“I wanted to tell you how thankful I am that you helped me pass History.” I can’t make out his face in the dark.
“You’re welcome, but I think I’m gonna go back to the party now.” I try pulling my hand free of his, but Roger’s grip tightens.
“You’re not going anywhere yet. I wanted to show you just how much I appreciate all the tutoring.” I hear an edge to his tone that I don’t like.
“No, that’s okay, you don’t need to show me anything. I want to go back now. Let go of my hand!” My body starts to shake.
“I said you aren’t going anywhere.” I didn’t even see it coming when his fist connects with my cheek.
I go down to the ground and try getting up, but he is on top of me. I fight and flail against Roger, but he is too strong. I scream, hoping someone will help me, but the booming from the fireworks drowns out all hope.
Roger’s hands tug at my panties, trying to get them off after he has hitched my dress up around my waist. I kick around and throw punches at him, but nothing is working. Tears have started falling from my eyes and I can’t believe this is happening.
One side of my panties have ripped and he is working on the other side. “Shut up!” he yells before backhanding me a couple more times. It’s hard and hurts, my vision blurs and I can taste the coppery flavor of blood because he split my lip. My mind starts to shut down, there’s absolutely nothing I can do, he’s going to rape me.
All of a sudden Roger is ripped off of me, he flies backwards and the tall, broad figure says, “Go now!” in a deep voice. I can’t see who it is or what he looks like, but I waste no time. Jumping up, I run. I run as fast as I can, trying to make my way through the trees. The fireworks give me some light, but I fall a few times until I get to the clearing.
I run to the back door, fling it open and run up the stairs to the bathroom. I turn on the hot water, making it as hot as I can. I don’t even worry about taking off my boots or my clothes, I fall to the shower floor, letting the water scald my skin. I feel dirty, so fucking dirty as I scrub and scrub, trying to get the feel of Roger off of me. I don’t know how long I stay in the shower, but the water turns cold by the time my sisters find me.
They help me out and I tell them what happened. We call the cops and when they arrive we inform them of all that took place with our father and Roger. We didn’t get in trouble for the underage drinking because of what transpired, but if it would have been any other time, I’m sure we would have. The police found our father passed out in his car and Roger was lying unconscious at the perimeter of the woods, beaten and bloody. They were both arrested on assault, and Roger for attempted rape.
My sisters and I stayed in the house for the rest of the night, not wanting to be around anyone. We held each other, giving comfort and support. I realized in that moment that no matter where we are or what we become, we will always be there for one another, and that sisterly bond can never be broken.
***Cayden, Callie, Cydney***
After the 4th of July celebration weekend, we were well on our way to healing and starting to feel more free and back to normal. The summer flew by in no time, and before we knew it, we were packing up all our stuff into a U-Haul, ready to leave for college. We will be leaving first thing in the morning, that will give us a week before classes start.
One last night in the place we call home. I know we will be back every once in a while, but we’re closing out a big chapter in our lives and moving forward with our futures. It’s bitter sweet to think about.
We walk into the kitchen where Momma is getting dinner ready. When she realizes we have entered, she starts the “be safe” speech. “Now girls, listen to me. I want you to have fun, but you are there to learn, don’t forget that. Please promise me you will be safe. Be careful in all that you do.” She points her spatula at the three of us. “I’m not stupid, I know that none of you are virgins anymore. So… if you are going to be having sex, I hope I have taught you all well enough that you make him wrap it up. I am too young to become a grandma.” Momma turns back around to the food on the stove, leaving all three of us standing there with our mouths on the floor, just looking at her dumbfounded. She keeps on talking. “You think I don’t know these things? Mommas know everything and I was young once. Did I ever tell you about the time…”
“Momma!” We all say in unison, stopping her because we do not want to hear the story she was about to tell us.
After dinner the four of us spend the night talking, pigging out on junk food, and laughing with Momma until it was time to sleep.