Winged Angel

Chapter 1

My mothers smile bright upon her face as she came running into the kitchen. I was stirring a pot of soup for supper. Father wasn’t feeling good and he requested it. I turned down the heat and looked her way with my hand folded gently in front of me. I was glad I had finished bread earlier so my apron was neat and tidy another thing mother liked.

“My son is coming home.” She exclaimed. I had never seen her so happy. It had been four years since Alex had left. I was so happy to hear he was coming home but I did not allow it to show on my face. This mother did not like.

“Should I prep his favorite supper.” I asked very gently with a slight bow of my head.

“Yes, all the works.” She exclaimed. “Oh we must run into market tomorrow to get the stuff.”

“Of course ma'am.” I spoke gently.

“I’m so happy.” She spoke running out of the room. I sighed gently before turning back to the soup. I quickly checked the garlic bread in the oven before I turned the soup heat up. I got the kettle going before prepping the tea.

My mind wondered back to Alex and how he must have changed. Maybe he would have a beard now. I know he had been wanting to grow one. Or maybe he has a girlfriend. He always said he would find one once he got out of or small town. I didn’t care I just wanted him home. I wanted to see him so bad. We had never been separated like this before and I really didn’t like it.

The kettle blew its whistle startling me from my thoughts. I would have to be careful, so careful. So much has changed for me and he didn’t even know it. I would have to pull out some fabric tonight and make a new outfit. I would have to tidy up the spare room downstairs and make it look like I live in it. Not to mention all the food prep I would have to do for while he was here. I wonder how long he was going to be here for. I mean I hope it would be forever again but knew that would not be the case.

I pulled my mind from that and poured the water into the cup before placing it on the tray I had previously set aside. I filled up a bowl of soup for my father and grabbed a piece of bread from the oven. Placing it carefully on the tray I had a little plate for the tea bag and a spoon for honey.

Father was the only one that would never scold me nor would he ever been mean to me. He was also a very simple man. He worked hard all day and came home to wanting only a smile and a hug from me. Said those where the best rewards we could ever give him. When he was sick he didn’t even want us to care for him. Mother would always be mad when we didn’t specially me so I took great pride in doing it.

I balanced the tray carefully between both my hands as I carefully carried it up the two steps out of the kitchen. Next was the flight of stairs up to our father’s room. With a gentle sigh I began to climb them.

“Where are you going?” her cheery voice now gone as she stood at the top of the stairs.

“Sir is not feeling good so I am taking his supper to him.” I spoke gently stopping on the step I was.

“Hurry it up then. He should not eat anything cold.” She warned. I began to step quickly and carefully. She grunted before disappearing. I sigh gently and hopped she was holding the door for me. Rounding the top step I found this was not the case. I knew if I didn’t wear this soup today it will be a miracle.

Last time father was sick brother was home. He was able to help me get up the stairs by taking half the tray and he would hold the door so it was easier to get in. I tried to do it myself once and spilt the whole contents on myself. That was one of the most painful lessons I learnt. Now it’s a walk in the park.

“May I enter.” I spoke gently hopping mother would get the door. When no one did I carefully stick my elbow out and gently placed it on the door. Lowering my body slowly the handle moved till the point it swung open. To my dismay out come mother not even watching as she plowed into me spilling the hot contents onto me. I wanted to scream in pain as the scorching hot substance burned my skin but I stayed quiet.

“You worthless scum. Wasting food like we have tons of it.” She screamed at me. I stayed quiet as I rose quickly ignoring the pain of the hot cloth rubbing my already hot skin. I quickly gathered the utensils and other things onto the tray. I pulled out a cloth I had placed in my pocket and began to clean it up. She wasn’t having any if this. She pulled out her whip and went to smack me before father stepped in. She quickly hid it.

“Honey she is cleaning up. She did ask to enter.” He spoke gently before coughing. With a sniffle he continued. “Let her clean up and get some more soup going. I am tired and would like to sleep. I cant till I eat something.”

“Your father is hungry. Hurry up and get some more. I will deal with this endeavor later.” She spat leaving the room. Father waited till she was gone and leaned down placing a hand on my shoulder. It startled me causing me to pull back. He had his hands up apologetic causing me to calm.

