Page 4 of Shattered Dreams

Don’t u think u shood come home?

WTF LYNN

Answer me bitch

We’re on our way now

Fuckin time

“This heats getting to me. I’m gonna take the boys home.” I struggled to get out of the chair.

Miranda came over and helped me up. “Want a ride?”

“No.” I shook my head. Panic swelled in my chest. “I’ll be okay walking.” Stepping around her, I called for the boys and waved them over.

They both ran up, covered head to toe in dirt, and I wanted to cry. I wasn’t planning on doing a bath tonight, between laundry and cleaning.

“Time to head home.” I plastered a fake smile to my face and saw the happiness drain from theirs.

They both turned and gave everyone hugs and kisses before we made our way home. The walk home felt like we were inmates waiting for a pardon as we made our way to the electric chair. We weren’t even swinging our arms.

I need to get us out of this.

“Did you boys have fun?” I gave their hands a shake.

“Yup!” Grady’s eyes grew wide. “Fankie bosstid us.”

“She is a very determined little girl.” I tried to smile.

Grady got quiet again, and we turned the corner on our block. I knew they wouldn’t tell John we saw everyone. Mostly because he wouldn’t ask.

I hope he’s in a better mood when we get home.

Right after we passed our neighbor’s house, John stormed out of ours. “Waddle your fat ass faster!”

“Uh-oh,” Harrison muttered, and I felt a tremble go through his body.

“You boys just go in the house.” I gave their hands a reassuring squeeze.

They let go of my hands and ran towards the house.

I placed my hand on my back where that strange pain was and kept walking. The moment it let up, I watched in horror as John grabbed Grady around the throat, picking him up.

“Did you go see them bitches?”

“Wet hims go!” Harrison ran over and bit his dad’s leg.

John tossed Grady down and Harrison helped his brother up before pulling him further away from an angry John, who tore across the yard, heading for me.

“What’s wrong with you? You leave me here! Alone!” He reached out and grabbed my messy bun, yanking me forward. “I need more chips and beer.”

“O … o … okay, John, I’ll run up to the store.” I tried to stand up, but another sharp pain went through my back.

Ignoring my whimper of pain, he pulled me alongside him to our Suburban. “Get in the fucking car!”

“C’mon, boys.” I tried to steel my voice, but I heard it waver.

“Get them kids buckled in, Lynn.”

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