I looked outside the window as I watched my dream life pass by.
“Chloe. It's time for lunch.”
My mum’s voice has gradually become an irritating thing to my ears and at exactly 2:00 in the afternoon, she comes to my room and presses to my ears lunch is ready. As though she had no idea I would rather be out there graduating college like those girls out there.
“Okay, mum.”
I took a second glance at the girls as the flashlight of their camera flashed. They cackled loudly, smacked each other playfully, and teased each other as well.
I had never gotten the luxury of going to school talk more of making friends. Odd, but I have no idea why.
“Chloe!”
My mum’s call this time was followed by anger as against the sweetness of her tone the first time she called me.
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I walked downstairs and just, as usual, the whole family was already sited.
“You are two minutes late for lunch.”
My dad’s voice sounded hoarse and a shivering sensation was sent down my spine. I managed to avoid making eye contact with him but giving no response only meant trouble.
“Chloe, darling. You know how important family mealtimes are to your father,” my grandma’s shaking voice pointed out what I knew.
I pulled out a chair to sit at my usual spot but my dad slammed his hands on the table angrily.
“Calm down, Norman. Calm down,” my grandpa said as he pushed his glasses down to look at me expecting a word from me but I gave none.
Everyone stared at me, including my mum. They were all expecting me to explain why I came down two minutes late as usual and apologize to them all but I did none of that and just sat down.
My dad’s eyes reddened and his breath became uneven. I knew what was going to happen next and in a way, I was prepared for it.
Gently, I rested my hands on the table, staring blankly ahead of me without meeting my mum’s gaze who was sitting across from me.
My dad pushed his chair backward and my heartbeat raced faster. He got up from his seat and began to unbuckle his belt.
“Please, Norman,” my Grandma pleaded but I said no words.
“Chloe, apologize now. It’s not too late, sweetheart,” my mum added, still, I said no words.
My Grandpa got up from his seat and walked away while my dad raised his belt. I flinched lightly but tried not to give him the satisfaction of fear I usually gave him.
“You would not disobey my rules while under my roof!” my father said as he raised the belt in a bit to land it heavily on every part of my body, breathing hard.
I got up from my seat and stared him in the eyes. He looked shocked, everyone looked shocked.
I glared intensely at him while his hand holding the belt was still raised in the air.
“This has to stop!”
As I spoke, my breath was shaky as though I had just concluded a marathon raise.
“This has to stop!”
They looked shocked. They looked over at each other with their mouths slightly opened but at that moment I gave no f*ck about what was about to escape their lips.
“You speak back now?” my father was going to hit me across the face but I held his hand. His eyes almost bulged out of utmost shock and anger.
“Don’t you dare ever hit me again, Father.”
I have no idea where the courage came from but I was tired of being their puppet. I was tired of living my life as theirs. I was tired of being beaten at every slightest mistake. I was definitely exhausted from being stopped from dreaming.
“What have I done wrong?” I began as I yanked his hand away. Tears were starting to roll down my cheeks. “I just want to have a free life like my mates. Make friends like every other kid, go to school, and become a doctor. Why is it so hard? It's just a basic living, why am I being deprived of that?”
My heart was beating so fast as though it was about to explode.
“It’s all for your own good. The outside world is dangerous!” my mum responded.
“Then let me see that myself? Let me step out there. Let me see the world as it is. Let me not continue to live my life as a prisoner…”
“A prisoner you say?” my dad interjected before I could complete my sentence. “We clothe you, feed you, and house you. What prisoner has that luxury?”
“Luxury? I have never gone to school. I have never made friends. I have never stepped out of this building. I have a curfew even within the house. I’m not allowed to learn. I’m not even allowed to decide if I want a meal or not! I wasn’t hungry this afternoon but I’m still forced to come down and eat! I hate my life. Is it my fault I was born as a girl? I hate you all!”
I rushed back to my room and locked the door. This was going to be my fate for the next few days. I planned on staying indoors till I felt much better.
I buried myself in my bed, crying my lungs out in my pillow.
“I hate my life!” I yelled at the top of my voice. I am slowly becoming aware that my parents didn't believe a girl should be educated. This was my life, I have no choice but to live it. At this point, I would be a fool to continue dreaming