Maya
I scream and take off running down the alleyway of the pigpen as Ethan sits on the fence laughing his ass off at me. When he told me we were feeding the pigs left over table scraps, this is not what I had in mind.
They are literally chasing me around.
I drop the bucket and lunge for the fence, breathless from the exertion. I’m taking oral antibiotics and steroids, but my lungs still aren’t completely healed.
“It’s. Not. Funny,” I manage to get out in between breaths.
“Sure it is, Rivers. You’re gonna have to learn to be tough if you’re going to make it around here.” He climbs over the fence and dumps the rest of the scraps out for the squealing pigs.
This morning, he took me to the chicken pen to gather fresh eggs for breakfast. I have to say, the flavor is so much richer than store-bought. I was ashamed of myself for eating two of them, until I noticed Ethan wolfing down four or more.
It’s been so many years since I’ve eaten properly, I can only tolerate small amounts of food at a time. I was able to get two slices of bacon down and a glass of orange juice. I’ll consider that a success.
My energy levels aren’t back to 100% but I’m better today than I have been in days. Make that weeks, or possibly even years.
It won’t last. The good things never do. They’ll get their usage out of me then discard me like the trash I was born to be when they’re done. There’s no use in getting too comfortable here.
“Hey, Rivers! Look out behind you!” Ethan rushes past me. My heart lurches into my throat. What’s going on? I don’t see anyone else.
Pain rips through my leg, catching me off guard. I look down and see a very angry red rooster actively spurring my leg. Raw fear sets in. I hop back over the fence with the pigs and take off running towards the barn.
“Don’t run! If you run, he will chase you. Turn and kick that fucker!” Ethan yells.
But I don’t stop until I get to the barn. I use all my strength to shut the door but it’s jammed. I pick up a pair of shears that are propped up against the wall and give the rooster a good whack upside his head when he closes in on me again.
He immediately drops to the ground.
Oh my god. I killed the damned thing. I drop to my knees, stunned at what I did. I killed one of their animals. Shit. Blood leaks from my leg, spilling on the ground, bringing me back to being acutely aware of the pain again.
I’m going to be in so much trouble for this. My body tenses, waiting for the blows to come.
“Damn, Rivers. Look at you working for your keep already. Pick him up, you’re about to learn how to truly prepare your own food.” Say what? He can’t be serious. He doesn’t even sound mad. His voice and demeanor are surprisingly calm.
“I killedyour animal. How am I not in trouble for that?” My voice is barely above a whisper. My hands start to shake; this has to be a trap to make me think what I did was ok.
“I told you not to bring that motherfucking plant in the house! There’s dirt all over the floor! Put that son of a bitch outside and clean this mess up right now!” Daddy yells.
Tears streak down my face. It’s cold and raining outside. Mama’s new plant was wilting in the cold. I was going to take it inside where it’s warmer and keep it in my room until Mama got home.
I don’t move fast enough for Daddy. He picks it up and tosses it outside then slams the door shut. I heard the pot shattering in the distance. Mama is going to be so devastated, she loves gardening and making things grow.
Later that night when Mama gets home, she is holding it in her arms and crying. Mama is completely heartbroken, which breaks my heart, too. I shouldn’t have tried to help with it, I always mess things up.
Mama hands it to him before going to get her shower. As soon as the bathroom door closes, Daddy drops the wilted plant on the table. The glare in his eyes is fixed on me as he comes storming towards me.
I turn and run towards my bedroom. Daddy catches me at the door. “You little bitch, DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!” His voice echoes through the hallway and I shudder.
Paralyzed by terror, I brace myself for the punishment that’s coming.
Daddy picks me up and throws me against the back wall of my room. My legs and arms are unable to brace my body for the fall.My head snaps back when I face-plant into my headboard, blood spurting from my nose.
“You’re lucky that’s all you’re going to get tonight. Your Mama’s heart broke tonight because of you.” He spits on my floor before slamming my door shut.
The blood from my nose stains my new pink nightie. I don’t dare risk getting up for a tissue, so I just bury my head in my pillow and cry myself to sleep.
“Earth to Rivers! Come in, Rivers! Can you hear me?”
