AllFreeNovel
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“My mother? Please... stop acting this way when Dan isn't around. Even your sickly sweet voice gives me ear diabetes, so shut up and get out!” I spit the words out and gulp more milk, desperate to rid my mouth of the bitter taste.
“You don't speak to me like that! Listen to me when I'm talking to you, you lil’ shit!” Angrily, she yanks the headphones from my ears, further fueling my frustration. “We both know it's not in our best interest to upset your father. So let's not turn this house into a war zone while he's here.”
“Give me back my headphones!” I open my hand, watching as she leans against the granite countertop island, smiling.
“Come and take them yourself,” she grins arrogantly.
She's trying to provoke me!
It's just her vile attitude, refusing to hand them over because it would imply some sort of defeat. I take deliberate steps towards her, snatching the headphones without saying another word. Her venomous gaze, with those piercing blue eyes, seems determined to test every ounce of my patience whenever we're in the same room. I drape the headphones around my neck and grab the milk glass from the kitchen counter, then head towards the backyard to play with Carla, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rebecca. Only they could make my evening better.
Carla, she's my dog, the one I saved from dogfighting a year ago. I feel like we share a strong bond.
I took a beating from the guys I stole her from, but they backed off when Uriel told them who our father is.
Ever since that day, Carla has been mine. I need her because I feel lonely, and she doesn't have anyone to take care of her soul, so I eagerly took on that role.
I don't like many things, but animals are among the few things I do like. The two of us are two lonely souls who found each other in this cruel world.
Maybe she's covered in scars, maybe her teeth are worn down because she was used as bait in fights - a dog that wasn't allowed to bite, just to take the hits, just like me - But it only makes me cherish her even more.
I keep her in a pen while I'm at school or sleeping, not because I want to isolate her from the world, but because I want to keep the world away from her. I made the pen myself. I'm not only good at math, as my father says. I don't mind getting dirty, unlike the idiot Manasseh who freaks out if he stains his Lacoste or Polo shirt.
The two of us, we function differently.
My dog deserves a better life. Humans have caused her enough harm. I want to know she's safe when I'm not around to protect her. During the day, when we're in the backyard, I set her free, and we play. Carla gives me a reason to spend more time in the backyard, where I also catch glimpses of Rebecca. She often spends time on the patio, studying or simply listening to music and looking at the sky.
Sometimes, it feels like both of us are wasting our time on the patio. We both sense the barriers that separate us, the social differences that seem insurmountable. Yet, our souls ache for each other, for love, and tranquility.
Sometimes, I wonder how it would feel to be in that place, nestled between her chest and arms.
How would it feel to be in Rebecca's embrace?
I bet it's a place of tranquility and warmth. Just the thought alone warms my chest and makes my heart flutter.
I bet it’s quiet and nice.
Just the thought alone warms my chest and makes my heart flutter.
I open the back door and gaze at the sky. It's starting to drizzle outside, so I probably won't stay long.
“Carla!” I call out, approaching the gate of her pen. “Let's share this milk.” I'll wait by the kennel for her to come out, but I hear no sound from inside.
Something isn't right. She should have come out as soon as she heard the creaking of the back door.
I place the milk jug on the cage and lean over.
“Carla!” I shout and glance inside, illuminating the space with the flash on my phone.
She's not there…
I rush into the house, slamming the door against the wall, heading straight for the woman leaning on her elbow, a glass of wine in front of her, perched on a barstool.
“Where is Carla?”
“I have no idea what you're talking about. Why would I care about your mutt?”
“You've been at home all day. She was inside when I left for school. She doesn't get out unless someone opens the gate for her. You... you opened the gate! What have you done to her?” I burst out, trembling with anger.