“I’m sorry father. I will get more soup right away.” I gently said standing and running back down the stairs. I quickly put the dishes in the sink before starting up the soup and kettle. I got a clean tray and prepped the cup I left by the kettle. I turned on the stove before storing the soup. I prepped the tray again before stirring the soup once more. After the kettle went I turned off the stove grabbed out the garlic bread placing it on the plate. I poured the soup and placed it on the try before pouring the tea.

I quickly checked everything over once more before exiting the kitchen. Mother was no where in sight so I started my slow climb up the stairs to which I was happy his door was still open. He was right where I had left him cleaning up the spill himself.

“Come father I have your supper. Don’t worry about that I will clean it up.” I spoke hurriedly hopping mother didn’t hear me or came around to see him cleaning.

“This child was not your fault. You shouldn’t be cleaning it.” He spoke ever so gently. I carefully raced the tray into the room and set it on a clear table before racing back to him. I placed my hands on his shoulder and lifted him away from the spill.

“It may not be my fault but I am happy to clean it. Come you must eat so we can get you to bed.” I told him sweetly as he rose with me. I lead him over to bed where I then set the tray comfortably in his lap.

“Child go change before you burn anymore.” He spoke as I stopped at the spill once more.

“Don’t worry father it has cooled down now. It actually feels nice to have it on.” I told him only giving a small white lie. It was true it felt good but the fabric rubbed the burn irritating it. I turned back to the spill and began to clean some more. I had to run for a bucket and water in which I cleaned the spill to the point it didn’t even look like it had been done.

“Come child and sit with me. I am almost done.” My father spoke as he ate. I did as he asked and sat in a chair beside him.

“Brother is coming home.” I spoke excitedly. “What do you think he will look like?”

“I bet he will be handsome.” Father chuckled. “I hope he has a beautiful girl with him.”

“I hope he has a beard. Brother has tried so hard for one.” I gently laughed with him.

“I sure did miss him.” He spoke. I knew how he felt. “The home was better with him here.”

“I’m sorry father.” I spoke a little upset.

“No no child.” Father quickly spoke. “With him here you where treated with respect. Now your nothing but a maid. I cant stand it and the worst thing is there is nothing I can do about it.”

“Oh father everything is alright. I enjoy cooking.” I spoke with a smile.

“Its good you enjoy cooking but the a***e your mother forces on you is what I’m concerned with.” He spoke with a raised eyebrow.

“Mother never touches me like that father.” I spoke quickly. I mean it’s true, she always used something. Most the time it was a whip that left small mark’s on my back. “I promise father.”

“I don’t believe you but for the sake of it I will listen.” He sighed before sitting back. I got up and cleared his tray away. I placed the tray on the table and brought over his tea.

“Come father you need to drink as well. It will help flush this bug out of your system.” I spoke passing him the tea. He looked at it and then at me with a frown. “Your going to like this one.”

“Alright, you said that about the last one and it was really good.” Her father sighed. He reached for the cup and I passed it so he could grip the handle. He smelt it before taking a sip.

“Just some honey and lemon. It is warmed up by the water.” I smiled happily. I was able to do some research and found hot lemon and honey really helped with colds as well as helped people sleep better. I knew this cold was bothering father for a bit and the bitter tea mom use to make for him smelt horriblr.

“Oh honey this is amazing.” Father exclaimed with a smile. “One sip and it feels like I can breath.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I have been doing some research and it says this will not only help you feel better but will also help you sleep.” I said happily. I was glad it was helping him. Mother was always more on edge when father couldn’t go to work and he had already missed three days.

“Oh honey,” Father spoke as a tear started to fall. I raced over to him and wiped it with a Kleenex that was beside his bed.

“Don’t cry father, everything will be alright.”

“Nothing is alright. You should have been able to fallow your passion and dreams. But no you’re here taking care of your sick father and your mother abuses you.” He cried holding me tight. He was holding his tea away from us with one hand. “This was not the life I wanted for you.”

“I know father. But this is the life I have. I will take it in stride and learn as I go.” I told him gently. “Please stop crying.”

