Bad Dreams Part II

The little girl sits on the couch with her pink bunny rabbit. It was far past her bedtime, but when daddy was home she got away with plenty. Boomerang was the best bet for her, all cartoons all of the time. She focused in on the television as the yelling behind her was almost deafening. And yet, saddled with Mr. Big Ears she was able to be okay in her own little world.

The dream returns again for Kaylee

Randy: You stupid bitch! I told you I would be coming home at eleven. I expect a hot meal on the damn table!

Rita: Randy! I am sorry. I got the days mixed up. Let me make you something-

Randy: No! I am not going to wait. I will eat this goddamned cold mush. I work sixty goddamned hours. SIXTY, bitch! And I cannot even get a hot meal? You are lucky that I am such a nice guy, Rita.

Rita: You are right. I am lucky.

A loud smack sound is heard followed by a loud wail. The little girl looks over the couch as Rita was holding her face. Randy had a cigarette sticking out of his mouth, and a beer in his other hand.

Randy: Mouth off again, bitch.

Rita: Randy! I am sorry!

Randy: You will be!

Kaylee saw this going on, and did not realize what was going on.

Randy: Sweetie. Turn around for daddy. Watch the 'toons. Okay?

She nods as she flops back down and continues to watch the television. Little did the girl know that this night would be the night that changed it all. This would be the catalyst for all of it. For her growing distant from people. For her seeking out attention. For using her body to feel something. And for her being adopted. And yet, she still does not know just why she was adopted. No one did, except for her adoptive parents. And they intended on keeping it that way. Well, that was until her mind began to reveal memories that she pushed so far back into her brain that they began to reveal themselves as dreams. Dreams? More like nightmares.

Randy: I've had enough of this bitch. I am going to smack some sense into you!

Another wail from Rita in the kitchen as some sort of physical altercation was taking place. The chair pushed against the floor as if it were forced to move with weight on it. The sort of sound that hurts your ears, but you know just what it is. It was followed by a few smack sounds. And a thud. And then nothing. Just quiet.

Randy: That's right, bitch. Lay there. Just like you used to do at the strip club.

The sound of someone spitting at the ground was heard. The trailer shook a bit as Randy headed into the back of the trailer and into the bedroom. The thin door slammed shut as the trailer felt him flop onto the bed.

It was time for a commercial. The little girl did not like commercials. She was thirsty. Into the fridge for her! Grabbing Mr. Big Ears, she slid off of the couch and towards the kitchen. As she approached, she saw something weird. Often mommy would cry or she would have boo boos... but this time, she was laying on the floor.

Kaylee: Mommy?

She shakes her softly.

Kaylee: Mommy? Why are you sleeping on the floor? MommyThe little girl moved to the other side as she saw the face of someone that was not her mommy. Her face, beaten and bruised. Swollen. She was out.

Kaylee: Mommy? Please wake up mommy.

There was silence from the bedroom. Randy had fallen asleep or blacked out, not like it really mattered anyways. Kaylee didn’t know what to do. She decided to head towards the couch and grab a couple of pillows, and a blanket. She decided it was best to sleep with mommy and keep her comfortable. She set a pillow next to mommy, and then one for herself. A blanket over them, and Kaylee decided to call it bed for the night.


* * * * *

Kaylee Kassie jolts awake again. She was sweating badly, unable to catch her breath. Shewoke Joshua up once again. He rubbed her back to try to calm her, but she was not able to catch her breath at all.

Josh: Kaylee? Breathe sweety. Relax. I'm here.

Josh turns on the bedside lamp and pulls his fiancé into his embrace.

Josh: Kaylee… this keeps happening. I'm not gonna force you into anything but I mean… I'm here if you need to talk.

She starts to slowly come down from it.

Kaylee; I just… I…

She shakes her head.

Kaylee: Joshie….

She starts to cry as she buries her face into his chest. She feels his arms wrap around her tightly, holding her closet and protectively.

Josh: I’ve got you Kay Kay. I've got you. Always.

She let loose like Josh has never seen her. In this moment she was broken. Fragile. She was not Kaylee Kassie. She was Cassandra.