Two Souls

A day in the life

         I awoke to the sounds of pots and pans clattering. Groaning, I reach down for my phone and see that it's 4:13 in the morning. I sigh and put my phone back. I stare blankly at my ceiling, listening. I don't know why my mom would be up at this ungodly hour. The noise shifts to the sound of boiling water, I cringe as the memory surfaces.

      I was eight at the time and had just gotten home from school. I quietly walked through the front door and was heading towards the kitchen when I heard my name. I froze and listened, my parents were in the kitchen talking about me.
      "How much did you say?" My father said, he sounded ticked off.
      "It's only $50 and everything Kate needs is included." My mom spoke softly.
      " I refuse to pay that fucking much for stupid little league soccer! " my father shouted. I loved soccer at the time and had been begging my mother to let me play.  
      "But Kate really wants to play, George." My mother said, she spoke slowly.
      " I don't care what that mistake wants, I am not spending that money! " My father was still shouting.
      "But you're only going to spend that money on beer and cigarettes! You can afford to give your daughter something she truly wants!" My mother shouted back at him. I admired her for standing up for herself in that moment.
    " My money, my decision you fucking bitch! How dare you talk to me like that! " my father screamed. I remember being frozen in panic as my mother screamed. I mustered the courage to sneak up to the door of the kitchen and peered in. I watched in horror as my father grabbed my mother by her hair, and as she shouted and struggled to get free, he slammed her head into the counter.
     "You don't talk to your provider like that! You are lucky I share my money with you!" He lifted her head and dragged her over to the stove. I heard the sound of boiling water from the stove top and I knew what was to come. I watched my father shove my mother's head in boiling water. He held her under for quite some time as she kicked and punched. He finally let her go, and she collapsed onto the floor, face in her hands. She screamed and she cried.
       " I hope you finally learned something. " My father said as he walked out of the kitchen and down the hall, opposite of me. I ran to my mother, tears streaming down my face.
       "Mama? Mama are you okay?" I reluctantly touched her shoulder, I was afraid I would hurt her. She didn't say anything right away. She was soaked, and her face was red as a tomato. I could see blisters beginning to form.
       "It's going to be okay, mama." I hugged her tightly and let her sob.

      Even now, almost ten years later, that memory brings tears to my eyes. I blink a few times and sit up. I'm almost certain I won't be able to go back to sleep. I pat my dog on his head, and stand up. I walk to the door and listen.
     "Speed it up a little, I'm not getting any younger." My father sounded hungover .
     "I'm trying, honey." My mother said sweetly. I still don't understand why she has stayed with this piece of carp she calls a husband. I open my door and walk toward the kitchen.
     " Good morning. " I say. My father rolls his eyes and walks out of the kitchen.
      " I must have woke you Kate, I apologize. " My mother said as she scrambled some eggs.
       "A little early for breakfast don't you think?"
      " Well your father wanted food. And he also needs you to do his laundry before you go to school. He wants it folded how he likes it. Please don't mess it up this time. " I nodded and headed towards my father's room.

       I snuck up to his door, took a deep breath, and knocked three times. The wood muffled my taps every so slightly.

        "What the fuck do you want!" My father yelled.
        " Laundry. "
         "Fine then, come in." I walked in and gagged, the smell of liquor, cigarettes and piss hit me like a brick wall. His clothes were everywhere. I sighed and picked up the laundry basket. He stayed silent in the gloomy, smoke filled room. I knew he was watching me, so I tried to be quick. As I finished, and headed towards the door, he grumbled.
             "Stop!" I froze and clenched my teeth.
             "Turn around and put the basket down." I did as he ordered.
              " Come here. " I reluctantly walked towards him. As I got closer the smell got stronger, my eyes stung. He ran his hand down my arm, I closed my eyes, hoping this would be over soon. He slowly let his hand wander over my clothing.
              "Leave." He ordered. I was relieved he didn't  go further this time. As I turned to leave he slapped my ass. Tears surfaced, but I fought them back as I picked up the basket and practically ran to the laundry room. He enjoys taking advantage of the fact me and my mother are terrified of him. He has done unspeakable things to me and I have to live with it.

             I start the washer and head to my room. There's no way I'm going to school today. I collapsed into my bed, and grabbed my phone. It's only 4:45. I tap the messenger app and text my best friend.
          'Guess who's up early again 😂'  I text him. I don't expect a response, he Is probably fast asleep. His name is Ty and he has been my best friend since kindergarten. I honestly tell him everything and would trust him with my life.

          I toss my phone, and lie down facing the door. My exhaustion gets the best of me and I fall asleep.

         I smell lavender in the wind. The sun caresses my skin with its warmth and light. My toes sink into the soft earth slightly, and feeling of grass between my toes makes me giggle. I smile and walk forward. There are no trees, Just a river flowing ahead of me. I Sprint towards the water and sink my hands under. The crystal clear water feels cold in my hands. I cup my hands together and take a drink. Feeling hydrated and refreshed, I stand up and take a look around me. No trees or building in sight, Just grass and flowers for miles and miles in every direction. I don't feel lost however, I feel free. I look up into the sky where there isn't a single cloud. I sit with my legs crossed and take in the peaceful surroundings.

       I was shaken awake by my angry father. s
       "Do you have any idea what time it is?"  He slapped me  and pulled me up to my feet. He dragged me down the hall to the laundry room.
       "Didn't your mother tell you I wanted this done!" He pushed me against the washer. I opened the washer and stuffed his clothing into the dryer in a rush.
        "You piece of shit! Can't you do anything right!" He punched me and pushed me down onto the floor. He muttered something else I didn't quite hear as he marched out of the room and to his room. He slammed his door and I stood. I went back to my room and checked my phone. I understood why he was so pissed, it was noon. I can't believe I slept so long.

         'Aw Man I'm Sorry about that. Parents Again?'  Ty had responded. I have told him about past events.
         'Yep. Cant Wait To Get Away From Here.' I responded.
         'Just A Few more days, I Got You Covered' I wasn't sure what he meant.
   
         The rest of the day I cleaned for both my mom and dad. I took very few breaks so it was no surprise that I was able to go right to sleep once night came.