“Avery,” Mothers voice cried up the stairs. Father let me go even though you could tell he didn’t want to. I grabbed the empty tray and began running down the steps. I stepped into the kitchen and placed the tray down on the counter. As I did I heard the c***k of the whip as it came down on my back. My clothing doing very little to help the sting. I was careful not to jump for it would cause the tray to move and come crashing down. I had already dropped so much didn’t need more. The c***k came again and this time I made sure to remove my hands from the tray. “You better learn from this. Or I will cause you to strip and I will hit you so hard you will bleed.” Another c***k of the whip hit my back. Another 3 followed. I held my tongue as I closed my eyes. If I said anything when I wasn’t asked she would hit me more. I waited patiently for her to finish and it wasn’t quick. 6 more harsh cracks before she took a small breath. “You break one more dish and I will drive this whip down even harder on you. Do you understand?”

“Yes Ma'am,” I spoke gently. She laid 3 more one me before she coiled up the whip and left. I stood there for a bit longer before I tried to move. My back was numb with pain. Something I was use to and knew it would go away soon. When the numbing came down a little I stepped over to the stove and began to warm up the second pot I had made. I put fresh bread in the oven taking the old one out to cool. I then began to put the soup into a container where I left it to cool on the counter. Moving over to the sink I cleaned up what dishes I had taking time to check the contents in the second pot. I quickly pulled the bead from the oven and plated some spaghetti. Making sure the bread was on it’s own plate I took it to the dining room and poured a glass of Merlot for Mom before I went back to the kitchen.

The wait was long but still I stood there. A little bell sounded and I went racing. I quickly gathered the dishes and brought them into the sink. I grabbed out a small plate where I began to dish myself up some food. It wasn’t much but it would do me. I was just about to sit down to eat when I heard the bell. I raced back to the dining room where mom was gently waving her empty wine glass. I carefully stepped over and pour some more of the wine on the table.

“Make sure Alex's room is ready and clean. I want sheets changed, curtains cleaned and not a speck of dirt anywhere.” She said before dismissing me. I nodded gently before leaving. I scarfed down my food before I grabbed the container of cleaning supplies. I carefully made my way up the stairs into Alex's bedroom where I had spent most my childhood.

I didn’t focus on to much. I had a lot to do. I started by cleaning the dust of everything before moving to the sheets and curtains. I cleaned the floor before moving to the bathroom. Once I was satisfied in there I left and walked back to the laundry room. I placed the curtains and sheets into the washer before heading down the stairs to a room they gave me. It was dark and really dusty but I didn’t care. It was home for me not that I use it much. I quickly started cleaning up the area. I pulled off the sheets where I ran them upstairs to the wash and started it. I then ran back downstairs to finish up.

Once I was satisfied the room was perfect enough my brother would believe I lived in it I walked up to the kitchen. I stored my cleaning supplies away before I decided bed was a good idea. I knew there would not be much sleep for me tonight but I would make do. Didn’t help I was to excited to sleep before but now I’m ready. The washer dinged causing me to sigh. I quickly changed it to the dryer before heading to my sleeping nock in the kitchen. Behind an old cabinet we have gotten rid off there was a hole in the wall. Father built it as a room for me when I was smaller. Mother at that time had a maid that would do the cooking and cleaning for us so we didn’t have to worry. I was afraid of mom at that time and when she started yelling I could run in there to get away from her.

I was so small when they brought me home. I really didn’t know what a mom was. Mine had died when I was really little. She let me call her mom for the first few days but then got really nasty and I would run. Now I understand why, I mean I was a child of a hundred questions which would just annoy her. She still doesn’t like me much now but can stand me. We have good days and bad days.

With a sigh I let my head hit the pillow and fall asleep. I had set my alarm for 5am. I had to be up to make breakfast and start to prepare the dough and a few other things for supper for my brother. His favorite supper was homemade veggie pizza, with garlic cheesy sticks and seasoned wings. I decided a lava cake on the side would be perfect for dessert. One of his favorite desserts.

