The encounter that changed me

5 YEARS AGO... "Who told you you could embarrass me that way?" His voice echoed down the large halls. The hair on my skin stood as my body went into full fright mode. I spun around "I-I didn't know _" I stammered, my small frame trembling against my father's huge, intimidating build as he grabbed a handful of my soft brown hair. "How many times did I tell you not to show your ugly face when I have company?" He said bending his head ever slightly to the side like he did whenever he was irritated. "Do you know _" he continued "what happens when people disobey me?" A tear trickled down my cheek. He laughed. "Your tears have no effect on me you seductress. Ask your mother!" My mother. My eyes darted everywhere, searching every side of the room till I found her...on her knees, begging. Since I turned 18 this had been the norm. My father getting abusive and mother begging to take my place to spare me the pain. On some days he'd listen and drag my mother into the red room for 'punishment' and I'd lay outside the door banging and pleading as I heard my mom crying in pain. On other days I was in that room with my mom on the other end pleading as I tried to take the pain without making a sound ......I deeply preferred the latter. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "Go on Biscuit, pour in some dirt for your old man" My mother's voice drew me back to the present. My eyes were cold and void of emotions as I stared into the ground where his body lay in the black casket I had picked myself as I felt it reflected his heart. My old man? Some dirt? I'd give him some dirt alright. I angled myself to make sure my mouth was about where his head would be and spat. The crowd gasped as I walked away and headed back to the villa only pausing to confirm from the grave diggers that it was dug 10 feet deep. No way was he escaping death this time. After the ceremony, mother joined me in the study. She walked in quietly, shutting the door with barely a sound. She had learned the art of silence to save herself over the years and it made the rage I felt swell. She walked to the desk and sat before me. I got up to help with her chair but she raised her hand to stop me. She sat her small but beautiful figure down and smiled faintly at me. The beatings might have taken a toll on her posture, but not on her beauty. "How was the rest of the burial?" I asked. "We both know you don't care for that answer" she said, smile still on her face. I looked up at her and looked away. she continued " We're free now Lilith, you don't have to carry that anger anymore" "I know Mum" was all I could say before Barr Alfred burst into the room. The short stoic man had been the family lawyer for years and I had grown fond of him growing up. Each visit of his came with secret treats getting snuck up to my room by the maids. He always tried to bring some sort of joy to my mom and I. "I can come back later if_" He began to say. " Please say Al, we might as well get it over with" I replied, standing up to welcome him. He walked to the other chair at the oakwood office table and set his briefcase down. There was a short pause before he addressed my mother. "Mrs Jones, Ms Jones I'm deeply sorry for your loss _" he began I opened my mouth to speak but my mother beat me to it. "What loss?" she asked, her smile growing brighter. She was finding her voice again, it gladdened me. Al smile back briefly and continued as he revealed the contents of his briefcase. " The last will and testament of Lord Jones the second... In the event of my death I leave the sum of 1million dollars as a monthly allowance to my wife Rosa Jones with the condition that she never remarries and remains in the villa....." Al paused, cleared his throat and continued, "To Lilith Jones, my only child I leave the entirety of my fortune, including my estate, title, car collection, sword collection and art collection. The villa is not to be sold, the remaining estate however is left to the new Lady's discretion." " The end" Al concluded. "The end?" Mom asked. "That's it?, No apologies, no nothing?" "That is all Mrs Jones" "Oh please Al, call me Rosa" "I'd be pleased to help with any issues that arise regarding the will, Rosa. If there are no more questions I'd give you space to grieve in peace" Al said, I stood up shook his hand and walked him to the door of the study. I turned to my mom cursing, something else she never did. "He's an imbecile, an a**hole, a m*dman, I cure the day I met him " she ranted. I stood by her side and held her hand "I won't let him control your life from the grave" I said sternly. "What?" "The clause about not marrying" I piqued "Do you really think I was eager to get married again, biscuit?","I'm only pissed his little note didn't include an apologize to you" my mother concluded "Then don't be worried mom, I never expected one " a sadness flashed through her eyes before it disappeared ever so swiftly. "Then let's spend this money in ways that'll get him tossing and turning in that black coffin of his " we both giggled as we hugged each other and as the familiar jasmine and rose scents hit me, I closed my eyes, soaking in the moment and clenching the treat Al had passed me as i walked him out. Some things never change indeed.