Authors notes:
Hey ya'll! Sorry about the delay, but with the holiday weekend, I took my kids on a few spontaneous day trips and was unable to update. But I'm back and diving into the story once again. Thanks for the reviews and such. Enjoy
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The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster in themselves. Despite my recent efforts to please Cato with my curfew, he seems to be seeking out ways to punish me. Forgot to remind him about his dentist appointment, pushed into the side of the car door. Didn't wait for him to be ready for dinner, held my throat until my face turned purple. Asked to go out with Madge for her birthday, jar candle thrown at my face. Make-up hides the bruises. Even if it didn't, people only see what they want to see.
But in all this, my mother surprised us last week. She had booked a last minute vacation to District 4. Six days and seven nights in an ocean front condo. Swimming with my sister in the ocean, nightly mini golf competitions with my parents. The best part hit me seconds later. Cato was in mandatory overtime for work at that time and wouldn't be able to get off. My first true vacation in years.
I had to hide my excitement, even told him I didn't have to go. Much to my surprise, his response offered the first compassionate exchange I have had with him in years. "Nah, honey I want you to go. Enjoy some time with your family." I return his crocked smile with a soft one of my own. That was too easy, I thought.
As I turn to return to the kitchen, happy to be able to accept my mother's invitation, is when he lets his true colors show.
"I know you'll be ok. Won't you?" I pause, not daring to face him. "After all, I'd hate for something to 'come up".
TWO WEEKS LATER…..
My bags are packed, my shifts covered at work. All that is left to do is load the car and leave.
I help my mom by packing our car before she gets home from work. Somehow I manage to load luggage for all four of us in the small trunk. Well, my backpack and our pillows will have to sit in the back with Prim and I, but I don't think she will mind.
I smile and wave at my mom as she pulls in the drive way, proud of my accomplishment. "All packed mom! Not much room to spare but it's in there."
"Did you pack the boogie boards?" she asks.
"Ugh! No! I'll make them fit trust me!" I respond confidently.
"Oh honey, don't worry! Just put it in the other car." Confused, I raise a brow.
Just as I hear the words flow from her mouth, a familiar car pulls up to the house. "Surprise! Cato called me earlier today! He was able to get off work, so he is coming with us!"
My mouth hangs open, my heart crushed, unable to speak. My mother fills the silence. "Oh look there he is now! Isn't this wonderful! I'll let you help him load his car! Be ready to go when your father gets home."
With his same crocked smile, he proudly strides up the driveway, bringing me into a tight hug when he reaches me. "See, I always find a way to be with you. Now I don't have to worry about you." He moves to kiss my cheek, but I flinch slightly I response. Both of our eyes widen when they meet. I'm sure to pay for that later.
We drive through the night, me in the passenger seat of Cato's car. Pretending to sleep, my mind is secretly racing. But I must remain calm, lest my tears betray me. My headphones still on, my latest playlist on repeat, I slip into a semi conscience state, losing myself to the music.
"You got a fast car,
Is it fast enough so we can fly away?
We gotta make a decision,
Leave tonight, or live and die this way?"
A classic, by the unparalleled Tracy Chapman. I never noticed how sad this song really is, until, in that moment I realized how much I could relate.
When the day breaks, when cross the border into District 4. Tropical trees line small roads, labeled by hand carved wooden signs. The salted sea breeze tickles my nose through the open window.
"We're here. Can you believe it?" he asks the first words he has spoken to me since he appeared in my parent's driveway the day before.
"No." It's the truth; I can't believe WE are here.
We all unpack the car and head to the room. 502. The unit is spacious, almost as big as our house. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a wrap-around kitchen, living room/dining room combo, and a large ocean front balcony. Prim graciously offered to sleep on the sleeper sofa in the living room, giving her room to Cato. For that I am thankful, making it so that he would have to pass by my parent's room to get to mine, offering a small sense of security.
I decide against unpacking my suitcase. By the time I get used to what drawers my clothes are in, it's time to pack up and head home anyway. The day is uneventful, mostly relaxing in the room.
As we ready for dinner at my favorite restaurant, I am followed into my room by Cato. I look forward to dinner at this restaurant every time we come here and as a surprise, my mother had made reservations tonight to "start the week off right".
Cato moves to my suitcase, and removes the revealing black dress sleeveless dress I had brought for a possible night at the local dance club. "Are you serious? I can't wear this to dinner with my parents!"
"Can't wear what?" my mother pokes her head in my room. "I agree! Why not wear this one darling?" she pulls out my orange sundress from my suitcase.
"I nod, accepting the garment from her. When I face Cato, that all too familiar expression is glaring at me once again, but I don't care. He can't ruin tonight. My mom was right, this dress was perfect.
My defiance continues at dinner, rejecting the entrée Cato tried to order for me and insisting on the fresh fish special I always get. And when I order a glass of wine with dinner, despite his objection, his eyes are full of fire and rage. What has gotten into me? I'm not sure I really understood the consequences, but regardless, it felt great to stand up for myself.
But my strength was short lived, and once again I found myself submitting to Cato's rage. Once we reach the condo, I excuse myself to my bedroom, closely followed by Cato.
As soon as the door closes, my vision blacks out.
