Spilled Milk

by K.L. Randis

No part of this book may be reproduced,

him

could

way

head

Grandma’s hugs were always so genuine, so warm. Before I could answer, Mom was walking up the porch steps and handing Kat over. “Careful, she’s doing the projectile spit up thing again,” she warned. Grandma held outstretched arms and took the baby

mouth. “Hi Grandma!” Adam called out. He dashed into the house and

checking

corrected.

“I won’t write those bad things anymore,” I said, though no one heard me. They had already walked into the kitchen, leaving me alone. The journal was scooped up off of the floor and was flung into the closest garbage can. My sleeve served as a makeshift tissue as I whole-heartedly vowed, whispering with my eyes clenched, “I won’t ever write about these things again Mom. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

puffed

Kat close the latches on her suitcase. I didn’t want to think about the next morning when everyone woke up and we were missing. I hoped Adam and Thomas would protect each other if Dad started to hurt

you

“My…head. Why’s my flace…Flace? Face. Whaaaat.” Words slurred out of my mouth. I wasn’t

dinner

from

my shoulders. “Have you even had a boyfriend since you moved here?” Cristin pressed. “Eh, no. Not really.” I thought about Dad and what he would

her. “I’ll make it right. Here, I’ll make it right.” She fumbled the pocketbook sitting in the foyer. “No, no it’s all right,” I said. Tears ran down

miracle that baby Ethan was born in the beginning of summer. Mom eventually came home with visiting nurses that stopped by once or twice a week. Dad returned to his normal work schedule and most of the family

direction.

doing this anymore. Have fun playing mommy or housewife, whatever it is you do. See ya later.” The car sped off and I could hear the music thumping until they drove past where I worked. I stood in the driveway with my hand on

might have to catch up with him later.” “Thank you Mr. Hemlorn. Brooke, would you like to take a seat?” The door closed behind me. “My name is Elise, sweetheart. I’m from Children and Youth Services. Is it okay if we talk for a few minutes?” I stared at the bulky police officers standing in the corner of the room. Their arms

later

“Yes. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” I sighed and looked into my lap. “You uh, you told your family that

with my sister he would use his hands to clean us instead of a rag. After we moved to Pennsylvania he…” I trailed off. I just did not have the vocabulary to make this comfortable. “He uh, raped me. Twice where I know the dates.”

home economics class. Cristin disappeared and reappeared all night, and I started to worry about where she went sometime after one in the morning. Making my way towards the back door I was engulfed in a plume of smoke.

crossed my arms. Was she serious about letting this guy drive us home? “Ah, come on Brooke. He’s good. Look. He’s good.” Dustin dropped his keys on the pavement in front of him and cursed. Cristin stared. “All

boy staring at you all night at the party Dustin took us to. Remember?” “Vaguely.” I shut my locker. “He drives a really old pickup

Jason, even though I wasn’t ready to admit that to myself yet because of Paul. I didn’t want to scare Jason away. Earl was finally officially arrested, and he made bail the very next day. Eight months had passed since the time

tie in her hair that belonged to you. The Barbie was naked.” I closed my

about it. I shifted and turned toward him, face to face. I had to see his reaction when I told him. I needed to know what he felt the second I said something. “He raped me. I have to go to court because of the things he did to me.” Jason’s expression was agonizing. His grip tightened on my sides as he blinked. “I’m sorry, Brooke. Baby, I’m

minutes.

kept

behind her bench is where she’ll come in. The smaller seat to the side of her is where any witnesses will sit. If you’re looking out at your lawyer, the jury will be to your left in that row of benches.” “Will I see him?” “Yes, he’ll be sitting right here.” She pointed to the one desk. “Your lawyer will be right here.” She tapped the other

them?

exams.”

wanted

meet

There’s

away.”

wrinkles.

p...

str...

t...

briefcase and we shuffled out of the booth. Everyone tried to keep their composure as

throw it away. No offense. Sit, talk with me.” “None taken.” “So uh, your eyes are pretty clear.” He studied my face, taking a long swig of his beer. “That means you don’t shoot up before your shift like the other girls. Your body is way too hot to have had any children and you look like you’re about to cry when guys call you over. What’s the deal?” The bodyguard gave me a confused look as precious time the guy had paid for ticked away. “College. Need the money,” I lied. “Ah, I see.” He sipped his Corona. “You

with sand in the cusp of my palm. “Does it mean anything? It seems important,” she asked. I eyed the vial, remembering the one Meg and I had studied at lunch earlier that day. “Yes, it must be but…how is this possible?” “What is it? Who gave it to her?”