Annabelle's POV
My Aunt gave me a few hours to be in the house alone. Im glad she did, it would have been overwhelming with her here.
I walk into my room, gliding my hand over the dark comforter. I lay down on the bed, the soft bed feels so strange now. I get up and lay down on the floor instead, this feels so much more familiar.
I shouldn't be missing my father, what would I be missing? The beatings? The hatred? Being treated like a piece of shit that's worth nothing?
Because that's what you are.
I get up and run a hand through my hair. I walk to the door that leads to my fathers bedroom. My hands on the door nob, but I just can't find the courage to open the door. Father would be so mad if I ever went into his room, he would beat me so bad, he would be so disappointed.
Father isn't here anymore!
I slam my fist on the door in anger. He's dead, it shouldn't matter, he can't do a fucking thing anymore.
I swing the door open. My expression softening once I see how he left it.
I'm surprised. It's the exact opposite than I expected. The room is not even that dirty, just the heavy stench of alcohol and a pile of different alcohol bottles in the corner.
Its as if my mom still lives here, her makeup products, accessories, jewelry. On her nightstand, a book, and a ring, a wedding ring. I go over and pick it up. It's a silver band and in the middle stands an infinity sign with a small square diamond in the middle. Beautiful. I examine the inside, surprised to see something engraved.
To the love of my life, my Angel.
I chuckle at the end of it. Looks like me and my father both have an angel. My angel, how I miss her. Its been a week since I've been released from the hospital. I saw that she messaged me, worried obviously, but I didn't reply, and I won't anymore. She's too good for me, even if were not really together. I know It's selfish to leave her like that, with no explanation. Like nothing. But it feels even more selfish to continue acting like everything's fine, I don't even deserve to talk to her. My father proved that. I haven't spoke with her since that day, the last time i spoke to my angel.
Please forgive me, te quiero papá.
Here's the rule bitch! no talking, ever, you fucking bitch!
I rub my neck soothingly, it's like I can feel his rough hands around my throat again.
I shake those thoughts out of my head. I look in the drawers for a box, i find a black velvet box and put the ring in it, putting the small box in my pocket. I go grab a box that my aunt left in the hallway and bring it in the room, setting it on the bed. I look at the book thats on the night stand Catcher in Rye. I pick it up and gently put it in the box.
I walk over to my fathers nightstand. He has a half-empty bottle of Torres tequila and two photos. I pick up the photo and examine it. My mother is in a beautiful, flowing, white wedding dress and my father is in a traditional black and white tux. They're kissing at the alter, literally. this was probably when they already said their vows, I put down that picture and pick up the next.
My mother and father stand next each other, my fathers arm wrapped around my moms waist. They're both laughing, big smiles in their faces... They look so happy. i can't believe i ruined this. I put the pictures in the box.
I unscrew the glass bottle, not even thinking twice before taking a gulp of the bitter liquid. I feel the liquid course through my body, leaving a warm feeling. I take another drink and stand up.
I go to the walk in closet, must of been my mothers. Out of everything here of one thing really catches my eyes. A black leather jacket, I run my fingers over it, It seems to be made of the finest leather. I put the bottle down and cautiously put it on. It fits me perfectly.
For a minute I just bask in the feeling, Somehow it makes me feel like a part of her is with me. That this jacket is somehow connected to her makes me like it even more. Knowing that this was once hers, I can't feel more proud than to wear something that was my mothers.
It feels so surreal to just be able to come in here and see what was once my moms.
I grab the bottle and take another gulp, loving the loose feeling it's giving me and walk out of the closet and go to the vanity stand. I look at myself in the mirror. The bags under my eyes stand out terribly, my body looks so thin and frail. My skins so pale, I don't even look like myself anymore. I feel and look changed, and not for better.
I look down to find my moms makeup and jewelry. I never was a makeup or jewelry type of girl. My aunt told me
to go through my moms things, that my mother would have wanted me to have them, as a reminder of her.
My mothers side was extremely wealthy, and it only being her and my Aunt Katherine, now being the head boss of their successful Music store business, along with the firework business that they have. My Aunt told me that my mom was really involved with the music business and my father was really involved with the firework business. It's called Forte Industries. Named after my moms side of the family. All that's left is me and my Aunt.
