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Post by BeckieMac. on Nov 2, 2008 18:19:55 GMT -5
Chapter One:
Helzie when's mommy coming home " Maisie asked pulling against my pant leg looking up at me. I looked down at her innocent face, not knowing how to answer her question. The truth was, I didn't know either. She had been gone so long that I had forgotten what she had looked like, smelt like. Felt like, I looked over to the window. The old man rocked in his chair, spying out of the window into the youths out on the streets of Dorchester. I remember back when he was a spiritually young man - a man who once had a heart. I ruffled my hands through her hair still finding the right answers to tell her.
" Real soon Maisie - Real soon " I assured her. Sitting on the bed pulling her onto my lap. I tolerated so much and was neglected for so long that I was used to taking care of my younger siblings. Playing a role of a mother to them - I was all that they had in their life. Except the shadow that watched over them once in a while. He was nothing but a stranger to us " See Mommy's gone some where else for a while - she's taking care of a few things then she'll be back " I lied. I knew she wouldn't be back. Maisie knew it aswell, she was just afraid to admit it.
" Helzie when's daddy going to return?" she said looking me in the eyes. She didn't know who her dad was, as far as she was concerned that shadow was nothing to her. It wasn't related to neither of us - when really, his blood was running through each and every vein in our body. I couldn't lie to her anymore, pretend every thing's going to be alright. Nothing was going to be sorted or solved our lives would be the same.
" Daddy's here Maisie - he's just.. changed that's all " I looked over to the window. His chair had stopped rocking as if his body had no life left in it. He wasn't always like this, as soon as my mom left he changed. He didn't want to be a part of our life anymore. The front door opened allowing my younger brother Max to fill in slipping his jacket off and hanging it over the chair " Max go and get your sister please " I told him keeping hold of Maisie on my lap.
" I don't know where she is " he shrugged. I had so many brothers and sisters it was hard to keep track of who was where and when they needed to come in or get collected. I rolled my eyes and let Maisie jump to her feet as I got up and walked towards the front-door.
" Amber get in here now " I demanded. Amber's head appeared from behind a tree. She was two years younger then me, making her fourteen. She helped me take care of the others while I was away doing my volunteer work at the cafe or the children's theater.
" Get in here. " His voice sounded from the other side of the room. I turned my back to Amber and looked over " Close the door " he said quietly. Tiredness taking over his voice. I haven't heard his voice for so long, sometimes he would be silent - mute to us all.
" Why - I'm trying to get your daughter in, if you haven't noticed " I told him defensively, repeating Amber's name.
" You're my daughter to - So close the d**n door " Amber trod through the snow as it crunched under her feet as she pushed her way through me and into the house. I closed the door as ordered and walked over to her.
" When I tell you to get in you get in - do you hear me? " I told her, keeping a straight face. Sometimes I had to be firm with them. If no one was going to do a mother's job it was left to me. They needed discipline even if I was just an older sister to them.
" Alright whatever - It's only Gary out there chill " she rolled her eyes. If there was someone who I didn't approve of on the list was Gary. He was nothing but trouble. A boy who couldn't keep his hands to himself, especially off my sister. I opened the front door and watched him standing outside in the snow. I hated him, I hated the way he treated Amber she didn't deserve it.
" Hey Gary - Stay away from Amber OK? You don't deserve her. I Don't want to see your face here again alright? " I shut the door behind me and sat down on the bed. He got up from the chair and walked across the room, his shadow bringing him down. He was weak, no doubt about that. He swayed over to the other window and peered out into the frosty-morning.
" Leave him be. " He said turning his head to look at me. His face turned into nothing but an empty blank spot " He'll soon learn his lesson " he looked away from me and back out to Gary.
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Post by BeckieMac. on Nov 2, 2008 18:20:51 GMT -5
Chapter Two:
I Grabbed my jacket from the banisters and left the house. The cafe where I worked was the only place I could escape to with the Children's community theater I worked at. I dug my hands in my pocket and walked along the street kicking the snow at my feet. I hated Winter, it was always harsh in Dorchester. But it forced more people to visit the cafe when on their way to work. Causing the cafe to earn more money; Giving me a bigger pay-check.
