It’s been a couple of days since Aunt’s new man been at the house. Her mood needless to say has been cranky. I’m not sure what happened, all I know is, I was left to tend to myself as far as me eating dinner. Thankfully I had noodles in the cabinet. I made sure to stay clear of her sight. For those couple of days, I could breathe a little, that’s until the phone rang that afternoon. It was the strange man.

I could hear my aunt voice increasing in anger. My hands begin to tremble, I prayed that he wasn’t breaking up with her. Suddenly, the room became silent. I could hear her footsteps coming closer to the door, so I quickly headed to my room and closed the door as quietly as I could. I heard her steps coming closer as the floor squeaked louder and while the knob was just about to turn to open the door, the phone rang. Thank goodness, I was saved by the bell, or phone I should say. It must’ve been the strange man because my aunt suddenly became filled with excitement.

The next thing I knew, the house was filled with old school music and the smell of biscuits lingered in the air. It smelled like heaven, but I wouldn’t entertain the thought of even tasting one bite because I know I wasn’t allowed to have any. It was now 7 pm and the doorbell rang. I grabbed my belongings and headed to the room before she could even turn in my direction to say a word to me.

As I sat on my bed, I decided to journal, I wasn’t sleepy although I wish I could just fall asleep and get this evening over with. With each passing day, I long for the day to be back with my dad. I always imagined him walking through that door and me running into his arms embracing his hugs and waiting to hear the words “I’m taking you home with me Cassie! I love and miss you!” I tried to fight back tears because that day couldn’t come soon enough!

A knock was at the door, “Cassie, sweetheart, are you hungry?” Was my hearing deceiving me? Was that my aunt actually offering me food? The door opened, and both her and the strange man stood in the doorway. He had that weird grin on his face again. She repeated the question, and I replied, “no.” Anything other than that, and I knew I was going to be in trouble. “Nonsense! We couldn’t possibly finish all of this food even if I take leftovers home,” said the strange man. My eyes looked at my aunt and I can tell she wanted me to remain in my room. “Come on baby, it’s ok. Let’s eat before the food gets cold.” I got up and followed them both to the dining room.

Aunt made a delicious meal that consisted of fried crispy chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli, and those biscuits I smelled earlier. We also had lemonade and for dessert we had freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Who knew that Aunt food was so good?! Certainly not me! I took advantage of this moment while knowing I was going to pay for it all later. “Slow down Cassie, you’d think you never ate a good meal before!” the strange man said jokingly. Boy, he just didn’t know how right he was! I could feel my aunt staring at me and only God knows what was going through her head. “Cassie, you heard him, take your time!” My aunt replied but she and I both knew that was code for hurry up!

I finished as quickly as I could and asked to be excused. “Leaving so soon Cassie? How was school?” the strange man asked. “I believe it’s time for Cassie to get prepared for bed. Cassie sweetheart, excuse yourself and head to your room,” aunt replied. “Yes ma’am.” “Aww c’mon honey, Cassie’s a good kid, let her stay up a little longer and watch some tv. Hey Cassie, wouldn’t you rather watch a little more tv?” he asked. At this point, I could feel my aunt eyes beaming straight through me. No way was I risking putting myself into more trouble. “I’m fine, thank you. I need some sleep. Goodnight to you both.” I said and hurried out of there before he could say another word.

As soon as I was secure in my room, I couldn’t help but wonder what she would do to me next. The time grew later, and I couldn’t stay up anymore, I found myself asleep. I felt a pinch on my arm. I jumped up and it was 7 am. I survived the night but was unsure of what my aunt was about to do to me. “I hope you enjoyed that meal last night, because you won’t be eating tonight!” she replied and then she slapped me across the face! I bawled myself up to embrace the punches she threw at my arm, legs, and back! “I’m so sorry Aunt! I won’t do it again!” I cried. “You got that right! And I won’t warn you about my man again! Now get up and get ready for school! Now!” she yelled.

I rose up and the bruises over me were too noticeable to go to school. The weather was too warm to stay covered in a sweater and to avoid questions from the teachers and other kids, she made me stay home. I stayed in the room locked in both in pain and in hunger. How do I escape this nightmare?

Thank you for reading! 🙂