Growing Backbone
1207 Words
Bobby sat with his elbows on the table and his hands intertwined, looking at my mother with a grimace on his face. We are going to have a family meeting right now, Bobby says. Is there something wrong dear, my mother asked him? Yeah your food tastes like s***I'm sick of coming home to this garbage, Kathy. Maybe you should have learned to cook instead of being a lawyer. Bobby shouted at my mom through gritted teeth. That law degree of yours hasn't gotten you very far. Maybe you should take some advice from a real woman, Bobby said, smacking his fist on the table. I saw the tears begin to swell in my mother's eyes, she quickly dabbed them away with her napkin. I grine my teeth and rolled my eyes. I'm sorry dear, I'll do better next time my mother tells him. Oh sure I've heard that before. You're ridiculous. "Just shut up", Bobby snaps at her. I take a deep breath and sigh out loud at his idiocy. He has absolutely no respect for the woman that has practically given away her life for him. I looked at my mother, wondering at that moment what happened to her. Was there something I didn't know about? Why did she sit there and put up with this madness? I turned to look at Bobby, he was staring at my mother with so much anger he looked like he could kill. I honestly didn't see what the problem was. Not every poor person can say they eat gormea meals like this. Despite not having money and always scrapping by, my mother always made sure we ate a good healthy meal. I didn't realize I was staring a hole through Bobby until he started napping his fingers in my face. Why the f*** are you looking at? Is there something you'd like to say to Anna?, Bobby said as he spit at me and looked at me in disgust. I wiped his spit off me with my napkin. Normally I wouldn't even sigh out loud like that, but lately I have felt rather different. I'm 17 now and I'm tired of his s***. Actually, yeah, I said with a smirk. I turned to look at my mother, and said thank you for all you do. Your food is as wonderful and filling as always. I stood and kissed her forehead before starting to gather the dirty dishes. I stopped in my tracks and turned to face Bobby. Bobby, you know, I think you should have a little more respect and grace towards my mother. After all, she should have dumped your ass long ago. If it weren't for my mother, we wouldn't have a roof over our heads. The money from where she sold her house is what afforded us to live here. I stood there expecting a response from Bobby after the full ear I gave him. Instead of giving a reaction, he just sat there sipping from his glass. I rolled my eyes and went to grab his dishes and he snatched my wrist and gave it a tight squeeze. What are you trying to do, giving your mother credit where it's not due? Do not disrespect me again b****, Bobby said. I instantly pulled my wrist free and slapped him in the face. My mother gasped and, before he could react, I was drawing my other hand back ready to slap him again. Do not ever speak to my mother or me like that again. For years, we have shown you respect that you do not deserve. I shouted at him. Day and night my mother is at your beck and call, slaving over the hot stove for you, tidying your clothes without so much as thanks and treating us both like slaves. I shouted once more at him. Bobby stood up trying to loom over me with his tall figure. I looked up at him to meet his angry gaze, daring him to try something else. My arms were at my sides and I clenched my fists closed until my nails dug into the palm of my hands. Bobby went to take off his belt and I grabbed the dirty dishes from the table and smashed them over the top of his head. My mother screamed at me, begging me to stop. Augh damn you little b****. Bobby stood and struck me in the face and blood began to drip from my nose with a burning sensation. I scrunched my nose and felt a sharp sting. Bobby pulled his hand back to strike me again. My mother threw herself in front of me begging him to stop, when suddenly a sharp knock came from the door. Bobby looked at my mother with anger, snapping his finger and pointing to the broken glass. Commanding us like dogs. We started to clean up the bits of shattered glass. My mother scurries away to grab the broom and dustpan. Bobby then leaned down and grabbed me by the chin, squeezing my face until I squinted in pain. Try some s*** like that again and I'll beat you to death, shoving me to the floor before straightening himself back up. Bobby then scurried off to answer the persistent knock at the front door. After dusting himself off, he went to answer the front door. I didn't know what the hell came over me or why I got so angry and struck him, but I kinda liked it. My mother rushed over to me asking if I was okay. I'm fine Mom, it's just a little bloody nose. I'm sorry I acted out, but I'm so tired of him treating you this way, I said to her honestly. I hate seeing you this way, I confess to her. She looked at me with her eyes full of tears and hugged me. I know, honey, but please don't ever stick up for me again. You're my world and I don't want to see you hurt, she said. I nodded my head only to momentarily agree with her. I heard another man's voice in the living room. Bobby was rambling on to the mysterious voice about dishes falling out of the cabinet on him.Bastard, I thought to myself. I grabbed some paper towels and, with them to dab the blood from my nose, coming to myself and thought, for a grown man Bobby sure hits like a b****. As if my mother read my mind, she leaned over and whispered" it could have been a lot worse. You know that's why it's important that you never defy him again. I glared at her, clenching my teeth before asking if he had ever hurt her like this before. She lowered her head and ignored my question. Bobby stepped around the corner, glaring at us both. When you two are finished, I'd like to introduce you both to a new client of mine. Kathy bring my scotch and some glasses before you come, he says to my mother before turning to leave. I gathered the ice and glasses while my mother grabbed the bottle of Scotch from the cabinet. We straightened our clothes and situated our appearance before descending into the living room.
- Writer