As soon as my eyes closed it felt as if the alarm went off. I wanted to ignore it, to role over and fall back asleep but I knew another whipping was coming my way if I did that. With Alex coming home I didn’t want that to happen. I loved my brother and father so much but if they saw me getting hurt they would go after mother. They respected the lady so much it would hurt them and I didn’t want that.

Rolling over I stretched but soon stopped as the pain spiked in my back. With a grumble I got up and quickly changed into a new outfit. I carefully picked out my favorite Jean’s. They where warn quite well but I kept them only for occasions. I pulled out my best looking shirt before braiding my hair and stepping out. I quickly raced out to the barn and began food prep. We would feed them after the morning run to the grocery store. I went back in and sat on a bench in the kitchen. I waited for mother who came down sheepishly, Father followed her.

“Come Avery, I am taking you into town.” Father spoke sounding a lot better. I smiled as I followed him to the truck and went to sit in the passenger seat. “No no Avery. You have your license you drive.”

“Are you sure.” I asked excited. I never got to drive with him or mom. Alex was the only one that let me drive.

“You deserve to. Plus the medicine your mother gave me I’m sure is not good for driving anywhere.” Father spoke as he got in the passenger seat. I got in the driver seat and adjusted it. I carefully sat back but slightly shot up. Father didn’t notice me as he looked out the window. I was happy. I started the truck and we began to move down the highway. Father put the radio on once we hit the highway. It made me smile in turn made him smile to. It was really nice to see.

“Father.” I asked gently.

“Did your mother whip you again last night.” He asked looking at me. I turned to him briefly before looking back at the road.

“I heard her Avery. I heard every c***k of that whip.” He reached over trying to take a look.

“Father she didn’t. She had the TV on loud last night watching that training show. I think she wants another horse.” I told him trying to take his attention away from it. I knew it didn’t work but he pulled back anyways. “I was wondering if there is a little money to buy some fabric.”

“I was suppose to buy you that last time I was in town. I’m so sorry.” Father spoke looking my way. “If it’s not to expensive we can. I’m sorry.”

“Its okay father. We can do it another day.” I smiled at him.

“I knew I should have brought more money.” He angrily spoke.

“Its okay father. I should have asked before we left. Plus with Alex coming home I don’t think I will have time to work with it.” I spoke trying to make him feel better.

“I hope he is coming home to take you away.” Father gently sighed. “The way your mother treats you is not what a mother should.”

“If he takes me who is going to look after you and the farm when your sick. Plus she isn’t doing anything wrong.” I told him. “Mother loves me just as much as Alex.”

“Turn up here. I really don’t want to go all the way into town to shop.” He said after many long moments. I pulled into the small little grocery store. It was the closest to the house but it had so much. Father passed me the list mother had made and money. I smiled as I raced in and began to gather everything needed. I added a few extra things that mom had forgotten I knew we would need. I paid the lady at the till before heading back to the truck. Exiting the store a feeling crawled up my spine forcing me to look around. I did it carefully to make it look like I wasn’t. There was something about this feeling I had felt once before.

“Can I help you with those.” A very well dressed man spoke stepping up to me.

“I can manage. Thank you.” I told him politely as I kept walking to the truck. I felt the man behind me and looked towards my Father who now was getting out of the truck. I moved a little quicker wanting to get out of here.

“Sorry bunny had a call.” Father spoke getting to the cart.

“The bananas where black or I would have bought some.” I spoke our code. Father looked at me with a smile. I knew it was just for show and he would be looking for the man in black coat. We set these up so if I was in danger I knew how to help him pin point the person. Men where always Banana's and Women where grapes. Unripe meant suspicious and the color normally told him what person in the parking lot to look for. I could tell dad had spotted him.

“Let’s get these in the truck.” He said climbing up in to the bed and getting the bins open. I began passing him bags despite the pain ringing threw my back. I couldn’t tell him everything mother did to me was a truth. It would break him and I knew mom would beat me more if he found out. I hate lying to him but couldn’t risk it if he found out. “Get the truck going I’ll take the cart.”

