A New Life
It was another dark, cold night in our house. My six-year-old sister, Malia, lay in my bed next to me, sound asleep, holding the brown, silky-soft monkey I got her for her fourth birthday. I could hear my parents screaming at each other in a drunken rage on the other side of the door.
Malia doesn't remember it, but there was a time when our parents were actually good and loving parents. I remember we actually had a lot of good tiems going to parks, the beach, or anywhere else we wanted to go. I remember the warmth of being tucked into bed at night, being told a bedtime story, and getting a gentle kiss on my head. It all changed when I was six-years-old, Malia's age.
My mom lost her job and turned to drinking to get rid of the pain and she started to yell at my dad a lot. Then, so he could rid of the heart ache my mom would give him, he started to drink as well. They started drunken fights together, and two years later they tried to apologize to each other, but ending up having Malia when I was the age of eight. Then they were mad at each other for having a child they couldn't afford, and they started drinking more and having more fights.
Now, six years later, me now being fourteen, it still goes on, and is actually getting worse. I occasionally will hear a slap during the fights, meaning they are starting to become violent. I have even started seeing bruises on them, which makes me scared for mine and Malia's lives. That's why I have been saving money since Malia was two-years-old. I wanted to get us out of the house before the drunken rages turn to one of us. So, every time I saw money lying around, or did some sort of work for someone, I collected it and put it into an evelope to save money to get us out of there.
So, on that dark and cold night, I lisetened to another drunken fight, I slid out of bed to look in the hidden envelope. I walked over to a bookshelf, moved some books aside, and pulled out the envelope. I took out the money and counted it. I had a little over six hundred dollars. I decided it was good enough, and I put the envelope into my backpack along with a couple changes of clothes and few other belongings we needed. I alos stuffed Malia's backpack full with stuff so as to be ready to leave in the morning when we would normally be leaving for a day camp that we attended ever day during the summer. After everything was ready, I climbed back into bed, gave Malia's smooth black hair a stroke and went to sleep, dreaming of the new and better life Malia and I were going to have once we left.
The following morning I woke up an hour earlier than normal, so I could some last minute preparations, and make us some lunch. I pulled out a loaf of bread, and grabbed the peanut butter, deciding to not even bother looking for lunch meat, since it was probably rotten anyways. I made each of us two sandwiches so we would have lunch and dinner for tonight. I then filled our water bottles with ice water and put the sandwiches, water bottes, a box of cheese-its, and a package of oreos into our back packs. I then went and woke Malia up to get her ready. She smiled her sweet, loving smile, slid out of bed, and carrying her monkey, went to get ready. Once she left the room, I grabbed our pillows and our two favorite blankets, and packed them up. Once dressed, Malia and I ate breakfast and then left the house for good.
"Sashi"(my name is really Sasha but Malia calls me Sashi) "Sashi, why is my back pack so full?" Malia asked in her sweet little voice. "Because, we're not going to day camp today Malia, we are running away from home." I looked down at my little sister and her face get a scared. "Why Sashi? Why are we leaving mommy and daddy?" she said, beginning to cry. "It's not safe for us Malia, mommy and daddy are getting to violent. They are starting to hit each other a lot!" I told her, trying to make her understand. "But where are we going to go Sashi?" "Well, we are going to the train station and going to choose one of the cities a train can take us to, it will be fun, like a vacation." Malia smiled and said ok, and just squeezed her monkey a little tighter.
It took us about fifteen minutes to walk to the train station, but we made it, and were ready to go where God wanted us to go. We walked over to a white board that had times and destinations written on it. Then Malia tugged on my shirt and pointed to the word, Fontville. "Sashi, that's where Kaya moved!" Kaya is a really good friend of ours that we spent most of our time with, she had moved away just six months ago, and Fontville is where she moved to. I smiled down at Malia and told her we were going to go find Kaya. So, we walked to the front desk and got two tickets to Fontville. We got the tickets and then walked over to the train, which would be leaving in twenty minutes.
We found our train, handed the ticket guy our tickets, and then boarded. The train wasn't very full, and I was able to find the perfect spot for me and Malia. I took the seat closest to the window, and Malia sat across from me, also in a window seat. We then took off our back packs and put them in the empty spaces next to us, so no one would sit by us. The engineer said his final "all aboards" and then said the ride was going to be about three hours long, and then the train took off.
Malia looked sleepy , so I gave her her pillow and blanket, and she layed down and fell asleep, clutching her monkey tightly. I smiled and gave her a kiss and whispered to her that things were going to get better. I then noticed that a lady sitting behind us had a cell phone. So I asked if I could borrow it to make a phone call. She smiled, told me sure, and handed me the phone. I dialed Kaya's number and just three rings later, I heard Kaya's voice on the other end of the phone. "Kaya, this is Sasha," I said, "Malia and I are on the train to Fontville can you and your mom come pick us up in about three hours?" "Wow, really?" Kaya said happily, "Ya, I will make sure of it! But, why are you guys on your way to Fontville? What's going on?" "Just tell your mom that we are visiting, but I will explain everything when we get to your house ok?" Kaya sounded unsure, but said alright and we said our good-byes and hung up.
