Prologue
The sudden smell of cigarettes and alcohol let me know that Harris entered the apartment.
"This place is a mess." He growls. His cigarette is still lit, and a piece of ash falls to the ground.
"It would be better if you didn't smoke in here." I say, trying to sound lighthearted. It doesn't work.
"What did you say to me?" He steps closer, a dark look in his eye. "Without me you couldn't afford this apartment, and then you and Annie would be out on the street. Is that what you want?" I stare him down.
"I don't need your charity." I say, and I push back him.
"Maybe you don't, but our daughter does."
"Annie doesn't need you. I don't need you. We're fine on our own." Harris laughs a mean, sickening laugh.
"That's why you're living in this dump. You've never been the brightest bulb Chelsea."
"I know. If I was I would never has chosen you." The second the words leave my mouth I'm slammed into a wall. The world is spinning and my head aches.
"What did you say you little brat? What did you say?"
"Daddy?" Annie's voice asks. She emerges from our bedroom rubbing her eyes. Harris let's go of me.
"Hi sweetheart! Come give daddy a hug." Annie goes to where she hears his voice coming from, holding onto her stuffed bunny Pete. Even if he was absolutely silent, she could have found him from his smell. He hugs her tight, all of the violence from before leaving him.
"Why were you yelling at Mama? You woke me up from my nap."
"I'm sorry sweetheart. Mommy and I were just talking. Go back to your bed." Annie yawns widely.
"Ok daddy." She says, and she expertly makes her way back to the bedroom. I'm holding my aching head, glaring at Harris.
"You know you have to ask before coming here." I mutter. He laughs.
"Ask before coming to an apartment I pay for? I don't think so." I know I shouldn't make him angry again, but I can't help myself.
"You can't see her again without my permission. If you do, I'll go to court and-"
"Go to court? And do what! All I have to do is tell them to go look at this dump you live in. Or maybe I should tell them that you just lost another job. Or maybe that you can't afford half the stuff that Annie needs. They may not give her to me, but my parents are an option. And they would almost never let you see her." He's right. His parents hate me. I can't deny what he says, because it's all true.
"Get out." I say, low and deep. "And don't ever come back here." He grins and turns and heads toward the door.
"I won't. Not without child services. Have fun with your last few weeks with Annie." He slams the door on his way out, leaving the stench of alcohol and cigarettes behind him. I rush to the room to check on Annie.
"Hey Annie bug." I whisper in her ear.
"Why is daddy mad at you. He's always mad at you." She whispers.
"Daddy's just...very angry right now."
"Is he angry at me?"
"No! He could never be angry at you bug."
"Unless I don't eat my vegetables." I laugh, and the slight movement makes my head hurt.
"Go to sleep Annie. When you wake up I'll make us dinner." I kiss her forehead and she nods, already falling asleep. When her breath becomes slow and even, I slip out of the bed. I go to the kitchen and pull out an ice pack I keep for such occasions and put it on my head. When the pain subdues, I breath a sigh of relief. Then Harris' words catch up to me.
" Have fun with your last few weeks with Annie." I shudder, knowing he meant business. Even with all his faults, Harris loved his daughter. He would do anything to see her, especially if it meant hurting me.
"You're taking her over my dead body." I saw, determination filling me. This time I'll do it. I'll finally leave. I put away the ice bag and begin to pack.
When all of our few possessions are packed in an old duffel, I go to wake up Annie.
"Is it time for dinner Mama?" She says, her little eyes not meeting mine.
"Come on Annie bug. It's time for an adventure.
A.N. New story time! I hope you enjoy this story,ease review if you do!
-Goldengirl