As my mother came out of the hall, I could make out tears glistening in her eyes from the kitchen light as she made her way to the stairway. When she got to the first step, she grabbed the rail and sighed a sorrowful noise as her body hunched forward, looking as if she was now carrying an enormous weight. After a moment or two of not moving, she made her way upstairs to her room.
I didn't move until I heard the audible click as the door close to her bedroom. I darted out of hiding and up the stairs taking two at a time. Reaching the top, I tiptoe to my room and quietly closed the door.
I stayed up that night, pondering what was said between them and their argument. A feeling of unease at their words settled deep in my belly. Something nagging inside me knew this would affect my life, though I didn’t understand how. After hours of restlessness, my mind began to shut down and slowly drift away, as the look I had seen in my mother's eyes haunted my dreams like a foreboding recollection of my future.
I am startled back out of my memories when the breeze picks up, rustling the leaves behind me, causing me to spin and look around. Even though no one else alive knows of my cove, it still causes me to be cautious.
My mother had taken me here after that night. Told me it was our special place and to not bring anyone with me, to go here when I needed to feel safe, and I did, all the time. I would disappear for hours on end, anything to get away from my insufferable father. Ever since mom had died, he has been harder on me, treating me as if I was no longer his daughter but a possession. An annoying asset that caused anger at just the sight.. His temper has been off the charts lately, getting worse and worse as time goes on. He would never fully abuse me but would leave bruises from a tight grip on my arm or back of my neck.
Yesterday though, my smart mouth and attitude had gotten the best of him and I apparently, as he had lashed out, slapping me across the face, splitting my lip open in the process. Now today, I am rewarded with a lip that is now very swollen and bruised. I reach up to tenderly touch the edge of my mouth and wince.
Great. I think to myself. I am supposed to have lunch with Gianna tomorrow. Saying she had some exciting gossip that she couldn't relay over the phone to me, and I'm itching to hear what she has to say. Spending time with Gianna is a chance to get away from this hell at home.
Not ready to return quite yet, I lie down in the warm sand and close my eyes feeling the sun absorb into me as the breeze dances over my skin. Feeling relaxed and calm, I slowly nod off.
"Liliana!" I am awakened to a distant bellowing of my name. It takes me a moment to gather my senses and remember where I am.
"Oh shit!" I curse aloud, realizing I fell asleep and clearly lost track of time.
"LILIANA!" My name is shouted again, and I wince. It's my father, and he is not happy. I jump up and head towards the rocks. There hidden in plain sight is a slit big enough to shimmy through, but you wouldn't know it was there just by looking at the sheet of rock. I press through and duck down to avoid hitting my head. Inside the wall is dark and damp, making me a bit claustrophobic. Emerging from the wall I walk behind another large rock as I peek out behind to see if anyone is around. Relieved at seeing no one nearby I stepped out into the opening.
Glancing around again I realize my father must have gone back inside to look or to reprimand his men for not knowing where I was. I roll my eyes and step past my hiding place. Quickly walking behind the treeline to the garden, I hear my name bellowed again, "Liliana! That fucking girl."
Wincing I call out. "Yes father?" Knowing full well what kind of shit storm is about to hit me. I brace myself mentally and physically for what is to come. My father rounds the garden entrance and visibly stomps my way. Reminding me of an overgrown toddler upset over not getting his way. I can see his face is pinched and bright red even from here.
"Where the fuck where you?" He bellows before he is even in front of me.
"I was out back in the garden and had fallen asleep on one of the benches in the gazebo and didn't hear you calling, I am sorry father." I lie, adding that last bit in hopes I don't get rewarded with another split lip. He narrows his eyes and looks at me. I worry about having not brushed myself off enough from the sand, but I dare not look down and see.
He glances behind me briefly and I watch as his eyes and expression suddenly shift. I'm thrown off by how much his expression has morphed into an unrealistic mask. His unkind eyes promising punishment turn to that of something softer though still not quite gentle. I'm startled by the whiplash but before I can decipher what caused this instant change I hear it, a man calling out to my father. His voice sounds bored though I pick up on something dangerous underlying his tone.
"Antonio what kind of game are you playing at? I don’t have all day and all