I thanked the lady and gave her back her phone and turned to look out the window. As I watched the earth roll past I said a quick prayer to God, asking him to guide us and wathc over us through this journey. I was strong believer, and so was Malia, so I had faith that things would get better.
About two hours into the trip, Malia woke up and said that she was hungry. The clock at the front of the train said 11:30, so I decided it was a good time to have lunch. I pulled out two of the sandwiches, the box of cheese-its, and the package of oreo cookies. As we sat and ate, we continued to look out the window and watch the land just roll past us.
We had just finished eating when the engineer announced we would be there in five minutes. I put the cookies and crackers away while Malia put her blanket in her pillow and grabbed her monkey. Soon the train came to a stop, we had reached Fontville. Malia and I put on our back packs, Malia held her monkey tight, and we left the train and stepped out into the gentle warm air.
I looked around adn just ahead was my beautiful, blonde, attractive friend, Kaya. Malia and I ran strait to her and gave her a hug, happy to see her again. "It is so great to see you guys again, I have missed you both so much!" said Kaya, "But, what brings you guys to Fontville anyway?" I knew I had to tell her, but the middle of the train station was not the place. "I'll tell you when we get to your house ok?" I said, "All right, then lets go!" So, we were off to Kaya's huse in the small, yet pleasant town of Fontville.
When we got to the car, Kaya's mom greeted the both of us with a hug and told us this was such a pleasant surprise. She to wanted to know why we were there. I told her that our parents gave us money to take a train down and that we could stay as long as we wanted, we just had to be back before school started. Kaya could tell I was lying, but her mom believed me, that's what was important.
Soon we reached Kaya's small farm house with a big red barn that I just knew had horses in it. We got out and Kaya brought us inside to the guest bedroom which had two twin beds and a dresser for us to put our belongings in. Malia ran in and claimed the bed she wanted. She was happy and started to play around. I sat my stuff on the other bed and told Malia I was goig to talk to Kaya and to stay in the house. I then went across the hall with Kaya into her bedroom so we could talk.
"Well," said Kaya, "I assume you told my mom a big fat lie, so now is the time to tell me the truth." I took a deep breath, feeling butterflies in my stomach, and started to talk. "My parents are getting really bad Kaya. I have started seein bruises on them. They're beating each other. I had to get me and Malia out of the house before we started to get beat on. So, I decided to take the money I have been saving, pack our things, and run away." Kaya just sat there, stunned. It took a minute before she started to speak again. "I don't blame you for running away Sasha, but what are you going to do when your parents come looking for you guys?" I replied to her, "I am not sure, but I plan to get a job and just stay in your house until shortly before school starts, and then move out and get a place for just me and Malia. So we can be happy and safe." I could tell Kaya wasn't so sure about the plan, but she decided to help me. She went to get the newspaper so we could look through the job listings.
We sat down and circled all the ones that were possibilities, and found three. The only three things were a car washer, a maid, or a veteranarian's assitant. I decided to start with the vet assitant, and called the number. A pleasant and cheery female voice answered the phone. "Hello is this Dr. Manson?" I said, "Yes, how may I help you?" the voice answered. "Well, my name is Sasha, I'm fourteen, and I am looking at being your assitant because I saw your want ad in the paper." I waited a second and then I heard her say, "Oh excellent! Come by my house tomorrow at 10am and I will interview you!" I got really excited, thanked her, and wrote down the address, then hung up. Kaya looked at the address and said that the house was just down the road. I gave her a bug hug and thanked her for everything. Now, I knew this new life for me and Malia was going to happen.
The following morning, I woke up, ready for the first day of a new and happy life. Malia woke up right when I did, seeming as ready as I was. We ate breakfast together and then Malia wanted to ride a horse. Kaya said she would let Malia pick a horse and let it be hers while we stayed here. I told Malia I had a job interview and that I would join her as soon as I got home. Malia said it was alright and then I was off. Kaya gave me her bike and told me which wayy to go and what house it was. I then rode off and go there right on time.
I approached Dr. Manson's house and knocked on the door. Immediately, a young, cheerful, brunette woman answered the door and let me right on in. "So yu must be Sasha, right?" she said, "Yes, thats me." I replied. "Well Sasha" Dr. Manson said, "the only really important thing I need to know from you is how much you know about animals and how to take care of them." I beamed with a bright smile. I had been reading animal books since I learned how to read. So, I relayed all I knew to Dr. Manson and when I finished, I waited for her response. "Your hired" wer the next words I heard her say. I jumped up and gave her a hug, telling her thank-you. "All right now," she said, " here are some papers I need you to fill out and sign and return to me when you start on Monday. Oh, and you can call me Hillary instead of Dr. Manson. We are partners now." I thanked her again and then left.
I was thrilled, and I smiled the whole bike ride back to Kaya's house. As soon as I got back I told Kaya and Malia that I got the job, they were thrilled. So, I joined them in their horseback riding to celebrate. Monday came, and I started my new job with Hillary and loved every minute of it. I was happy and couldn't wait to come back and work more.
