away from her pretty face as she was blessed with hazel eyes, dirty blonde hair and deep dimples on either side of her cheeks.

As she walked away, her Sunday school teacher gave her a tight hug before ushering her into the front row. Miss Alabama, one of our youngest nuns, approached the stage with a mic in her hand as she begun a speech much of which my father didn't hear as he was gone the moment Penelope left the stage.

After a long mouthy congratulation to all the children who performed and the parents who came to encourage their offspring, it was time to go home.

I had promised Penny a ride on my bike back home if she overcame her stage fright on the day of her performance. That's why father left much earlier than we did as I situated my bubbly sister with a helmet, knee and elbow pads and a stern talking to.

I couldn't have her letting go of my waist and falling off. I probably should put her in front of me but weight distribution would have us driving on one wheel home.

She hugged my waist tight and squealed as I revved my handles and kicked off my bike stand. I turned towards the enormous cathedral that was still spilling with people. A window caught my eye as I saw someone peering out at my sister and I. After a few beats I heard my sister mumble,

"Gway what's wrong?"

I felt her hands begin to loosen which distracted me from my staring. I used my hand to wrap her chubby arms around me again before I revved once more and we were off.

......

"Father I have a confession to make"

"Go forth my child, may the Lord have mercy on thy soul. Speak the truth and let his forgiveness wash over you"

"There is a boy father"

"Go on..."

"Father I have allowed lust and greed control my life today. This boy, he's so interesting he's all I can think about."

"Well let me ask you dear. Is this boy of faith?"

"No he isn't . He's a wild spirit, he's tainted and unfaithful. He's like a sweet poison, I'm afraid of going to close but all I can do is observe from afar."

"30 hail Marie's and a 10 page analysis of exodus by dawn. You are excused."

With that, I left the confessionals with a heavier heart than which I entered.

I was a grown woman living under the judgment of the Father and my own cruel father. God forgive me for speaking so lowly of my parent.

With a sigh, I walked home in the humid evening fashioned in my robes. As a nun of my grace should.

Arriving at the small homey cottage my father and I resided in, it was small enough for the two of us. My mother would've wanted something bigger, as big as the holy castle we worshipped.

She was obviously someone who didn't respect and care for the rules and normalities within our borders. Bless her rotting heart. It was a shame I lost my person to the very thing I admired so much on her.

My eyes water as I get to the duties of a well esteemed lady. The dishes, laundry, supper, setting beds, mopping, preparing bible studies. All the things my mom was forced to do and now I have to accept it as my own regimen.

Pulling my hair from my headpiece, I placed it on the coat hanger. My long black hair flowed to my waist in waves as it was freed. Literally and figuratively.

Kicking off my ballet flats and unwrapping my skirt to reveal Jean shorts I make my way towards my room. Opening the door I'm met with my upset father with a phone in his hand.

I was in for some shit, I just knew it.
......

I'll be editing in a few! Thank you for reading