Escape

“You’re a terrible father! You should let me have my way!”

“What! Come back here Karen! What an undutiful daughter.” I would pay for this I know. He always won these fights, but only because the real fight started when I got home at night.

“Karen! Karen, come here!” Ann ran over to me and grabbed my arm, pulling me into the farm she lived on with her family. Ann was my best friend, and had been for years. And also, she was the only one who knew what my home life was like. She pushed me down into a chair and moved my hair out of the way. Hidden by my front highlights, was a deep red angry gash. I winced as she cleaned the cut with a damp washcloth, and she sighed sadly.

“This can’t go on Karen, it’s getting worse. You should tell the mayor, or someone.” I almost laughed at this. No one was going to believe me. I hadn’t made many friends in my life here, and I was just the girl who worked at the bar.

“This is my life. Ann, I’m going to leave soon anyway. Mother might let me leave this winter, when he’s too busy to stop me. I just have to last a little bit longer.” I grabbed her hand and smiled at her, wiping away a tear that had trailed down her cheek. She nodded and bandaged the wound, and I left to go home to another beating, and that was only if I was lucky.

“KAREN!” The impact knocked me to the floor and I heard my mother yelling, telling him to leave me alone.

“You ungrateful little wench. Don’t you ever embarrass me again like that!” He was screaming, but I didn’t hear the words that followed. Of course, everything was about his honor and his reputation. He didn’t love me, never wanted me, I’d heard it a thousand times before. He kicked me in the stomach and I rolled, letting the sobs rock my body violently. God I just want to die. Just take me away from this please.

“That’s enough! Leave her alone!” No mother, don’t. I don’t want him hurting you too. Just stay quiet. Please. Don’t let him hurt my mother.

“You mouthy little bitch! Don’t you tell me how to treat my daughter.” Don’t hit her.

“Leave me alone! Let go you jerk! Let go!” Please don’t hit her.

“You need to learn a lesson!” He roared. No! I jumped to my fit and grabbed his fist before it made contact and pushed him away from her. He jumped back to his feet and roared angerly and charged at me, raining blows down on my head and arms and face. My mother was screaming at him, but he didn’t stop. Finally, he grabbed me by my hair and tossed me outside and slammed the door.

“You’re not my problem anymore. Let someone else deal with you.” Not likely. I was losing a lot of blood. Was this how it was going to end. Sorry Ann. Guess I should have told someone like you said.

But hey, it’s not so bad see? There’s grandma, she’s coming to help me up. I’ll see you again sometime Ann, don’t forget me.