The summer went by day after day, almost too fast, and soon there was only three weeks left until school was going to start. I had told Kaya's mom that Malia and I would be leaving one week before the start of school, and that we did. We moved into a small house just two houses down the road from Kaya's house and even got Malia enrolled into the first grade at Fontville Elementary School. Malia, I could tell, didn't want to leave Kaya, or the comfort of her house, and didn't want to start school either. But I told her tat it was alright and that it was for the best. And soon we were all settled into our new home, with Malia still clutching her monkey the entire time.
The next week, school started up, and I waited with Malia for the bus. "I'm scared Sashi, what if no one likes me?" she said. "It's okay Malia, I am sure people will fall in love with you instantly!" I told her. She just said okay and when the bus pulled up, I gave her a big hug, and on the bus she went. Then I went off to work.
When I got to Hillary's, she almost looked surprised to see me. "School starts today Sasha. I didn't expect to see you today," she said. "Well, I'm not really in school anymore, Hillary. I actually need to work to support my sister." Hillary got kind of a puzzled look, but just shrugged and told me to load up. As I worked I thought about whether or not to tell Hillary the truth about me and Malia, but I just didn't feel ready yet.
At the end of the day, I rushed home to go meet Malia at the bus stop. I got there just as she got off the bus, and she ran right over to me. "Sashi, I made two new friends at school, my teacher is really nice, and this school is really fun!" she told me with the biggest smile I had ever seen her give me. I gave her a hug and told her that I was happy for her. I thought nothing could ruin I our new lives now, but I would soon find out how wrong I was.
Malia had been in school for three weeks, and it was early evening. I was helping Malia with her school work, when I glanced over at our TV. On the news screen were mine an Malia's pictures! The news reporter said that our parents were looking for us and if anyone knew where we were to call the local police station. Malia grabbed hold of her monkey an started to cry. All she kept saying was, "It's not fair, I like it here!" I told Malia I wasn't going to let our life end, and that I would do everything in my power to keep us safe.
It wasn't long before our phone rang, it was Hillary. She told me that she saw the news an wanted an explanation. Right there I came clean and told Hillary everything. She listened to my every word and promised me she would not call the police. I said thank-you and hung up. Suddenly, I heard someone banging on the front door with what sounded like angry fists. I became frightened and I ran to Malia to hold her close. Then, I heard the door slam open, and some angry feet stomping in. It was our parents. They found us and they were angry, very angry.
They were yelling and told us it was time for the punishment of a lifetime. They grabbed Malia and pulled her away, she was still holding her monkey. They started to beat her and I jumped on them, desperate to get them to stop. I fought hard, kicking, punching, biting, but my dad was stronger, and he pulled me off and carried me to a seperate room while my mom kept on beating.
My dad said that I deserved worse than what Malia was getting. So, he pinned me down, tore my clothes my off, and raped me. When he was done with that, he beat me a few times and then left me on the floor, naked and too weak to move. I heard them leave, and then I heard sirens down the road. Someone had called the police.
I couldn't stand, but I crawled over to where Malia was, and I saw her on the floor, not moving. My heart was racing as I started to cry out Malia's name. I got no response. When I reached her lifeless body, I checked to see if she still had a pulse, there was none. I started to cry, "Malia, no, please Malia, wake up!" I tried to revive her, but it was no use, she was gone. I held Malia in my arms, crying, asking why her and why not me.
A few minutes later, Kaya came in, she was crying also. "Sasha, oh my gosh they got to you too, what happened?" Kaya said, balling. I told Kaya what they did and then she told me they also killed her parents to her to talk. I sat there and cried with Kaya, and then, she got up, put a blanket around me, and then said she was going to get the police. It was only a minute later that a police officer came in with Kaya and told me to let Malia go so he could get me to a paramedic. I gave Malia a kiss and gently layed her beaten and bloody body down, then I saw her monkey laying right by her, with some blood stains on it. I picked it up, and held it as the officer scooped me up into his arms and carried me away.
Later on at the hospital, I told the police everything about my parents and about what they did. Kaya came in when they were done, and crawled in my bed next to me. She held me close and said that the house had been cleaned up and Malia's body taken to be examined with her parents bodies. I just gave Kaya a hug and thanked her. I then asked her if she would move in with me and she just smiled and said, "Of course," and then we both fell asleep.
One week later, I was released from the hospital and me and Kaya went to the funerals we had to attend, then we went home together. A couple weeks later, my parents got sentenced to death and I found ou that I was pregnant from my father. I was upset, but I thought maybe it would be good for me. Nine months later, on Malia's birthday, I welcomed a beautiful baby girl, whoI named Gracelynn Malia after her aunt, Malia Grace.
Life hurts and is still hard without Malia. But with my job, my best friend, and my baby girl, I feel like Malia is still with me. And sitting on a shelf, just above Gracelynn's crib, is Malia's monkey, all dressed up in an ange outfit with Malia's name sewn on it. It's our guardian angel, Malia, watching over us as we live our new and happy lives. Rest in peace Malia, I love you and can't wait to join you in heaven with God someday!
The End
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