I entered the cafe to the warm toasties I always loved " Good Morning Helen - How's the family? " Kym asked as she passed the plate along the counter. I hung my coat up and headed behind with her.
" Same as Usual " I complained grabbing my name tag and apron " Thank goodness it isn't Sunday " I said with a smile. I hated Weekends, the Cafe would always close. Leaving me at home taking care of my family. I loved to do it, but without any help could really bring me down. Especially when I had my grades at school to focus on aswell.
" Don't worry you still have Tuesday up to Friday " she grabbed a plate from the counter and passed it along to the customers at the other end. I shrugged, I knew she was right but those days would fly by so quickly I don't get chance to finish my shift on Friday's everyone would hurry us out to close up.
Mrs Downhall walked in pulling her gloves and scarf off walking over to the counter. Showing us that warm smile she would always enter the cafe with. No matter how bad the weather was, or who served her she would always smile " The usual please Helen " she asked grabbing a tray from the side.
" Sure " I smiled back grabbing a cup. She loved her fresh black brewed coffee in the morning. She would never come in without one to start her day off. Jessica passed me the mug as I handed it to Mrs Downhall, paying me the money she walked away " Have a nice day Mrs Downhall " I called out sticking the money in the cashier.
" You too little one " she called back leaving the cafe with a flick of a hand. After seeing her in the mornings always gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Giving me the extra boost I needed to have a good day.
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I finished wiping the tables clean after the last customer left. I rinsed the rag over the sink and packed it away " Helen are you going home now? " Jessica asked leaning against the counter. After everyone left we would discuss what happens after work. I didn't have much of a social life except the colleagues I work with.
" No - I have to go to the Children's theater " I told her sliding a chair along the floor and sitting down. Jessica walked away from the counter and joined me " We're working on Romeo and Juliet for the winter special then for spring we're doing Macbeth " I smiled. I loved talking about the children, they were like a second family to me. Their parents would thank me for everything I help them with. Boosting their confidence, teaching them about Play history when really I have to thank the children - they help me through rough parts of my life.
" That's Great - I wish I could help with Romeo and Juliet I love that play but I have to work here now " she pouted furiously. Jessica was a regular volunteer at the theater with me. Since one of her younger brothers attended there she would sit with him and help him with his lines. or help with the backstage crew or paint scenes. Help out with anything really, but after getting a job here it became another chore that she wasn't able to do.
" Don't worry Jessica - but will you be able to come when it's the real performance? " I asked dropping my bottom lip playfully and batting my eyes. She looked at me and smiled holding me by the shoulders.
" Of course Helen, I won't miss this for the world " she pulled me into her. Pulling me into a hug, she was the only friend I had. The only person I could truly count on to be there for me when I needed it. The only one who understood me, and what I went through behind closed doors.
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I looked at the time. The cafe would be closing soon and the theater was opening " I better go now Jessica I need to be there before the children " I told her getting up and packing away the chairs. I packed away my apron, and name tag " Thanks for a great day again I'll see you tomorrow? " she nodded and hugged me again.
" Of course - Have fun today " she said showing me to the door. She would normally stay behind some more making sure every things clean and tidy for another day tomorrow morning. She would normally get to the cafe before everyone else. Opening it bright and early for the people passing. We said our good bye's as I left. I looked up into the sky which was more Grey then blue now. The snow had slowly began falling again as I pulled my collar up against my neck.
" Stupid Weather " I cursed to myself walking across the street, heading towards the Theater. I hated Winter - but also loved it at the same time. It meant more work and more time to spend with my family.
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Post by BeckieMac. on Nov 2, 2008 18:21:10 GMT -5
Chapter Three:
Good Morning Mr Murtough " I smiled pulling the keys out of the door. Mr Murtough was always the first one to arrive. Greeting the others as they returned for another day here. Here was like a home to him, he was an elderly man who had no family to keep him company. So the Theater welcomed him to the family. Giving him a warming home he never was used to. I walked up to him and put my arms around him, giving him a warm greeting hug.
