Bruises

Chapter 1

"Come on, Addie! Mummy's late!" 

I rush to gather up the last few items that I need for work, and rush my three year old daughter out the door. I grab onto her hand and we run to the bus stop, where the bus was beginning to depart. I wave my free hand and yell at it to wait. The bus opens its doors once again, waiting for us to get on.

I put money into the slot, and go to sit down with Adelyn but there were no seats so we hold onto the pole while people give me small non-approving looks. I look down at Addie and sigh with a small smile. It's always a rush. Getting Addie up and ready, then getting myself ready in time to catch the bus. And then dropping Addie off at her babysitters before making my way to work. It has always been like this since Addie was born. Just her and I against the world.

After a few stops, we get off the bus and rush to Addie's babysitters apartment. I hurriedly run up the stairs and knock on her door. Elaine opens the door with a small sigh. "Darcy.."

"I know. I know, I'm sorry! I'm late. Here's her stuff, I'm sorry." I hand her Adelyn's small pink backpack, and kiss the top of Adelyn's head. Adelyn runs into the apartment, and Elaine sighs. "We'll talk later. See you," she says, and closes the door. I close my eyes for a second before running towards work. Being a single mother and going to school and working day and night is hard. But I do it for Adelyn. I've survived being on my own at sixteen with a newborn, I can survive as she grows up. I can do this for her.

I get to work and quickly put on my apron. Being a barista at the local coffee shop pays the bills. But only being part time is a little bit harder. I barely make enough to get by. I scurry to clock and almost run into Via, my best friend in this entire world, who stares at me sympathetically. 

"I told Lynn that your daughter's sick to get her to cut you come slack. But she's catching on." I sigh and smile at her. "I know, thank you so much, Vi. I had trouble with Elaine again. I'm behind on payments," I rush out. "And she's getting pissed."

"Let me help you! I don't mind. You're my best friend, Darce," Via says, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. I sigh, "I appreciate that, Vi, but I can't let you do that." Via comes from a wealthy family, but she's very humble. She wanted to get a job so that she can pay her own bills and have her own income other than her family's. Her family only allowed her to get a job. Her father pays her bills. But Vi tries to be as humble as possible. 

"Okay, but you know I'll do anything for you and Adelyn." I hug her, "Love you."

Work goes on. Every customer in a hurry and needy. Some rude, others just rushed. It always seems like everyone has somewhere to go. Somewhere where they belong. I always wondered what it would be like to live a normal life. With a 9 to 5 job in this city, coming home to my husband and beautiful daughter. I always wanted two kids. A boy and a girl. Imagine if I could afford family vacations or simply day trips. But in reality, I can't even afford Adelyn and myself. No matter how hard I try. But I'm trying. I'm back in school. I will get a good career. I will make it. For Adelyn.

Finally, my shift is over. I start closing with Via. I lock the doors then turn to Via and pout, grabbing a dishcloth. "How does this job make me so sore? I hate this." Vi laughs a little and takes the dishcloth from my hands. "Go get your kid. I'll finish up." I smile and nod, "Alright, thank you, Vi." 

I hurriedly take off my apron and clock out, before leaving to pick up Adelyn. I don't have a car yet because I can't afford one, but I'm saving up. For now, I walk or take the bus. It gets me from point A to point B, so it's okay for now. 

I get to the babysitters apartment and knock quietly on the door. Elaine answers with an angry yet sympathetic expression. 

"Look, I know you have a lot going on, but you need to keep up on your payments. I don't want to have to kick Adelyn out because she is such a sweet girl, but I need to make a living too" she says. I sigh and nod, walking in. I pick up a sleeping Adelyn and carry her to the front door.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll have it paid off, I promise," I say quietly. Elaine nods, "I'll give you a week. My hands are tied, Darcy." I nod and she closes the door softly. I walk down the stairs and start our journey home. Addie sleeping in one arm, and carrying all of our stuff on the other. I'm used to this now. It's been like this since Adelyn was born. I've been on my own since I was pregnant. I've gone through hell and back, and I'm not quitting now. 

We get back to my small apartment, and I lay Addie in her bed, tucking her in and kissing her head, before leaving and shutting her door. I lean against it for a moment and take a shaky breath. I straighten myself up and kick off my shoes, and sit on the couch. I don't know what I'm going to make Addie for breakfast. I haven't had time or money to buy anything. I brought a bagel home for myself to eat because I haven't in awhile, but I'll give it to her for her breakfast. A day old bagel. Better than nothing.

I stand up and pour myself a drink of water from the tap. I close my eyes and some tears slip down my cheeks. I quickly wipe them away and shake my head. 

"You've got this," I say to myself. "For Adelyn."