To my readers,
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my stories and thank you for your kind words.
All characters engaging in sex are 18 years or older.
*****
The slap of his hand against my cheek didn't hurt as much as my mother standing there and doing absolutely nothing. That's the day that I left home.
That was four years ago. I was fifteen years old at the time but my story starts when I was much younger. My mother had remarried when I was eight. That brought John and his son Daniel. Daniel was a quiet shy kid who I actually liked. He was a year younger than me. The problems started with John's religion.
He was a devout catholic and my mother forced his religion on the both of us. Suddenly I'd have to attend church every Sunday and memorize the catholic choreography. I could no longer sleep in my underwear because it wasn't proper for a young lady. Forget scary movies and television. Those were the work of the Devil.
When I went through puberty I was given a stern lecture on how all boys wanted was sin. Every topic was always about sin and how we should always repent. I was told I could only wear clothes that were modest.
"Now Lucy, you wouldn't want to tempt any boys would you?" I remember my mother saying. I also remember glancing at Daniel and his face turning red.
No matter how often I tried to resist it was always the same. Honor they Father. Well as far as I was concerned he wasn't my father.
The only thing that kept me sane is my mom allowed me to stay in public school. Daniel went to a private catholic school. If I had to go to the private school I probably would have left a lot sooner. Daniel and I kept our distance but I felt sorry for him. I didn't think he had any friends. If there was anyone I loved in that house it would have been Daniel.
It's not that Daniel and I didn't want to hang out. John wouldn't allow it. He would come in and tell us to go to our rooms and think about our sins. We studied the bible more than our priests. Daniel never asked to bring friends over and I never could. Heathens, John called them.
When girls my age started to date and wear makeup I'd be given a new bible. I wasn't allowed out to do anything. I missed plenty of birthday parties and dances than I could count.
The final straw happened when I left my room and went into the kitchen. Suddenly John was in an uproar, yelling right in my face.
"You sinful whore!" He screamed, slapping me across my cheek. I knew what he was referring to. I forgot I wasn't allowed to wonder the house without a bra on. What evil thoughts might creep up in my brothers head?
A tear managed to creep down my cheek. I lifted my hand to the side that stung and looked over at my mom. When she wouldn't intervene I turned around and headed for the door.
"No whore will live under my roof!" He yelled. I slammed the door behind me. I didn't even bother grabbing my shoes. I walked the darkened streets in nothing but my pajamas. Lucky for me it was summer. I wondered the side walks before I found myself headed to my friend Tiffany's house.
Tiffany's mom was a free spirited hippie who raised her daughter in the exact opposite way I had been raised. She took me into her home and clothed me and treated me like one of her own. Tiffany and I became sisters.
Her mom would occasionally try to talk me into returning home. I wouldn't have it. There isn't any way I was going back. Ironically, living by "the book" had brought me closer to any hell I'd ever know.
***
I studied my blue eyes in the compact mirror and checked my hair. Some blonde strains were out of place but I didn't care. I threw my cigarette on the pavement and stomped it out. Service would be starting soon.
I deliberately waited until most of the congregation was seated until I made my way in. I spotted Daniel first. They were always sitting in front, as if somehow that brought them closer to God. I squeezed into a pew right behind them.
I felt bad for Daniel. Living in such extreme conditions. I admired how much he had grown in the past few years. He was eighteen now. His dark brown hair was cut short and he didn't have a hair on his cheeks. His strong jawline was a token of his masculinity. His Sunday best tailored to show off his broad shoulders.
I noticed my mom next. Her blonde hair pulled back in a simple braid. She was beautiful even without a drop of makeup. John wouldn't allow it. I didn't pay any attention to John. Finally after some kneeling the time came. We all shook hands with our neighbors.
Daniel didn't recognize me at first. He flashed a smile as he reached for my hand. I could see his eyes flicker down to the slight cleavage in my dress. I held his hand and squeezed as I smiled back.
His mouth dropped open as it hit him.
John and my mother noticed me next. I withdrew my hand and gave them an ice cold stare. I could tell John was bothered by my appearance. It was the first time since the incident that they had seen me. Oh they tried to visit and call me but I would always turn them away.
After everyone faced the front again I slipped a note into Daniel's hand. Then as quiet as I came I left.
***
Seeing my house for the first time in years sent shivers through my body. It was a great place to live before John. Seeing it in the moonlight gave it an eerie glow, reminding me of the hell I escaped.
At first I thought Daniel would chicken out, but after waiting a while I saw a candle appear in a window. My old window.
I climbed the lattice with ease and waited on the porch roof as Daniel opened the window. He offered me a hand and I entered my house for the first time in years.
My room was pretty much the same as I had left it. Basic with no posters or artwork. A desk for studying.
I took a look at Daniel and gave him a hug. My arms wrapped around his muscled body.
"I can't believe my brother is taller than me!" I cried out.
"Please don't be too loud. They might wake up." He patted me awkwardly on my back and I let go.
"I can tell not much has changed. How are you doing? Are you going to college after high school?"
"Seminary school. I'm going to become a priest."
"I bet that makes your dad happy."
"He is your dad too." Daniel said, looking down at the floor.
"No Danny. He hasn't been my dad in a long time. But you'll always be my brother." I hugged him again.
"I cried Lucy. Everyday for a long time after you left. I'd beg dad to get you back. He wouldn't hear it. He would just tell me that's what sinners become. You know, you grow up thinking your parents are right about everything. But they are just people. And people can be wrong too."
I was shocked. I didn't know any of that. I looked into his brown eyes and kissed him on the cheek. We spent the next hour catching up with each other. He asked how I survived all those years. How living in the real world was like. I spared him the details of my boyfriends and the parties I attended. I didn't want him to think I was a whore.