" Morning Mr Murtough - how are you feeling today? " I asked UN-stacking the chairs forming a circle.
" I'm getting by - everyday still hurts though " He said with a small sigh. After his wife passed away a few years back he felt like he didn't have a family anymore. They were inseparable, practically joined at the hip. I fell for Mr Murtough's story, he was such a passionate man for the love of Music and Performing arts he had no place to go but here.
" I'm still getting over the shock. She was a very nice women " I sympathized with him. I knew how he felt. I felt the same feelings after my mom left us. I became nothing but a lost twelve year old in the world without a mother. Mrs Murtough was like a mother to me, she would take care of me when my dad was out at a club or a pub. Taking care of my younger brothers and sisters when I was at school. Everyone missed her too much to explain in words.
" I guess it's how Life works " he grabbed hold of my hand in his vulnerable palm and smiled " When I leave I want you to take care of the Theater - I'll always be here no matter what " he planted a small kiss on my cheek. He was a Honorable man who respected peoples needs and what life throws at him in all directions. I removed a escaping tear from my cheek and returned to the job I had previously been working on. Whistling to myself as I worked, Mr Murtough joined in and kept glancing over at me and smiling.
" You're a very special young women Helen - You deserve to go far in life " he told me tyeing up the drapes " You're very well mannered and polite - a sort of youth that's hard to find " I let out a small grin and carried on.
" Morning Helen " Lance smiled at me as he UN-wrapped his scarf from his neck and hung it up on the coat rack. Lance was many of the richer children who attended here. His mom would always send him to some where fancy for the summer but he chose to come here most times, he enjoyed collaborating with the other children here.
" Good morning Lance - take a seat and we can wait for the others to arrive " I suggested and finished pinning up the notices. Lance was eight - one of the youngest to come here. The average age here is around twelve or thirteen. The others warmed up to him straight away. They considered his age, and attitude to be mature for what he really was. It warmed my heart to see them take to such a young boy.
They started arriving around fifteen minutes after Lance had arrived. They all greeted each other quickly and took a seat in the audience as I stood on the stage. I waited for the talking and chattering to stop before I attempted to raise my voice over the space of the room " Morning children " I smiled at them, looking down at my notes and memorizing them " OK, Today we're going to be focusing on the Play by William Shakespeare called Romeo and Juliet " I informed them. Most of their expressions changed. I'm sure most of them was familiar with the play and Shakespeare himself
" Do we have to Audition? " Mary-Jane asked raising her hand. Mary-Jane was more of the formal side of America, ranging from Tennessee to New York then back to L.A to Massachusetts to here Boston. Her dad was moved here on a company move.
" No Mary-Jane. I've seen enough plays to figure out who's got the better parts and the more minor parts. Of course you'll all be taking part in the play, whether or not minor or major roles " I told them. She smiled in returned and Lent back in her chair. I let out a sigh of relief, I knew if I had upset her, her dad would be on me like a flea " So any questions? " I said patting the notes down on the piano. The children shook their heads " Great "
Half way through the rehearsals and announcements the Theater doors opened. I looked up from the children and over to the door-way. A boy around nineteen stood in my view, exploring the theater he had ventured inside. I was wary of his presence upon us. We never had many visitors during Rehearsals " Take a break children " I suggested getting up from my chair and slowly walking towards him. He finished looking around and looked up at me.
" Hey there " he exclaimed watching every move I made. I defiantly haven't seen him anywhere around Boston before. He extended his arm with a grin perched on his lips.
" Hi - can I help you? " I asked dusting my hands off on my pants. His eyes shifted side to side with mine.
" You could by telling me your name and who owns this fine place " his smile faded into a twinkle.
" Your name first please sir - No one is allowed in during rehearsals and when this place is engaged " I told him sternly. He looked over his shoulder then looked back at me.
" My names Tommy McIntyre "
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Post by BeckieMac. on Nov 2, 2008 18:21:40 GMT -5
Chapter Four:
We stood in silence for a while, Awkwardness had settled into the pit of my stomach as I stood there watching him. I couldn't understand why I felt like i needed to impress him, but something told me he was different. It wasn't a normal feeling - but It wasn't an attracted feeling. It just felt strange " Well, Nice to meet you Tommy - I'm Helen " I introduced shaking his hand firmly. He returned the smile back I had previously been showing.
