Prologue
"His face was so beautiful and sad.... that even my young heart wanted to make him happy"
I can hear them again. My neighbors are fighting. The little boy screams for him to stop. I kneel down by my window. Closing my eyes tight, I cover my ears and sing to myself. I don’t like it. Then, nothing. I listen hard, then uncover my ears. Turning around, I stand a little, peek over the edge of the window, and see him walking fast by the side of my house. He stumbles, falls, and crawls out of my sight.
He’s hurt. My heart races. I could get in a lot of trouble. Daddy would be real mad. Kneeling down out of sight for a moment, I stand quickly and creep to the doorframe. I listen. Hard. The TV plays and I hear him snore. Hope ignites. Tiptoeing down the stairs, I sneak into the kitchen. Getting a chair from the small dining table, I stand on it and reach for the top shelf. I get what I need, slide the chair back in, and make my way to the back door.
My hand reaches for the knob, grips it tight, then…I still. I could get in a lot of trouble for this. My heart beats out of my chest. Turning the knob, it squeaks a little, and fear washes over me. Stopping, I turn it so slowly that it takes forever to make the rotation. Finally, I feel the latch click over, and I pull the door open. Taking off my slippers, I put them in between the door and frame so the door can’t close. Barefoot and dressed only in my white nightie, I tread softly through the backyard, the soft grass cold under my feet, following the sound of the heavy breathing and soft crying.
Finding him at the back of the property line under a tree, I see him cover his face with his hands. His body shakes.Even hidden away in the dark, he doesn’t want anyone to see his tears. He’s trying to be strong. My heart hurts. Slowly walking closer, I step on a twig. It breaks, and his face snaps up to look at me. Jumping up like a jack in the box, he yells out
Not coming any closer, I put down my supplies and whisper
Belle
You're-you're hurt...
He watches me carefully, looking between the things I’ve brought and my face, as if searching for some hint of this being a joke. He scowls and says quietly
Even in the dark, I see the hatred in his eyes. It shines bright as day.
I see his cheek become darker. Stepping forward with wide eyes, I tell him
Belle
Daddy says human are made of love, and capable of only loving. I'm sure someone will make you love again and make you forget your hatred. Please let me... you're bleeding...
Reaching up to his cheek, he touches the wound with his fingertips, pulls it away, then looks at his blood. He rubs it between his thumb and middle finger slowly. Caressing the blood, as if in apology
Antonio
No one can help me *cold stare*
He can’t boss me around. Placing a hand on my hip, I glare at him and whisper-hiss
Belle
I could get into a lot of trouble. My daddy would be real mad because...I came to help you
Belle
Please let me help you..
I need to get back inside before my dad finds out I’m not in bed.
My face must show my fear because his posture relaxes a little
Antonio
Why would you want to help me then?
I'm not sure how to answer this why
Antonio
No one else cares if I'm hurt
My heart races with the constant need to convince him
He finally let's his guard down. *After bandaging*
We stand there, staring at each other a long time. Finally, he comes closer to me.
Antonio
Doesn't matter. You'll forget once I'm gone.
Lifting his head, he runs a hand through his messy brown hair to keep it out of his face. He watches me a second more before he utters
Another noise in the house makes me jolt. Looking into his brown eyes, I say
Belle
I need to go Antonio. I'll see you another time.
He looks down at the floor
Comments
Helina.97
what a vibe in starting ✨
2021-11-01
1
ray
love the music
2021-10-08
1
Author K⚛♠ *Thinking*
Here I am, as promised😊💗💜
2021-10-05
0