Fortuitous

I had not been home in one month, one week, three days.
Add five hours and fifty-eight minutes.
I never realized how much I missed it until I had to spend time away.
It was time to start counting over.
I had to get slapped twice after begging for three hours to get my way.
Home was where I was.

I used to hate being home.
It was a terribly small place.
Only two bedrooms, small kitchen, smaller bathroom, and a living room.
A useless porch and a pathetic excuse for a backyard.
And, of course, located in a bad neighborhood.
It was horrible, but it was home.
But I always took it for granted.
I found all my friends' houses better.
I hated staying home.
Then I wasn't allowed to go home and that was when I started missing it.
I missed the roses in front.
I missed the garden of herbs and the orange tree at the side of the house.
I missed the smell of cigarettes that crawled out from under my brother's door.
I missed my two dogs.
I missed my mother's laugh.
I missed my dad's voice.
I missed my brother's sarcastic comments.
I missed my family.

"I can't fucking believe this."

I was bouncing in my seat.
He was driving.
He was mad.
He didn't want to be here.
He hated taking me home.
He was always scared that they would find out about him.
He had good reason to.
My brother wasn't an idiot.
But my darling never admitted he was terrified.

As soon as the car pulled up, I jumped out and ran home.
I knocked on the door relentlessly.
My smile grew bigger when I heard my dog, Charlie, bark like mad.
I could feel myself glowing when my mom opened the door.
Charlie ran out and jumped on me.
His tail was wagging happily.
He missed me.
He crouched his little legs down as I bent down to pet him.

"Ohh, my Charlie, baby!" I cooed as I petted his long body.

I picked up my beloved Doxen in my arms.
I smiled up at my mom.

"Hey, mommy!"

She was smiling.
Or was until she saw my face.
Her smile faded.
She was looking at my poorly covered up black eye.

"I told you to wait for me."
He caught up.
He was gripping my upper arm tightly.

One delicate eyebrow on her face rose.
Her eyes twitched from his grip.
To him.
To me.
And back to his grip.
I felt my smile fade.

She knows.