The Darkest Child

by Delores Phillips

“You slut!” Mama screamed.“You goddamn slut! I’ll teach you to go out and shame me.” Martha Jean backed into the front room, giving Mama ample space to direct her punches. She aimed for Martha Jean’s head. Martha Jean threw an arm up to protect herself, but Mama gripped it brutally and forced it behind Martha Jean’s back. Martha Jean brayed, and arched her spine against the pressure Mama exerted on her shoulder and arm. Effortlessly, Mama wrapped her other arm around Martha Jean’s neck and breathed into her ear, “Dumb bitch.You no-good, dumb bitch. I’ll break yo’ goddamn neck.” I stood there horrified, holding the leather belt, the buckle dangling at my ankles, as my mother and sister struggled in a false embrace. Edna, crouched in a corner beside Laura, used the knuckles of her hands to wipe away her tears. She either saw or sensed how dangerously close Mama was to trampling Judy. I saw it, too, but feared the slightest movement on my part would be catastrophic. I stood perfectly still while Edna took two small scoots forward, gripped the basket, and pulled Judy to safety. Mama released Martha Jean. “Goddamn children!” she yelled. “All y’all can go to Hell. I’m sicka worrying ’bout y’all.” It seemed she was done with Martha Jean, then suddenly, gracefully, she pivoted and balanced herself on her toes. Her fingers curled and tightened into fists as she landed softly on her heels, and she began to jab.With artistic precision, she opened gashes, loosened teeth, and viciously...

Sad sad sad disturbing. How could a mother dl such great harm to her children? This was an evil,abusive woman. A devil