" It was nice meeting you Helen " he said affectionately. The feelings and nausea in my stomach had become more aggressive of which I couldn't handle. My throat became dry and my legs became weak when Tommy smiled. I couldn't understand whether it was out of Attraction or appreciation. I lowered my shoulders as Tommy's eyes glossed over me without recognition. " You got a handful haven't you " he spoke as he smiled. I followed over to where he was looking and nodded of approval.
" Yeah. They're pretty much more then I can handle, but I love em' "
" I can see that - I can see the passion in your eyes " he smiled wiping a strand of hair away from my eyes.
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We talked a while longer before the Parents of the children came to pick them up. Mr Murtough had been paying close attention to them as if he was the teacher. Tommy was different to what I had expected him to be. He was compassionate about the things he did and who he knew. He wasn't at all the person I saw when I first saw him walk through them doors. I was glad that I took time to know and meet this man. " I'm sorry Helen but I must go now " He said. I was slightly disappointed that he was leaving already. He got up from the chair as I followed his actions. We shook hands for the last time as I watched him leave the theater.
As the last child left Mr Murtough started clearing up " He's a fine young man " he said behind me, breaking me out of my daze. I looked over my shoulder to his hand. I knew what he was applying, but I couldn't let myself go on the subject. I wasn't ready for a relationship yet. I had to focus more on my grades at school and keep my Family's feet on the ground before settling down with someone.
" I know - too bad I won't see him again " I felt Mr Murtough's hand lower off my shoulder as he finished packing away the chairs behind me. I couldn't get Tommy's face out of my head - I know it was stupid as we didn't know each other longer then a day but something felt right about him.
I left the theater with high hopes, hoping that I would see Tommy again but I knew that it was a slim chance. With someone as Fancy and Rich as himself, he wouldn't be seen dead with me, I wasn't the ' cover girl ' kind of girl he was hoping for. I pulled my jacket tighter over my shoulders and carried on walking down the street leaving dusty snow foot prints in the snow behind me.
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I opened the front door as Maisie stood in the door-way waiting for me " Hey Maisie " I smiled shutting the door behind me. Everyday I come home she would be waiting for me. She was my best friend, but also my youngest sister. I looked around, it was awfully quiet of what the house-hold was used to " Why's it so quiet Mais? " I asked sliding off my coat and hanging it up on the banisters.
" She's here " Maisie lowered her voice crouching down, forcing me to bend down. When we spoke of someone we didn't think that mattered we would refer to ' him ' or ' her ' I knew exactly who she was talking about. I heard my heart rumble into the bottom of my stomach. I got up from the floor and followed Maisie into the living room. She held firmly onto the cigarette at the corner of her mouth. Showing us her vile smile.
" What's she doing her " I growled under my breath, watching her smirk proudly. Knowing that her presence made our skin crawl, making us suffer her every movement and every minute she was under this roof.
" Nice to see you haven't lost your father's sarcasm " she complained sarcastically.
" It runs in the blood "
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Post by BeckieMac. on Nov 2, 2008 18:22:16 GMT -5
Chapter Five:
Maisie cowered behind me hoping that she wouldn't be caught sulking. She would frighten her, abuse her to making Maisie be quiet about things she did. I hated the way she would look down at us - as if we were something on her shoe that ought to be burned.
" I'm not staying here when she's staying" I declared. I felt Maisie's grip tighten onto my pant leg, feeling her tiny fist tremble against my leg. She grabbed hold of my hand bringing it down to hers " Maisie - go upstairs honey " I told her as I felt her behind me, backing out of the room. Her tiny feet making their way upstairs out of the way from her.
" You won't be darling " the cigarette moved from the corner of her mouth to her hands as she exhaled the smoke. Her foul attitude made me cringe inside. He sat in his chair, his back still faced against us. He attempted to ignore our presence in the room. Block out our conversations, when really he was always the center of attention. I pursed my lips, digging my teeth into my tongue.
