Leaves of Autumn

[8] Leaves of Autumn

            I looked over him cautiously.  He didn’t tend to mention his family in general.  He’d usually only mention his mum and dad.

            “Oliver and I used to see who can swing the highest on the tyre swing whilst dad and grandfather cooked on the barbeque.  I haven’t been here in years.”

            There was an awkward pause till I changed the subject.

            “So what’s the plan?” I asked.

            “For what?”

            “Our date?” I reminded him.

            “Oh, right, sorry, I forgot about that.”

            I rolled my eyes.

            He took off his bag and pulled out a paper bag, revealing two containers and two plates.

            “I hope you like sushi,” he said.

            “I love sushi,” I replied grinning.

            “That’s for the great night, Jordan,” I said as he pulled up at my house.

            “Anytime.  I had fun.”

            I grinned and put my hand on the door handle.  “Well I guess I’ll see you at sch―” but I was gut off.

            Jordan softly had his lips pressed on mine, slowly moving his.  After a few seconds I kissed him back, loving the soft feeling of his lips.

            He pulled back and whispered, “See you at school, Cecelia.”

            Smiling softly I climbed out of his car and walked into the house, dazed.

            “How was your date?” mum asked from the kitchen.

            “It was brilliant,” I breathed, still grinning like a lunatic.

            “I’m guessing he kissed you?”

            I nodded.

            “That’s good to here.  I’m glad you’re happy Cece.”

            “Thanks mum... How are you?”

            Mum shrugged and pointed at her black eye. “I’ve been better.  But thankfully Rick hasn’t come home yet.”

            I bit my lip.  “Why do you let him treat you like this?”

            “Because―” but she was cut off by the opening of the door.  “Bed now,” she hissed as a drunken Rick slowly made his way inside.

            I ran upstairs to my room, locking the door.

            That night I cried myself to sleep at the sound of my mum’s screams as she was beaten up again.

            As I woke that morning I hurriedly packed my bag with clothes for Eve’s.  I ran downstairs, coming to a halt as I peered into the kitchen to see if Rick was up.

            Only mum was awake though, cooking breakfast.

            “Mum!” I gasped as I took in her appearance.

            Her arms were covered in bruises, her face bruised all over as well, her nose still had dry blood smeared under it.  “I’m going to be okay,” she whispered.  “Just stay out for the weekend.”