“I am happy to announce we now have the funding to create a better and brighter town for us all.”
Behind him, a town map flashes onto the large screen, showing the plans for the south side. Nothing about them is good for us, it’s all money making, malls and condos out priced for the families here, a luxury golf course, a dining district.
“Where are we supposed to live?” My head snaps to the sound of the voice, finding River with his arms crossed as he faces my father, a challenge in his stance.
“There will be many residential areas,” My father smiles at him, “As you can see, these districts will be two to three-bedroom houses, there will be apartment buildings and new cul-de-sacs.”
“You expect us to leave our homes now?” Someone else asks.
“Temporarily, while new homes are built.”
“That’ll just be given to us?” River scoffs, “Seems a bit far-fetched, don’t you think?”
“Son,” My father sighs, “I understand your concern but please allow me to finish.”
“Finish what?” River snaps, “How you plan on fucking us all over?”
My father glares toward him, his mask slipping for a minute but before he can speak, River is talking again.
“I have a question for you, Mayor Winchester, where’s your daughter?”
Almost like clockwork, everyone starts to search the stage for me, whispers of confusion working through the crowd. It’s my time I guess, someone is going to spot me since they’re now all looking, although I don’t know why River cares enough to ask about me. He made it clear about his feelings.
I guess it’s another game, as much as it hurts to think so.
But I’ll think about that later.
Standing, I make my presence known, “I’m right here.”
Someone gasps at my side, likely at the bruising on my face. I don’t dare look anywhere but forward; I don’t want to see River looking at me. I couldn’t handle it.
There’s a shake in my limbs as I make my way to the front, keeping a close eye on my parents who look toward me in shock and a little worry.
“Marly bug,” My father says lightly, “We thought we told you to stay home and rest after that nasty fall.” He says loud enough for everyone to hear.
“I couldn’t miss this,” I tell him with a straight face as I take the steps onto the stage. “And we all know I didn’t fall.”
I can’t help it, my eyes flick to River and I almost gasp at the thunderous expression on his face. He looks about ready to rip everyone to shreds.
“Marly dear,” Nancy, one of my grandmother’s church friends asks, “What happened to your face?”
“Oh this?” I point to the bruising on my cheek and eye, “Why don’t you ask my mother?”
“Marly,” My mother hisses, eyes wide.
My father suddenly grabs me, “Come on, Marly, let’s get you home.”
“Get off me!” I scream.
“Marly!” He yells, his fingers digging in so tight I have no doubt they’re going to leave even more bruises.
“Get your fucking hands off her!” River roars, moving and shoving through the crowd in front of him. “Lay another finger on her and I will rip them off myself.”
“If this is for thatboy,” My father spits, too quietly for anyone else to hear, “I’ll make sure you never see him again. I expect your silence, Marly before I have to do something we are all going to regret.”
“Thank you,” I whisper to him.
“What?” He snaps his head back, confused.
