Chapter 5 Dad

~Next morning~

Woke up early enough to see my brother off to the airport. I knew I wasn't gonna see him for a very long time.

"Remember what I told you young lady" he smirked like it was funny.

"Yeah I remember. Just go there outsmart those bitches and bring back a pretty lady. That's all we want". I sobbed and laughed.

He gave me the biggest bear hug of my life and kissed my forehead and with that gesture he walked away not even looking back. That guy was heartless in a way but I knew that if he had looked back I would have cried.

I took a taxi back home as my dad makes use of his car. When I got home, I realised my mom and younger siblings acted like nothing happened. I did have this feeling that they miss him too but they just didn't want to show it but I knew from this day onwards I was on my own.

Did my usual morning walk to school but this time I had my air pods on. I realised my shoe laces had loosened a bit. Don't even bother asking what I wore this time to school.

All I know is I wore a v-shirt and a pair of blue trousers. I bent to fix my shoelaces properly but on getting up, I bumped into someone and this person was definitely a boy because his chest was almost hard. Wait did I just say almost hard.

Shit.

"Shit!!! Am so sorry" I apologized quickly. "Freda??" He just had to talk. I knew who it was.

"Hey, Good morning and bye" about to run off but I came crashing into those chests again. Bloody hell!! Why didn't he have breasts so that i won't feel so much pain if I were to be dragged like this!

"Freda we have not spoken for three weeks or even more. What's going on?" Marcus asked.

"Says the person who left me waiting for hours. There was basically nothing much to say anyways". I said bluntly.

"Look Fre, am so sorry and I give you my word that it won't happen again. I have been trying to call you but it's always unavailable"

"I just took some time off my phone and Jack left for Ukraine this morning so guess what am all alone" I said bluntly.

My mood just suddenly turned sour like really sour.

"But you still have me Fre and I love you a lot"

"Uhmm ok lover boy, are we gonna stand here and talk about love or we have school to attend to?" I asked with a bit of sadness and joy in my tone.

What pathetic hormones. Don't judge me, it's just that some guys don't know when to be lovely and it turns out am dating one. Funny right.

"Hey babe. He should be on his way to Ukraine right? How the hell do you feel?" Allison asked the moment she saw me.

Nat is nowhere around now. That's obviously because she comes to school late.

"Honey I feel awesome" sarcasm dripping from my lips.

"I know that meant you feel like shit. I know you miss him, I do too but am here so am gonna take care of you and so will Marcus"

"Wait... Where is he? He was right behind me"

"He actually left your side the moment he saw me approaching you two and am very sure you were lost in thoughts that you paid no attention as to when I asked how he was".

I mentally slapped myself but even at that I still don't feel alright at all.

School was slow. Very slow and slurpy. I sat with Nat, Allison, Marcus and a whole bunch of other students. I seriously did not care. I just ate not feeling even a single atom of vibe and I so knew that I got Allison bitter but she is doing a good job holding up because she is laughing her ass off right now.

"Ok ok am gonna throw this slice of mango into your mouth from here Marcus, are you ready?" definitely Natasha.

I really suspected something is up with her and Marcus but I really did not care. I had other things to think of but wait did she just say mango. Everyone sitting at this table knew I hated mangos and Nat who was at the end of the table far from Marcus who was at the other end with me by his side honestly didn't know how to throw even a pencil. And just as fast as that statement was made, the slice of mango landed on my head, sliding down my face and stopping directly on my black shirt.

The smell of the mango hit me really bad but I was too weak to react. Allison rushed over to me trying to get the mango off my shirt which she successfully did but I stopped her right in her tracks as she grabbed my arm.

"Stop Allison I can handle myself".

I took my bag and I left the table quietly like nothing happened and all eyes where on me. Luckily for me I had just one class after break so I decided to ditch school without even bothering to change into something nice.

I walked back home with my air pods in my ears and my hair, face and shirt still tinted with mango juice.

The minute I got home, I bolted for my room, shut the door behind me, ran to the toilet did all that was necessary, bolted back to my bed and slept off. I was thinking so much and I had to get prepared for the worst now that Jake was no longer at home.

Well... Little did I know that I would never be prepared on time.

"What the hell were you doing in my damn room?"

"I just decided to clean it up"

"Why? I never asked for ya help you bitch. You are nothing but useless"

Clashes of plates and spoons could be heard crashing from their rack.

