THE MAFIA MUSE

Dragging myself out from my tacky bed and wornout bed spread, the shouts from downstairs was becoming unbearable and annoying. But it was not a new event in our household as everyone knew who the culprit is "My father". The whole neighborhood has already know how lousy and noisy my family is. Their constant shouts, my mum's loud crying voice and the unnecessary swearing was tearing my mind apart. My name is Pamela Johnson, a name I detest so much. I hated my whole existence and wished I could create a world of my own. My father, Mr Benedict Johnson; a very tall and huge masculine man with a very thick, long and dark hair. His physique made him stand out from his mate which gave him a demeanor appearance when he's only in his early fifties.He was a popular florist in our upscale neighborhood, Georgetown, Until his shop went up in flames thus causing his lousy and redundant character. My mother, Agnes Johnson,a clear epitome of beauty, an average woman with an outstanding body shape that made people doubt if she was truly married and birthed 3 children. She is also blessed with God's gift of making wonderful and the most beautiful hairstyles you can never imagined. She is also a well known hairstylist in our neighborhood. Life hasn't been fair to her therefore making her look older than her actual age when she's only in her early forties. My elder brother,Francis, when he was just fifteen was sent out to live with my grand uncle in a faraway country who deals on motor parts and also has many apprentices under him; But that was seven years ago since then we've not heard from him. Francis was a huge carbon copy of my father, from his height to his manner approach. The only difference was that he was my role model; his positive vibes, his protective gestures and his lighthearted soul are the things I really love to learn from him. Christabel or christy as we call her is the baby of the house, she is a very vibrant kid who loves drawing. She too collected a huge chunk of resemblance from my dad. She's just 6 yet she's looking too tall for her age. I love her so much and that was the only reason I was still enduring the embarrassment our parents are causing us. Then back to me, the second child and first daughter, a young aspiring caterer who loves anything catering. I would borrow magazines and journals from Miss Helen, the oldest spinster in our neighborhood and feed my eyes on the mouth watering dishes displayed there and wish I would one day create a new recipe that would be used globally. Our house was a true definition of poverty. The rodents there became the first tenants we ever had. The sewage pipes and the horrific smell that comes out from the toilet whenever it was flushed was nothing I would never wish for anyone not even my worst enemies. The walls had different colors due to the fact that my mom will bring back home any leftover bucket of paint dropped off in front of any newly completed building. Then she'll try and patch up the cracks on the wall thereby making our house look like a low budget colorful casino. Going to school in my family was a huge blessing despite being poor. Though I was happy I was attending school but the outfits I wore to school made the students made mockery of me. I'm nineteen(19) but still in 12th grade due to the fact I always drop off and on in school because I'm always late with payment of school fees. I was feeling like a loner until I met my best friend, Becky, a girl I had everything in common with except that her father is responsible. I've always wanted to have a life like Becky. Though, Becky is the only girl in her family of six (6) boys, she was spoiled and yet she's still very reserved and disciplined which makes me wonder how its possible......... "Dad, stop, just stop", I shouted. Yes I'm the one only one that can stand my ground and talk to him whenever he stands misbehaving. As i climbed down the remaining steps, I walked up to my mum and gave her a hug and kissed my kid sister on her forehead; a routine I always do before taking her to bed and anytime she wakes up in the morning. "Pam, you're awake, aren't you going to school today? he asked as if he cares. " Yes I'm going to school and "yes I'm awake , all thanks to you",I answered as I rolled my eyes at him. For the fact, he always make my mum and baby sister cry almost every time makes me want to smack him so hard. My father is a man,yes, but he knows better not to mess with my mom and kid sister anytime I'm around. "Mum, I called out , what's for breakfast? asking hoping for manna to fall from heaven. "Pam, I managed to get some corned beef from the nearby supermarket but I don't know what to do with it" she said almost breaking down again. "NOT AGAINNN!!! I said in my mind to avoid hurting her feelings. "Its OK I'll see what I can do with it", I assured her knowing fully well I'm as confused as she is. "OK but please hurry up so you won't be late for school" she said sounding lighthearted. " OK mum I said nodding. As i watched her go upstairs with christy, I turned swiftly to my father looking at him with so much hatred and disgust, he bowed his head in shame and mumbled something only him could hear. "please leave, I said sounding authoritative. As he dragged himself outside, I stretched out for the magazine I always keep on top of the cupboard and try to look for something creative I can do with the corned beef.