I remember that night very clearly. It was December and snow was on the ground. I had nothing but a pair of shorts and a tank top to wear. I had on no shoes, no coat, and I didn't even have gloves.
My sister's boyfriend had just come over and everyone knew I hated him. I honestly believed that he was going to be the death of her. Oh! Did I mention that she was only 14 and he almost 20. I know age doesn't matter, but when you are younger than 18 it does. In the state of North Carolina that is statutory rape.
I wanted him to know that I never wanted him around. I would give him dirty looks and pretend he wasn't there. Now, for some reason this night was different. I could feel it in the air. A shiver went down my spine when someone kicked on the door. I knew it was him before anyone answered.
I told my parents that as long as he was there I wasn't going to be. So, I stepped out on the porch in my shorts and tank top. I was determined to not go back inside until after he had gone. My mother didn't care. She was glad for another fix. I will get to that in another story.
My father was not home he was out. Doing what, I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine. But when he come home, he found me outside. He was furious that my mother allowed me to be out in the cold. He asked me to come in and I informed him of what I was doing. He laughed and said, "That's my girl. Stick it to 'em."
He then went inside and told the guy he had to leave. Then, this kid told my dad that he was invited and he wasn't leaving. My father furious told my mother to tell the guy to beat it. She said as long as I was outside the guy could stay. My father proceeded to say some unruly things and the guy went home.
I went back straight to my room. Though I was not the only one in there. You see, my mother stormed into the room and asked what I thought I was doing. I told her that the boy was untrustworthy. I knew that he was into things that could hurt my sister. But she only said one thing that I will remember for the rest of my life. "His father is my dealer, don't you dare screw this over for me!"
Wow! I couldn't believe what she said either. She then struck me several times in the face with her fists. She punched and kicked me, anywhere she could hit me. I remember fearing for my life. I thought she was going to beat me to death. So, in the moment, I got up enough courage to protect myself. I had either slapped her or punched her. I don't remember which.
She was in shock for the moment. She said that she couldn't believe I would hit my own mother. To which I had responded, I con't believe a woman would attack her own child. I never looked at her the same. And I will never look at her the same.
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-800-422-4453
Comments