"Bitch!!!! I just hope I kill you someday"

I quickly got up from my bed, rushed to the kitchen and what I saw broke my heart in shreds. My mom was bleeding from her nose and on the floor while my dad was attacked by my younger brothers who tried stopping him from getting any closer to my mom.

I rushed to my mom, helped her up and took her to my room leaving behind my younger brothers to sort my angry father out. I took my weak mom to the bath tub and ripped her of all her clothes. That was when I noticed the red spots on her back and legs. Looks like she was beaten with a belt again.

I left her there and went downstairs to the kitchen. I was so pissed that all I saw was crimson and that was when I walked up to my dad who my brothers still held in locks (let me inform you all that my brothers are bigger and taller than I am. I am petite) and I got a hold of one of his arm and I dislocated it.

My brothers and I both learnt how to survive from the judo classes we used to attend after school. My mom nor dad had no idea we attended these classes because it was far away from where we live but I only learnt the basic and a few advanced techniques, maybe one or two but my brothers were pros. Well... How we funded ourselves was not a mystery to Jack and I but was a very big mystery to my younger siblings. They had no clue nor idea.

At that moment I decided I was tired of the constant beatings my mom got and called 911. While my dad was still held in locks with a dislocated arm, the police arrived but where shocked at what they saw.

"You held your own father like he is a thief?"

That actually came more like a question and I only replied coldly.

"Yeah it's what he gets for beating my mom with a belt. I should have cut his dick off"

"Where is your mom?"

"In my bath tub upstairs" I pointed.

The policemen managed to get my brothers off my dad because from the looks of it they were not ready to let go of him. I walked upstairs towards my room with a policewoman behind me.

My mom had slept off in the bathtub. I brought her out and wrapped her in my thickest towel while the policewoman helped carry her downstairs. By now the paramedics were already here.

~hours later~

I was in the hospital with Precious and Jake while my dad was held into custody for beating up my mom. I don't know why they did not put us both in prison because Lord knows I would have killed him and gladly plead guilty and I don't really know how long he would be staying in jail.

The police said they were gonna take care of my mom and helped pay my mom's hospital bills which shocked me though but that was not my problem. I really hope my mom is going to be alright.

"Precious, Jake.... You guys have to go back home so you can go to school tomorrow. I will be alright alone with mom. Hmm??"

"Despite the fact that I hate hospitals, am not going anywhere until mom comes out of that room all by herself with no assistance, healthy and strong. Period" There goes angry speaking Precious.

"Look... No one is at home and mom's blood on the floor needs to be cleaned. Last I saw, the kitchen was a terrible mess. So I need you guys to just do mom and I this favour by cleaning it up. She is gonna love you guys more for this. Just do it. Will you?"

"Hmm... Alright fine. Jake, we have a house to take care of before mom comes back and we gatta cook too. Fre looks like she is gonna pass out soon".

And with that sentence they both left the hospital.

"Hey Freda"

" Doctor Anna" I hugged her only for me to break down

"Let it all out my dear. I am taking care of your mom and she is doing alright so far".

"You really had the guts to break your dad's arm huh?"

I giggled. "Yeah but he actually deserved much worse".

"So I will be giving you a few medications for your mom and the migraine you are developing at a rapid rate. I think that should be enough for now".

"Thank you so much Doctor Anna. How can I repay you?"

"Ohh it's nothing dear and please just call me Anna" she said with a loving smile.

"Yes and that reminds me. Your mom will be in the hospital for a little while so I advice you go back home and rest".

"Thank you but not yet. I would love to stay with my mom for the night".

"Mummy's girl" she teased.

"Thank you so much Doc... I mean Anna".

"There is absolutely no need for a thank you. Take good care of yourself. Good night Freda".

I walked into my mom's room and noticed at that point even the strongest of women had their own fragile state but I won't weep. Not yet.

There were almost very silent voices that I heard and the next thing was a bloody smack on the head of one of them. I knew there were maybe two or three of them. I refused to raise my head from the hospital bed on which I had decided to place my head and noticed there was a hand resting on top of my head. Then the smack came again, this time my eyes were wide open but still refused to sit up right.

