I slept all night long without awakening once or shaking with fear from a nightmare. It was beautiful. I usually wake around 7:30am and can't drift back into sleep so I would urge myself to rise and take a run or walk but not this time.
My Mum knocked quietly on the door before gently pushing the door handle downwards and coming in. She walked a few metres into my room and calmly said, "Wakey, wakey sleepy head!"
I threw the duvet over my head and pretended to ignore her, my complaints could just be heard, "It's too early!" I bargained.
"Katie, it's midday! If you sleep any longer you won't sleep tonight, honey!" She exclaimed.
I threw the duvet off me and sat up, "Seriously?! I slept right through until MIDDAY?!" I was so shocked.
My Mum knocked her head back in laughter, she finally calmed down and spoke, "Yes! You did, shocked? Anyway, I'm heading out to the grocery store to buy some things, want to come with me?" She smiled sweetly at me, she obviously really wanted me to go with her.
I rolled my eyes at her with a broad grin growing on my face. "Oh alright then.. my hair is a mess though and-"
"Sweetheart, we're going to the GROCERY store, hardly glamorous! You're hair is lovely!" She flicked my hair and smiled.
I motioned her out of the room and began to get an outfit sorted, I didn't really want to make an effort, I was grumpy, tired, sniffly, and confused.
I stood for a while, remembering. I remembered when Ryan and I were young we would tell each other our secrets and laugh together. I sighed, I seemed to be doing this a lot. I continued getting ready.
I couldn't be bothered to even try and make an effort. No-one will even recognise me! I thought. I have changed so much in the past 2 years. I used to have braces, spots and a shapeless hair. Yes, I was very attractive. Until a few months before I left here, I got a complete makeover. Make-up used to be a distant thing to me, now it's a natural reaction to reach for my ever growing make up bag.
I literally shoved my hair up into a- I'm going to call it 'Katie-can't-be-bothered-so-this-is-what-her-hair-is-going-to-be-like.' Good name, huh?
I pulled on some cosy sweats, oversized warm hoodie and some old, wrecked Converse. That'll do, I thought.
I opened the door and shouted, "I'm coming!"
I could hear my Mum's car keys rattling and her handbag clicking, this meant she was ready.
I slumped down the stairs and through the arched door. "Hey!" I said over cheerfully.
"Ready to go sweetie?" My Mother smiled.
"Yep, ready as ever." I replied not so cheerfully.
The drive to the store was about 2 miles. It was silent except for the low humming of the song on the radio. I hate silences so I broke it, "Are we just picking up some essentials?" I asked.
"Yep, that's the plan. What about a Pot Noodle for lunch? Sound okay?" She winked at me. She knew that I adore Pot Noodle's. I like Bombay Bad Boy but today is a Chicken & Mushroom kind of day. The thought made my mouth water.
"YES!" I did a mini victory dance in the space I had in the car. My Mum chuckled.
I only then let my mind wander to my Dad. "So, what was the Dad situation this morning?"
"Ha! Well, I woke up kind of early and went downstairs afraid of the mess. Much to my surprise there was only one vase broken! I checked on him and he seemed sobered up a bit so I made him a coffee and left the door unlocked. Next thing I knew he went for a walk. So I locked him out- dear knows where he is!" My mother didn't seemed half bothered. Did she still love him?
"Hey Mum... Do you still, um, love him?" I asked warily.
"Him being Dad, you mean?" She questionned. "Yes, Dad"
She looked long and hard at the wedding ring on her finger and even took one hand off the steering wheel to twist it around a bit. She finally openedd her mouth and let words flow out. She said, "Oh Honey, I'm really not sure anymore. I don't want to worry or upset you but your father, he's just got out of control. But, we need the money and I am willing to put up with him to get you educated. You're my first prioroty and I need to do what's best for you."
"No Mum. You are not worrying me, you know how I feel towards Dad. If you left him, I would be so happy for you. Has Dad paid for this years school fees?" I ask.
"I think so, I can check when we get home, but why?" She looks confused.
I smile at my evil plan and say, "That means that you can leave him, he's paid this years. We can find the money for next year! We could both take up part time jobs and-" My Mum cut me off.
"Katie! No, no, no! I am NOT allowing my daughter to take up a job to pay for her own education! Who knows your father could take a turn in his life and become the father you always needed..." She looked thoughtful.
I remember when I was off for Summer holidays. I was about 5. Mum had popped out of the house for a while and had left me with my Dad. My Dad was talking on the phone and I overheard part of his conversation.
"Hey, Maria. Are you free for a little one to one time with me?" He asked.
He chuckled and said, "You know the dress code, right?"
"Good, see you very soon." You could tell he was smiling by his voice. There was a beep and the phone was set down.
I hid around the corner but my Dad came out and spotted me. He pointed his index finger in front of my face and said, "Catherine, did you hear me on the phone?"
I looked up at him, my eyes filling with tears, "No Daddy."
He opened his mouth to shout but the doorbell rang. My Dad straightened his jeans and told me to play outside. I stayed there watching his every move.
There was a lady at the door and she was wearing close to nothing under a coat. My Dad's eyes widened and kissed her passionately. Ugh. Gross.
He took her upstairs and well you know.
The stopping of the car shook me from my memories. How dare he, stupid man.
We entered the shop and the cashier greeted us. We smiled and began reading down the list of food my Mum had prepared.
We tore it in half and split up because I was hungry and this way the job would be done quicker.
I walked to the other side of the store and searched the shelves for the Chicken and Mushroom Pot Noodle.
"Dammit.." I said maybe a bit to loud.
Someone nearby me replied, "Is there a problem?" That was a voice I knew all too well. And he was the problem.
Ryan.
