Chapter 4

Monica picked up a dark blouse and skirt she was particularly proud of, and could feel desperation emanating from her mother. The torn fabric hung across her fingers as she picked up a hint of the sweat building within the room. Her mother was bent over a pile on her bed, and the black straps were so close. Vengeance could be hers in a matter of moments, but settled for the satisfaction of seeing the lack of panty lines.

Bare cheeks pressed against her skirt and bounced a little with her movement. She wondered what they looked like free of all clothing. Temptation to act was pressed back as she focused on her mission for justice. She would know her mother’s body soon enough, and would follow her plan without fail.

She straightened and hid everything beneath a calm exterior. “You’re supposed to be putting your shit away, not making a fucking mess of it, mom.”

Her mother jumped at the interruption and knew she was already scowling, which forced her to fight back a smile. Liz turned towards her and stood defiantly before her daughter. The lines of age crossed her face as she glared out at Monica, and met the burning eyes with her own.

Liz’s mouth began to part the way it always did just before she’d start to bitch about something. “You did this. Still nothing but a stupid girl.”

She didn’t back down, and refused to let her mother get to her in any way. “Did what, mom? Come in here and throw your shit around?”

Her mother’s eyes tried to force her down, but this was her house and wouldn’t back down; she would never be that scared little girl ever again. “Tear up my clothes, you stupid cunt, and pack my bag with nothing to sleep in.”

She smiled a little and widened her eyes for effect. “I offered to help you pack when we got to your house, but you said I’d fuck it up. You went in alone.” She held up her mothers clothes and tossed them at her. “I didn’t do a fucking thing, mom. This is all on you.”

Liz didn’t even bother to make an attempt to catch the clothing and let it land at her feet. “You must’ve done it. I would never tear up my own clothes, and sure as fuck wouldn’t leave without something to sleep in. I don’t even have a fucking bra. This is all you, you worthless, fucking whore.”

She allowed the words to pass over her without reacting to them. “That’s right, mom. Blame me. That’s what you do when you can’t take responsibility for yourself, just like you did with dad leaving you.”

Her mother started to tense. “We were happy until you came along.”

Monica held back from unleashing her fury, and managed to speak in a calm her voice. “Stop it, mom. Just fucking stop it. No 5-year-old daughter chases away a father, anymore than a 3-year-son does. It was you, mom. All fucking you. For once in your life, take responsibility.”

Liz’s pale face started to turn red, and almost laughed at the sight. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that. I’m your mother.”

She shook her head without breaking contact. “For 17 years I lived in your house. You spoke to me anyway you pleased. You controlled the way I walked, the way I sat, the way I stood. You controlled what I wore, what I ate, when I slept, when I was awake. This is my house, not yours. I’ll speak to you anyway I choose.” Her finger pointed at the empty case on the bed. “You packed your suitcase, not me.”

Red grew a little deeper. “Why would I tear up my clothes? Why wouldn’t I bring panties and bras? Why wouldn’t I bring something to sleep in? I wouldn’t. This is something you’d do, because you’re a worthless whore.”

A controlled laugh was released. “I don’t know, mom. Maybe because you were hallucinating. You saw something in your clothes and ripped them up. As for not packing your shit, maybe you had a lapse of memory and thought you had. I don’t know, mom. You were the only one in your house.”

She continued with her attempt to stare down her daughter as she had in the past. “It wasn’t me, you stupid cunt. Take me home. I’m not staying here.”

Monica’s balled fists moved to her hips. “That’s not going to happen, mom. If I drive you anywhere, it’s back to get locked away forever. I’m never taking you back, and sure as fuck J won’t. He never visited you while you were there.”

Liz stamped her foot like a child throwing a fit, and refused to accept the truth. “Take me home, you worthless whore. I’m your mother and you’re going to do what I say.”

Monica held her ground. “No.”

Her face started to grow streaks of purple from her anger. “Don’t tell me no. Take me home, right now.”

She forced back the urge to smile. “Pack your shit. I’m taking you back.”

Monica turned away as her mother’s voice took on a hint of panic. “What am I supposed to wear?”

Her face returned to the scowl, and couldn’t find any purple. “Wear what you brought. I don’t have any neighbors and don’t have anyone over, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Liz shook her head. “I won’t walk around without a bra and panties. I’m not a whore like you.”

She watched her mother glance away to give her the victory. “You don’t worry about anyone seeing you but me, mom. It’s not like J’s coming over. Well, not tonight. It’s going to be just the two of us.

“Don’t worry about being left alone with me for too long. I’m sure he’ll be over to see his mom. After all, you know how useless I am. I’m sure I’m going to need his help taking care of you. I’ll give him a call in a few days.

“Remember how you used to watch us showering and getting dressed. It’s only fitting that you tore up your clothes.” A purposeful smile crossed her lips. “We’re both going to be seeing you walk around wearing them. Either that, or you go back to get locked away until the day you die.”