“Alright,” I told him as I got comfy in the truck. My back gently placed on the seat. Watching father put the cart away he came back quickly. There was something off and I wonder if he felt what I had felt but I didn’t push the matter. He looked tired again which worried me. Something was weighting on him but I couldn’t figure it out. He should be excited and happy. Today Alex was coming home. I was excited despite so little sleep and so much to do.

“What are supper plans?” Father finally broke the silence. Not that it was bad as the music was playing.

“Alex’s favorite. I’m going to attempt a lava brownie cake for dessert.” I told him with a smile.

“Chocolate Brownie gooeyness. My three favorite words.” Father smiled.

“Alex’s to.” I spoke. “Is something wrong Father?”

“There is so much going on in this world and you know so little of it. I have fears that something is about to happen and I don’t think your ready for it.”

“You raised me to be a smart young lady. Sure I didn’t go to school like Alex and sure I spend most my days doing all the chores but I did learn a thing or to.” I told him with a smile. “I use to steal brothers school books at night and read them. I think in a way he knew I did that. He would always bring them home for me.”

“Your brother was a very smart cookie. He never took knowledge for granted. I also know he passed a lot of it on to you.” He said upset. I looked over at him before I placed a hand on his. “He has taught you so much but I fear it wasn’t the right thing. Doesn’t help he doesn’t kmow them either.”

“What are you trying to say father?” I asked a little confused and concerned now.

“Oh nothing.” Father chuckled. “Here I am babbling out the future when we should all be focused on the happiness of now.”

Father said nothing after that. We just listened to the radio. I wanted to say something more. To push him further about what he meant but decided against it. We pulled in with moms hands on her hip. I sighed knowing she was mad we took so long. I quickly jumped out of the truck and began to run groceries to the house. She watched me with every container. I carefully put each item away before heading for the next ones. Father tried to help but Mother told him to leave it. He decided to go lie down. I smiled and told him I would bring up lunch. We both had a wrap from a small food stall just down the road from us.

Once the groceries where safely put away I got to work on the dough for supper. Working quickly I got everything set and rising before I raced out to feed the animals. I started with the chickens. I quickly fed them before I collected there eggs. I brought them inside where I cleaned them then stored them into egg cartons. I then went out and feed the pigs and sheep before I fed moms horses there grain. The cows where left and they all moo'd happily. I just smiled and kissed a few before leaving.

Heading back to the kitchen I started warming up the soup and got some grilled cheeses going. I also got the kettle going for tea as I knew father would need it. With supper complete I walked it up to father who lucky enough was stepping out of the room. I held up the tray and he smiled.

“I feel much better, would you care to join me at the table.” Father spoke gently. I nodded and walked back down to the dining room. I raced to the kitchen to grab my plate and walked it over to the dining room. Mother was there and indicated for me to place my food in front of her. I smiled and obeyed.

“Now supper better be perfect. Your brother is going to be home soon.” Mother spoke as she started eating. Father looked at me waiting.

“Please start mine will be a little longer.” I told him with a smile. I left for the kitchen where I sighed. I began a quick sandwich that I scarfed down before I started working the dough for the bread sticks. Once they where all ready I shaped them and got them on trays and put on the proofing cycle in the oven. I began to chop vegetables and get them set into bowls.

The bell rang causing me to clean my hands. I grabbed a tray from the cupboard and walked to the dining room. Father was still sitting there watching me enter. I smiled at him as I cleaned up the dishes and put them on the table.

“Did you eat something?” Father asked grabbing my arm.

“Yes father.” I smiled at him sitting beside him.

“I hope we will be able to eat together with your brother's here.” He spoke grabbing my hand. “I miss our family being together so much.”

“I’m sure we will Father.” I told him before rising and taking the plate to the kitchen.

“Wait.” Father called as I heard his chair move. I stopped and turned to him. “You told me everything is okay.”

“It is.” I told him a little worried. He lead me to the kitchen where he lifted the back of my shirt. I was shocked and pulled out of his hands and stepped to the other side of the room.

“How long have you been lying?” He asked as I saw his tears welding up in his eyes.

“Father I haven’t.” I spoke still unsure of what is going on.

“Maria.” Fathers voice boomed through the house. I put the dishes into the sink before I started to prep the cheese sticks.