"Stop right there"

"Shit"

"You are still very very bad at being silent the two of you. So clumsy and noisy"

"I still don't know how ya shitty ass get to notice it was us"

"Did I not just say you were noisy a-hole"

"Watch the language the both of you are disrupting my sleep"

"Mom!!!!!"

"Bunch of idiots" definitely Precious and his cool facade. Ohh that's what I call it but it's not a facade. His just like the #bad boy in glasses#.

Well... It's a book I read on wattpad and don't blame me but I fell in love instantly but it can't happen here because that 'bad boy in glasses' turned out to be my brother. One of the first top ten books I read the moment I downloaded Wattpad.

A blessing.

"Dumb shot zoned out again didn't she?"

"Who you calling dumb shot you thwart"

"What did I say about language?"

"Sorry mom"

"Uhh mom should I get Doctor Anna now or I should wait a bit".

"She should be here any moment from now though. I know I remember catching a glimpse of you two holding your dad down and you breaking his arm" she pointed at my brothers first and then me.

And this time around.

I was the one who got smacked.

"What da f.... was that for?" I almost launched at Precious. He didn't even look in my direction and pretended nothing happened. Bloody hell!!!! I knew I had a very big frown on my face. Seems I hate being hit on the head. My mom just rolled her eyes.

"Uhmm... Hey Fre.... Apart from all this drama, we brought food for you and yes your brush. Mom can't eat food outside the hospital. We only remembered that after we were stopped at the hospital reception then I said the food was for you and of course they let me pass but what the nurse said made me laugh. At the mention of your name though, she said you were the kid who had the audacity to break her dad's arm. Such wild child. But one of the nurses did say she was gonna kill her dad if he had the guts to beat his wife like the way dad beat mom and I just laughed hard". Jake said with a smirk.

"So double threat for you then" Precious said while sitting.

"Thanks guys" I was about to hug them both but I was stopped dead in my tracks.

"You all smell like crap and got a few blood stains Fre. Take a damn shower. I would not want to be stained in a few drops of blood nor your morning smell getting on me since you did not take a bath after you got back from school". Jake said.

"Fre... Have you tried calling brother?"

I knew this moment was gonna come.

"No" I shook my head sideways.

"I think we sho...."

"Don't" my mom interjected.

"Don't tell your brother anything. If you do, he would come back and will be ready to stop school just because of us. So don't".

"But mom..."

"We will handle ourselves for now and that is final".

"Yes mom". We all replied.

"I think it's time for you guys to head to school or you will be late".

"Yes ma'am" they both said quickly. "And Fre... The key to the house". He tossed high into the air but I caught it easily.

"Seems you getting good" Precious smirked. I knew he would be throwing things at me more. My brothers both kissed mom good bye while we did our signature gesture or handshake. Our family had one.

"Take care of mom till we get back, ok?"

"Trust me bros"

"Of course we don't" they both laughed and shut the door behind them.

"You are not going to school".

"No mom. Am here just for you"

I sat on the chair next to mom while I gave her a heads up on what is gonna actually happen because definitely the police will come asking question.

Just then, Doctor Anna came in.

"Ohh.. sorry am late. Good morning. I was told your brothers came visiting Fre. How are they?"

"They are good from the looks of it" I said smiling. I wasn't thinking they would be able to handle themselves but they did.

"How do you feel Martha?"

"I actually feel good emotionally but I still feel pain on some parts of my body and I think I got some slight headache".

Anna did some check ups on my mom and said she was fine but will be staying in the hospital for a week or maybe a couple of days.

"You need to shower Fre. You look tired. Use the bathroom behind the door".

"There was a bathroom... Wait there was a door?" My mom and Anna both laughed at me.

"I will go look for clothes for you to wear. Do you have a brush?"

"Yes I do. Was brought one this morning". She nodded and left the room. I sat back down on the chair while I looked at my mom as she was staring at me too and then I saw the tears dropped from her eyes.

"Fre..... I..... "

"Don't you dare say you are sorry or you regret getting married to him and giving birth to us for him. Don't you dare. If you hadn't married him, we wouldn't have been born. You used to tell me that we make mistakes but we shouldn't regret them. So why do that now?"

"I don't know baby. I am gradually letting go".

"Then if you feel you are falling, hold onto your sons and daughter. Ain't we your only treasures and Googiegums and cupcake??"