I chug the rest of the bottle, understanding why my father liked to drink so much. I feel so much better, it's like my worries are fading away. I feel so much more relaxed.
I look at the time and quickly go to brush my teeth, trying to get the stench off of me.
I look back around the room. There's this small blue box on the vanity. I'm assuming here jewelry's in it. I open and to my surprise there's an envelope in it. Annabelle is written on the envelope. It's a letter.
To my beautiful daughter,
If you're reading this, it means I didn't survive your birth. And if that's the case I don't have a single regret, it only saddens me to know I won't be able to be there with you while you grow into a beautiful, strong lady. The doctor told me that if I had you there would be a slim chance of me surviving. But the moment I heard your little heart beat, I just wanted to give you a chance at life. I love you so much Annabelle. I took the chance, it was enough knowing that you were going to live a long and healthy life. Your father and I were so exited to have you, I didn't tell him what the doctor said. I wanted him to be happy, so we could enjoy this time we have together, just in case if I didn't make it. We love you so much, when the doctor told us we were having a girl we were so happy, your father even cried tears of joy. We knew that we would name you Annabelle. When my mother passed away she left me and your Aunt Katherine her things, to remind us of her when we would look and use them. That's what I want you to do Annabelle, pass them down just as your grandmother and now I did. As a part of me. I'm so sorry I couldn't be with you longer, baby girl. But I don't regret a single thing, and I want you to know that mommy loves you. Your dad loves you so much, I'm so sorry for leaving him. None of this is your fault, I made my choice and whatever the outcome is, if you're born, then I couldn't have asked for more. The necklace under this envelope was passed down from your grandmother, who put a picture of your grandfather, then I put a picture of Alejandro. Your home is with the person you love, remember that Annabelle. Please forgive me for not being able to be there with you, take care of your father and Aunt Kat for me. I will always love you, no matter what. I will always be watching over you, my beautiful baby girl.
With love,
Your mother
I close my eyes.
Don't cry
Don't cry
I keep chanting that in my head, pushing back the tears. The alcohol is messing with my emotions, I clench the wooden vanity in attempt to calm down.
My mother knew that she probably wouldn't make it. She chose to have me anyways. She loved me so much she was willing to die just have me.
I look in the box and find a necklace, I pick it up. It's a gold circle shaped necklace, on it says So you can always find your way home along with a beautiful outline of shapes and swirls surrounding the quote. I press the button at the top and it opens. On one side it has a compass and on the other side it's hollow, just waiting for something to be out inside.
My grandmother put her husbands picture. And my mom put my fathers picture. Now I understand.
Your home is with the person you love
So you can always find your way home
I guess nothing will ever go there.
I unclip the necklace, putting the chain around my neck and clipping it again. I close the compass.
Its hard to believe my father gave me all of this.
Flashback
I sit in my back dress pants and button up shirt. Waiting for the lawyer to speak. I just said my final goodbye to my father. He was so pale, so still, so calm.
"This is the last testament of Alejandro Mendez" the lawyer starts off.
"I, Alejandro Mendez, a resident of the state of Missouri, declare that this is my will. I am under good mental state and am well aware of my actions.
I revoke all wills and codicils that I have previously made.
My offspring, Annabelle Mendez, will be the sole beneficiary of everything that I own. All accounts and properties under my name will be transferred under her name when she turns the age of 18."
I sit there, shock written in my features. I thought he would prefer to give everything to a random drunk at a bar rather than me. I feel a hand on my shoulder. As if saying it's okay. I give my aunt a small smile and look at the ground.
I wonder if my father actually did care.
Flashback over
I hear a knock at the door and see my aunt standing there, a smile on her face. In her hands is a small cake, with the number 18 standing on it.
Then I remember the date, March 28, my birthday.
"I know you said you didn't want anything, but I thought I could at least bring you a cake," Aunt Katherine says,"Come on Belle, blow out the candles,"
I offer her a small smile, appreciating the gesture. I've never celebrated my birthday before, the only person to remind me of it would always be my Aunt Kat.
I blow out the candles. And think of a wish to make.
Please let all the people I've hurt forgive me.
I really hope my wish comes true.
*****
Well I made it extra long for you guys.
Hope you guys liked it
Vote and comment 👊🏼
-Andy