The Emergence of Emma

A New Beginning

"Where's my dinner woman?" I heard my daddy ask my mother. Chills ran down my spine. I knew he was drunk and i knew what was coming next. It was another evening of drinking with "the boys" as my dad liked to call them. I crawled under the bed of my newly painted mint green bedroom and pressed my hands so hard over my ears that they felt as if they were becoming numb. I waited as usual until i felt as though enough time had passed and slowly crawled out. I began to make my way to the kitchen where i knew i would find my mother crying. I passed him fast asleep in the couch. The scent of liquor engulfed him and sense of disgust overcame me.

In the kitchen i found my mother sprawled out on the floor. Her eyes painted black and blue and swollen with tears streaming down her face. Instinctively i hugged her, reminding her that everything would be ok and one day she would be happy.

"You okay hun?" my mom asked. I felt a gentle nudge on my shoulder. "You've been staring out the train window for the past half an hour." "Dont your eyes hurt?" I must be having flashbacks again i thought to myself. "Im good mom!" "Just enjoying the scenery," i replied while flashing her a smile. She smiled back. I wasn't sure what our new lives would be like but in that moment i felt a sense of calm. This was our new beginning, my new beginning. I had just turned 18 and my mom and i were leaving the country life behind us and headed for the big city. I felt empowered, ready to take on the world. I couldn't help but feel sorrow at the passing of dad but at the same time i felt as though finally i was free.

"Wake up dear," "we're here." Mom said while looking at me with excitement in her eyes. "Finally!" i responded. While stepping off the train and searching for my favorite aunt Tessa in the crowd a surge of adrenaline began to run through me. The clean crisp air that i knew all my life was replaced with something that was unfamiliar but appealed to me. "Iman," "Sis," i turned around to see an excited Tessa waving at me. She always preferred to call me by legal name instead of Emma my pet name. She knew how i was mercilessly teased in school by kids who constantly called me "hey man," but she always said "embrace your name sweetie." I had gotten so used to her saying it. then whenever she did i would just roll my eyes and not protest. I always found it very annoying but nevertheless i knew deep down she always had good intentions for me.

I ran to hug her with mom behind me. The three of us in a bear hug laughing, crying and smiling in an outpouring of emotions. "Im so happy you're here Iman," "You're gonna have so much and meet a great guy and go on lots of dates" she quipped. I roll my eyes at her while responding "Im not interested in dating aunt Tessa." "I wanna make lots of money and build a good life." "Oh stop it Emma!" my mom adds to the conversation. "Love is a beautiful thing and you should enjoy dating while you're young." I give a sly smirk and under my breath mutter "Yeah right I've seen what love can do." Seemingly annoyed by the direction the conversation is going in aunt Tessa grabs my suitcase and bolts off while yelling "lets go!"

Aunt Tessa's house is located in the heart of Chicago and is nothing short of a mansion i think to myself while going through the bedrooms. "I call dibs on the upstairs bedroom" I yell out. Its bright purple walls speak to me and is the opposite of my room back in the country. I toss my bags on the ground and start jumping on the bed. Its firm mattress supporting my slender frame. Suddenly i hear my stomach growling and i remember i havent eaten all day for fear of throwing up due to my travel sickness. I make my way to the kitchen and examine the fridge. A tub of Ice Cream catches my eye and i smile while grabbing it and then search for a spoon.

Its so delicious i think to myself while the strawberry delight melts in my mouth. Strawberry has always been my favorite flavor Ice Cream but today it tastes extra sweet. I eat until its finished and think to myself that i could eat another tub before tossing the empty container in the garbage. I run upstairs to unpack my suitcases and then shower before heading to the dining room for dinner with Aunt Tessa and mom. At dinner we talk about how much different Chicago is from our home town. Aunt Tessa tries to bring up dating again and remarks how my long legs, small waist and delicate face will make me a hit with the boys. I quickly change the subject to the delicious food which she served. "This Lasagna is to die for." I tell her. "It was your grandma's recipe." she responded. She goes on to tell me the ingredients and a sense of relief overcomes me that I've successfully changed the subject. Mom remarks that she cant wait to start cooking in the new kitchen and tells a joke about cooking ice cream to christen the momentous occasion. " Im tired," "Goodnight guys!" i give out while retiring to bed. In bed i reflect on the wonderful day I've had and wonder what the future holds for me. I picture myself meeting a handsome young man and smile at the thought of him complimenting me. Quickly, i shrug off the thought as i remember the love story i witnessed with my parents while growing up and take a mental vow to never let that be me. I swear to focus on myself and living my best life and to never be hurt by any man. My eyelids then shut and i head off to dream land.