Unexpected Stranger

Flashback

"You insolent piece of shit!! Answer me!!"

Little Jane shook awake from her sleep

Her mind still blurred from the deep slumber.

Yawn.

It's so cold, she thought.

Jane rubbed her eyes and removed the blanket covers.

A furtive glance to her right showed the sound came from downstairs.

"What did you say!!!??"

Sleep was far away from her mind as she made her way to the door.

"I said I don't want to see you anymore!! Get out!!"

Mom.

Why was she shouting??

As soon as Jane opened the door, tip toed to the railing and peeked to see the commotion, she regretted ever sneaking out.

She should have stayed at bed.

For the scene before her was something very unexpected and shocking.

Mom was standing beside Tom.

Tom sat there in front of the television, trying to concentrate on whatever football match going on.

"Are you listening to me, Tom!??"

"Yes, yes! I am!! What's the matter?!?"
Tom replied back with a sarcastic tone.

He put the coke down on the table and stared at the woman infront of him.

"Didn't you hear what I say? I don't want to see you anymore. Get out!"

Suddenly the little girl felt shivers run down her spine.

She had a sudden instinct that something bad was definitely going to happen.

"Darla"

"Don't you dare go all Darla on me, Tom. I need a fucking explanation. Right now!!"

"What do you want me to say, huh? That I lost all interest in you since you're so fucking boring and that I slept with another woman??!! Huh? You want me to say that?"

Tom huffed and immediately averted his eyes and looked away.

"Wh-what? What did you just say?"

Oh no.

What's happening?

Jane wanted to run down and give her a big hug but she knew it was not right to interfere so she held back herself.

"I cheated on you!! Happy now!?"
Tom shouted once more and finally stood up and walked away.
"I'm tired! I'm heading to bed!"

Jane watched as her step dad walked in the direction of the bedroom.

But that was not what caught her attention.

All she could see was her poor mother break down slowly as she kneeled on the floor.

"Oh oh God" her voice broke as she covered her mouth with both hands.

She buried her face on the sofa infront of her and sobbed silently.

"Mama" Jane whispered, her heart broken at the sight of her mother crying.