Free Saving Amy by Nicola Haken Page A

definitely send him on his merry way.
    “Call it a favour. You’ll thank me in the end.” Leon dropped the pouch onto my knee and then winked and walked away before I could pass it back to him. I huffed into my shoulder and stuffed the packet into a rip in the lining of my purse before anyone saw it. I would dispose of it later.
    It was 06:45 PM already. The time had passed quicker than expected but I didn’t think I could hold out much longer. My neck was stiff and I was getting cramp in my legs. Balls to it. I gave in and started the engine to head home. If I was fast enough I could probably make it to my bedroom without seeing my dad on the way.
    His car was missing from the drive when I arrived home and my veins were saturated with relief. After killing the engine I grabbed my purse and scuttled hurriedly down the path to the front door. As usual I planned to run straight upstairs but I froze when I stepped inside and saw my mom crumpled on the floor, rocking back and forth.
    “Amelia,” she gasped and held out her hand for me to help her stand. Selfishly I wanted to ignore her and get to my room but deep down I knew that would make me as sadistic as my father. Taking her shaking hand, I pulled her upright. Her lips were swollen to double their size and a trail of dried blood was stuck to her chin.
    “Are you alright?” I felt obliged to ask. She nodded and sniffed in her tears. She looked a mess and as much as I wanted to think she deserved it, I didn’t. I looked into her empty eyes and saw my future. The thought ripped through my heart and suddenly I was terrified.
    “Go sit down. I’ll get you some water,” I offered. That was probably the longest interaction we’d ever had. She smiled as gratefully as she could manage and went into the living room. When I stepped past her to get to the kitchen she stopped me, pulling me back by the arm.
    “Maybe something a little stronger,” she suggested – erasing all traces of my sympathy. My eyes scanned her up and down in disgust then I reached for the half-empty gin bottle on the walnut bookshelf and threw it onto the couch where she was heading. Immediately I left the room and I could hear her screwing the cap off before I’d even reached the stairs.
    That was another day over and nothing had changed. I was back here – alone under my flowery quilt – with no job, soon to be no friends, no education and no escape.
    I was scared…

    **********

    Sitting in The Daily Grind coffee house waiting for Julie I’d almost finished my iced-tea. Leaning back into the dark green couch, which housed a squared-off lightwood table, I was surrounded by businessmen and students. I found myself staring at the passers-by – watching and admiring them going about their business. Watching them live…
    Julie inadvertently pulled me out of my self-pitying episode by flailing her arms in the air like a lunatic when she caught my eye across the floor.
    “Amy!” she greeted vociferously as she bent down to my seated level to throw her arms around me. She looked different – more mature. She only graduated yesterday but she already seemed too old for high school. She exuded a confidence I’d never noticed before and suddenly looked all intellectual . Not that she looked dumb before or anything…
    “How are you, Miss University of Florida Student?” I quipped. She giggled and was so obviously proud of herself. And so she should be.
    “Oh, Amy, I’m just so happy. There’s so much to look forward to. A whole new world is waiting for me.” Her words panged in my heart and I wanted to cry. I mentally chastised myself for being so goddamn selfish when I should’ve just been happy for her.
    “That’s fantastic, Jules. I’m so proud of you.” She smiled bashfully and then reached across the table to take hold of my hand.
    “What about you?” she asked empathically. “Are things getting better at home? I know you’ve had a rough couple of months.”
    I wish I could