" Don't call me darling.. You're not welcome here " I told her defensively. She didn't belong any where near us, she wasn't welcome into this family. She wasn't part of our blood as long as we believed in that fact.
" She's welcome Helen " his voice echoed around the living room, drawing my attention to him. I swallowed the lump in my throat that once blocked me from saying my thoughts. I shifted my eyes over to her again, she was sitting there with a contract on her lap.
" What's that. " My voice stayed truthful to my attitude. She got up and started walking towards me, I felt my heart stop as she handed it to me. I knew it wasn't good also I knew it was for me too. I scanned the contract, reading every line, every word and between the lines. My mind shuffled as my heart dropped " Boarding school " I screamed at her. Throwing the papers to the floor.
" Yes Helen - Rose is paying for you to go to an all girls boarding school " he said. Still refusing to turn around, I knew he had a blank expression written all over his face. His voice told the whole story " We can not afford you to be here " he insulted me, I was the one keeping this family together. Keeping him satisfied and on his feet, now he's agreed to kick me out of his house and send me to a boarding school.
" Can't afford to keep me? - You're the one bringing down this family, I'm keeping it together " I knew the truth hurt. I felt his pain, but he deserved every pinch of it. I winced as I felt a sharp poke in the pit of my heart. My mind moved over to Maisie and Max. How they were going to survive, learn and move on with out made me worry even more for their safety and future. How I was going to be away from them for so long. Getting older each day was going to be difficult for all of them. Amber especially, she was growing older every minute. Turning more into a teenager, without me she wouldn't learn about the difficulties of life " I refuse to leave " I stood my ground against them.
" We're giving you a month to agree, or we'll choose the decision for you " She said sharply. I hated the way they manipulated and patronized me as if I was five again. They had to learn I was sixteen, I was going to be an adult soon they couldn't make my mind up for me.
" I'm not going to agree, and you can't make me - Now get out " My eyes never left her. She bent down picking up the papers around my feet. She got up, keeping eye level with me before passing me and grabbing her things leaving the house. Hearing the door shut, I let out the breath I had been wanting to let go of for so long " How dare you - How d**n dare you. Do you know how long I spend trying to make you and the children happy? "
" Helen listen to me don't give me that shi- " he spoke back. His voice became deeper.
" No, You listen to me. You don't dare do anything like that behind my back. You know Maisie and the other's need me, but yet you still choose to break this family up. No wander mom left you, you arrogant person " I stormed back. The thunder in my voice corrupted the room. Maisie sat on the bottom stairs covering her ears. She hated the way we fought every day. She didn't deserve this.
" Don't you ever say that. Your mom chose to leave because she was stupid " He got up from his chair, walking towards me. Tiredness bringing down his steps. Coming face-to-face with me, becoming closer then I had been for years.
" She was stupid for marrying you " I shouted back. Leaning closer to his face. I watched him fighting temptation, I knew how much he wanted to hit me. I knew when I was younger, I would watch their shadows fight along the walls. Watch the tears roll down my moms face as her face swelled up. I knew it was coming, the moment she didn't come home - she had left us " You don't deserve no one "
" Get out Now " his voice lowered, becoming almost UN-audible as he turned his back away from me. I bit on my tongue as I left the room. Watching Maisie sulk on the stairs made my heart break. I walked over to her and sat on the stairs, holding her against me rocking her slowly.
" Why do you and daddy always fight " she asked wiping her nose on her sleeve.
" Because he's silly - Daddy doesn't love us " I said truthfully. She knew it as much as I did " Come on let's go upstairs and get your brother ready " I lifted her up the stairs and carried her up to Max's room quietly.
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Post by Samantha on Nov 2, 2008 18:38:11 GMT -5
I love this story beckie...lovin the name too anything like Romeo and Juilet is good, I can't wait for the next chapter =)
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Post by BeckieMac. on Nov 10, 2008 17:36:07 GMT -5
Thanks Sami. The rest of it is on the NKOTB fan-fic board.
16 Chapters and still going!
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