Chapter Five: D i v e
Fast forward to the summer of 2003.
Things have changed--My mother and father have gone their separate ways, a new school, and more children came my babysitter's house.
I loved school--it was a place was where I could escape her. I hated summer, since I didn't get to see my school friends as often. Looks like it's back to spending my summer vacation with toddlers.
I love swimming, don't get me wrong.
But being the only girl in the pool? No thank you!
The eager boys changed into their swim trunks, as fast as you could say "Pikachu".
I headed into the bathroom, and stood still.
If I don't want to swim, then I shouldn't have to.
Unfortunately, she found me.
"Change into your swimsuit" she demanded.
"I-I don't want to swim" I replied sheepishly.
"CHANGE" she shouted.
I didn't move. I was going to have my way.
Her eyes gleamed "Take your time, I'll stay right here."
Time seemed to stop. Five minutes turned into ten...
She was still there.
I knew she wouldn't budge, no matter how long it took.
I turned the other way--
"FACE ME!"
"I'm trying to change!"
"DON'T SASS ME!"
I turned around, knowing what I'd get in return.
A smack to my bottom.
I didn't care anymore--this was ritual around here.
I peeked over my shoulder, and she was still in here with me.
"YOU LITTLE BRAT, UNDRESS OR I'LL DO IT FOR YOU!"
"I've been trying to do that, that's why I've turned around!"
My clothes fly off.
I stood there, exposed.
"You and your family are all the same--you're all brats."
I wanted to punch her. I was furious! My dad and mom are excellent parents, and how dare you call them such names! I dismissed my thoughts on injuring her, since I would pay for that if I did so. I withheld my anger, filling my bottle to the brim. She saw the glints in my eyes.
"What? Are you going to throw a temper-tantrum?"
She wanted to pick a fight with me.
Instead of busting a fuse, I inhaled.
"No. I'm much to old for that."
A blow to my chin.
"DON'T SMART-MOUTH ME!"
My face was red hot with rage. "Thank you, I'll remember this for future reference."
I threw on my swimsuit, squeezed passed her, and stormed outside.
The boys were being boys, and "drowning" each other. I did not want to be any part of that, so I headed towards the swings.
Turns out I wasn't the only person erupting.
"GET IN THE DAMN POOL" she barked.
"ALRIGHT, FINE" I answered.
I entered the pool, and was instantly tackled.
What they thought was playing was dunking my head under the water constantly. I was getting dizzy, fading in and out of consciousness.
I was on my last nerve.
I used all my strength to get out of their "game".
I moved towards the ladder, and just when I was going to exit, I found a boy hugging my leg.
"Please get off me."
He thought this was another game.
I blew my fuse.
"GET...OFF...OF...ME" I commanded.
He laughed, and placed his chin on my knee cap.
"GET OFF! I'M WARNING YOU!"
He smiled and tightened his grip.
"I WARNED YOU: GET OFF OF ME!"
More laughter. I didn't see what was so funny.
"YOU ASKED FOR IT."
I tried being nice, but looks like nice doesn't work with him.
I used all my force to free my limb.
He happened to bite down at that exact moment.
"GRANDMA!"
I didn't do anything, you inflicted the pain upon yourself.
"SHE HURT ME--MY TONGUE."
There's not even enough blood to please a mosquito.
"YOU LITTLE BITCH!"
Two punches graze my face.
I ran as fast as I could. I ran into the trees, and a branch flew into my eye.
Even a little tree wishes me harm.
She found me on the ground, carried me into the house, and gave me some eye drops.
At least she's calmed down.
"Don't you dare do that again. Change into your clothes, your dad will be here soon" She stormed.
"Hi, Dev" My dad said merrily.
"Hi, Daddy!"
"What happened to your face?"
"I--"
"She ran into a tree--she's a natural-born runner! Unfortunately, she tripped over a root, and landed at the base."
You call me the B-word, and now you're acting like an angel? You dirty little liar.
"Oh, Dev" He chuckled.
"You two have a nice weekend" She smiled.
"We will" He replied.
I wanted to tell him desperately, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. I had been hypnotized my her--if I told, I'd be hunted down by her.
I wanted to escape--break away from her clutches.
I had to be "a stubborn, spoiled brat" no matter how she acted, or what she said.
I didn't care how she punished me, I was determined to win this fight.
I just had to survive until the day where I'd be set free from her prison.
