Did this man just ask me if I was human? Is this a joke? I laugh, but his expression doesn't change. He still looks confused. Which only confuses me more.
"No, I'm an elf. What are you?" I laugh but he looks serious now. I'm not sure what to do. I reach down to pick up more books and he starts to help me. But I'm honestly not creeped out.
"How old are you?"
"I'm seventeen but turning eighteen in nine days. Why?" He hasn't taken his eyes off me. Then he reaches his hand out. Again, I flinch.
"I was just wondering. I'm William or Will, Fowler, what's your name?" I reach to shake his hand but the second our fingers touch I am shocked again. Only this time, I shake his hand. The shocking continues.
"My name is Layla Jackson. I have never seen you here before. Where are you from?" I ask.
"Covington, about two hours away. What happened to your eye?" He asks. Damn.
"It was an accident, Covington has a University. Are you in college there? Is that why you need the book?" I ask.
"Hmm, no I'm not in college. I am twenty-two. Why are you lying about your eye Miss Jackson?"
"Please call me Layla, and I'm not lying." Who is this guy? Why is he asking so many questions?
"Okay, Layla." He smiles.
"Okay, well I have to get back to work. But enjoy your book and Jenny up front will check you out!" I smile. He stops smiling but his face is still soft. He's not mad. Is that, disappointment?
"Yes of course. I hope we meet again, Miss Jackson." Before I can correct him, he walks away. I start putting the books onto the shelf again. I feel different. Like something is missing.
My shift at the library is long, I feel like its never going to end. It may seem like a library will be an easy job, but it's not. There are many responsibilities and things to do. But it is calm and I get left alone most of the time. Finally though it is over. Its dark out but thats okay. Jenny gives me a ride home in the evenings if I stay until we close. The ride home is usually quiet and Jenny will play music. I know I'm in trouble when I get home. I never asked to stay late, usually I do but I didn't want to have to explain why I was needing extra shifts. Finally I see the run down brick house. I'm embarrassed every time Jenny brings me home. The grass is dead. The top window is broken and there is plywood nailed over the other window from when Kevin threw a beer bottle at me last year and I ducked. Big mistake, he almost choked the life out of me.
"Thank you so much Jenny." I say as we pull into the driveway.
"You are welcome baby. See you tomorrow!" She always says see you tomorrow. I almost always come unless I get in trouble. I smile and walk away from her car. I wait until she's gone then head inside. As soon as I open the door i'm hit with the smell of cigarettes. Which mean Kevin made it home before me.
"Where were you?" Kevin asks me.
"I was at work Kevin. I work almost every day."
"How many times have I told you to call me Dad!" He barks at me. He knows I hate when he says this.
"You are not, and will never be my father. And in nine days I am leaving this hell hole!" I can't just keep my big mouth closed can I?
"You ungrateful disrespectful b***h! I WILL f*****g KILL YOU IF YOU THINK YOU WILL EVER LEAVE HERE!" He gets calm. Which terrifies me. He gets off his recliner and grabs my chin.
"If you try to leave, I will have to take my anger out on someone else." I know exactly who he is talking about. He is talking about Mollie. I walk into the kitchen. I am so mad my head is spinning. I grab a glass of water and go to my room, all the girls are downstairs watching dirty cartoons with Kevin and Darbie. I'm so upset. I want more than anything to cry. It doesn't matter how much money I have, I can't leave? Why? They will eventually stop getting money from the state.
All the sudden I hear the stairs start to creak and I know instantly. Kevin. I prepare myself for the blows. I'm not worried Kevin would r**e me while I'm awake. He's only done it when I've been unconscious. And honestly he hasn't done that since I was fifteen. As soon as he walks in I look into his eyes. He is drunk and they are red.
"Layla, I'm so tired of you talking back to me and disrespecting me in my own home. You are so lucky to have me and Darbie here for you. Even your own parents couldn't live with the fact you were their daught-"
"Please Kevin, just leave me alone! " I cut him off but I don't care. He instantly grabs me by the throat. I dont beg. I'm not some little b***h. Then I see red.
"KILL ME!" I croak. I think I surprised him because he lessens his grip. "I f*****g HATE YOU AND THIS STUPID HOUSE!" He punches me in the jaw, no school or work tomorrow.
"You just want attention. You stupid worthless little b***h!" He shoves me and I fall down. I feel him kicking me but it doesn't even hurt anymore. It's a pain I'm used to. Suddenly I feel a shock then a sudden rush of calmness. I hear a loud thud and Darbie and the kids screaming. I'm about to pass out, I'm not sure if it's the head trauma or lack of food. Before I pass out, I look up and see. Wait, am I hallucinating.
"William?" I mutter.Then everything turns black.