"Yes you are... You all are". She smiled amidst her tears. That was the smile I was looking for.

Mom could be smiling this moment and be so pissed at the next. But I am pretty sure she would be smiling most of the time as from now.

I had my bath, brushed my teeth and looked like a girl once more. I was indeed exhausted because I recall staying up all night watching my mom and only took 10 minutes out before I was interrupted by my brothers. I ate as quickly as I could, finishing everything my brothers had bought. They definitely did not cook. They actually bought Chinese noodles, burger, chips and some KFC.

I don't know why I have this feeling the money used to buy this food was coming from my stash but, Ohh well... I am damn hungry, I need food and I need to take my drugs too. My mom and I had a little chit chat before she slept off. I played with my phone for a while before I started falling asleep. I laid my head on the hospital bed close to my mom's hand while seated on the chair.

After what felt like hours of sleep, I awoke to nothing but noise coming from the hallway.

There was yelling and worry and the next thing Allison threw herself over me like it has been ages we saw. Even when we got back from summer break, she didn't even hug me.

Well, Say hi to my best friend again.

"OMG!! I HEARD WHAT HAPPENED AND I WANTED TO COME IMMEDIATELY BUT MY PARENTS DIDN'T ALLOW ME TO. HOW IS YOUR MOM? HOW ARE YOU? I MISSED YOU!!" she cried out loud with tears evident in her face.

"I hope you alright babe. I just came to say hi and would be heading home immediately because I have some stuffs to do. How is your mom?"

I pointed at the bed without saying anything. Allison was still crying on my shoulder. When she saw my mom, she gasped, rushed to my mom and cried her soul out.

"Why!!!! Why does this have to happen?!!!!"

"Allison, the drama is too much. It's not like my mom is gonna die or anything"

"Does she look ok to you? Does she!!!?? How can you tell me not to cry!!" She cried more.

"Thanks for your concern Allison but if you keep crying and yelling I would gladly give you away to my young dogs. I am very sure you have some debt to pay". With that Allison decided to shut up. I roared with laughter.

Just as I was about to shut the door, I saw someone who I wasn't expecting at all and for almost a day his name did not even cross my mind. I didn't even notice my brothers behind him. I spaced out again.

"Uhhhhh.... You two love birds gonna leave the damn entrance and get a room or what?" Jake said eagerly. Marcus and I both snapped out of our staring contest and decided to leave the entrance.

"Finally, that felt like eternity". I rolled my eyes.

"Hey... What are you doing here? I thought you had practice"

"Everybody in school knows what happened because your brothers just couldn't shut up about the issue".

"Am not surprised or feel bad at all" I looked to his right and I noticed all the balloons in his palms.

"The balloons are so much. Ohh and you brought pizza!!!!!!" I rushed to grab the pizza but the bunch of balloons flooded my face.

"The pizza is not just for you Fre... It's for everyone".

"Fre... I think you have a dumb boyfriend. Who doesn't know that the patient doesn't eat food brought from outside".

"Shut up jerk. You didn't know earlier this morning"

"It's fine... There is no need for the insults" he said nervously.

"So can I have the pizza now? My knight in shining armor? Protector of Pizza" I asked majestically with my accent.

"Protector of pizza!!!!!!!!!" My mom, Allison and my brothers laughed hysterically. But what he did next shocked me because I couldn't remember the last time I saw Marcus play.

"Yes your Royal Highness but will thou allow me feed her?" He asked, getting on one knee and smiling.

"Uhh... Uhh.... Uhh..."

"Just say yes you bitch" someone should remind me to punch Ally for ruining my moment.

"Uhh... Of.. course?"

"Uhh... Yes"

At that moment everything disappeared. He stood up with a smile as clear as daylight.

"Open up wide my lady"

I opened up but then I noticed the mischievous grin on his face as fast as they came.

The pizza was close to my already wide mouth but before he could drag it out of my mouth and make me bite my tongue, I punched him straight in the guts, grabbed the box of pizza and ate the pizza in his hand.

"Don't ever play mischievous with food and I. Ungrateful knight. You are forever banished from my kingdom" I said half pissed. Jesus Christ... I would have bled to death if my teeth had touched my tongue.

Whew...

I ran to the empty chair by the side of my mom and ate happily while I gave Allison a bit of it.

My mom and brothers just couldn't stop laughing.