Changed me

Little Lady

Nile

It was getting chilly in the park. I looked down at the girl who held onto my arms. My arms rested lightly on her waist. She had hard eyes. The kind that spoke for themselves letting you know she had been through a lot in life, yet I admired the way she always had a light hearted smile on her face. She ran her hands up and down my arm a little as if trying to keep me warm. The thought alone made me smile.        

            "Look I promise you," I said cupping her face. "I will let you in. Please just give me some time. I will give you the answers you deserve that I promise you."

            "Okay I'll give you time, but look if for any reason you make me worry I will kill you." She said with that same lighthearted smile on her face. I couldn't help but smile back at her. " Now lets go before my dad sends a search party." She started leading the way, but I pulled her hand.

            "Jump up." I said turning my back to face her.

            "Umm did you forget what happened last time I attempted to do this?" She asked folding her arms. She stood in a protective stance and I couldn't help but laugh at her.

            "Yea I do now up. I must redeem myself. Up curly sue." I could practically sense her hesitation, but I squatted down anyway. Without fail Manny jumped on my back. I laughed a little to cover up the slight pain it caused. My back was a canvas painted in rich purples and blues. It told stories of a life I was longing to forget, while the scars reminded me that I have to get out and do better. Manny's head leaned over my left shoulder. Her face inches from mine and I wanted nothing more than to kiss her. Pushing her higher up on my back I began the trek back to her house. Manny spoke absent-mindedly about practices and other things on her mind. I just listened and made sure she didn't fall. That can't happen again.

            "You have official redeemed yourself sire " Manny curtsied when I put her down on the ground.

            " Told you I would. I gotta get going though. I'll see you tomorrow."

            "Okay. We have to finish that project too. Its due on Friday. Do you want a ride home?"

            "Nah it's a nice night I'll walk."

            "Not to sound like your mom or anything, but text me when you get home."

            "Awwh are you worried about me?"

            "Shut up and do it." She replied. Hugging me quickly Manny ran in the house.

The walk home was quiet and it allowed me to mentally prepare for that house. Checking the time I realize I had to be in that place in less than five minutes. I decided to run the rest of the way not willing to risk being late again. The routine whenever I was out late went as followed I had to go in the house to let them know I was home. Then they would tell me whether I was staying in the house that night.

            I usually stayed in the house whenever there was going to be visitors over at the house. Pushing my hand through my hair I watched and cringed as the house came into view. Rolling down my sleeves and fixing them I made sure my appearance would be up to their standards incase anyone was in the house. There were so many channels that I had to go through whenever it came to be presentable to them. The anger that has lived inside of me since I was little has become harder to keep at bay. I walked into the house trying to be as quiet as possible hoping that they were already asleep.

            "Come here boy." So much for him being a sleep.

            "Yes sir?" I answered quickly lets just say I've learned not to ignore him. I came in the room to find him sitting on the recliner. He held a beer in his hand as per usual and the room reeked of smoke. You would think I would be use to this smell. It has been the same since I was five. The house would only smells different if the visitors were here to check on Aria and I.