Work Text:
There once was a bird stuck in a cage
Only ever making an appearance in the month of May
It's wings would finally be set free, it hoped one day
Dreaming of the clouds in the sky not stuck in a fray
But alas the bird kept dreaming til the day it died
Because life, is more than a once upon a time
…
"Marie."
"Marie!"
"MARIE!"
She jolted out of her slumber awake and startled.
"MARIE!" The familiar voice echoed through the house as she winced at the sheer volume of the sound.
6:45 a.m
She groaned.
Quickly pulling on a pair of jeans and a maroon long sleeve shirt she stumbled down the creaky stairs. As she walked down her foot fell right through one of the wooden boards she had clumsily nailed over days prior.
"God this place is falling apart" she mumbled under her breath while grabbing the board and repositioning it.
She strolled into the kitchen and yet again there he was, he was a blubbering mess sitting in the dining room table. The green luminescent light highlighted the overweight and incredibly drunk man. Both his beard and brown shaggy hair were overgrown as he omitted a repulsive smell.
He was drunk. He was revolting. He was her father.
“MARIEEEEEE!!” He screamed again his head face down on the rickety wooden table, endless glass bottles surrounding his figure.
“What do ya want” She responded frustrated yet timid.
“Don’t..hic...give…hic..me sass you bitch…hic” He spoke stumbling over his words in his intoxicated state. “Now get me another..hic” He demanded.
“Haven't you had enough” She mumbled under her breath.
Suddenly a glass bottle came flying at her head as she ducked just in time to hear the glass shatter against the linoleum tiles. Tears began to form in the corners of her eyes but she wiped them away and began picking up the broken pieces so he wouldn’t cut himself later on.
“ANOTHER!” He shouted at her, his face turning a deep shade of red.
She walked to the fridge and slowly opened it to reveal shelves of Budweiser's, Lights Coors and more. The cans and bottles rattled against each other creating a symphony of sorrow, the familiar sounds she had grown accustomed to. Grabbing the nearest bottle she handed it to the already passed out man and walked out of the kitchen.
She pulled out pieces of glass from her hair as she looked into the mirror. The person who looked back was a shell of her former self. Untamed curly hair with some white hereditary streaks that labelled her as a freak. Thin arms and dark circles rounded her eyes and her baggy clothing didn’t add to the appeal. Checking her neck she made sure it was still there then She quickly brushed her teeth and grabbed her bag before walking out of the door.
Immediately the Mississippi heat hit her like a tidal wave, but she had acclimated to the hot groggy temperature all her life and it wasn't going to stop her now. It was around an hour before school started but she was accustomed to arriving early.
She dashed across the bleachers and sat there, beginning to sketch while listening to soft music. It calmed her and helped her to forget all of her worries. This was her safe place, where she could draw the passing birds and melt into nature free from worries.
DEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Her eyes fluttered open as she slowly made her way down the metal seats and across the football field. She kept her head low in school, almost blending into the navy blue lockers. Sliding into her seat in the first period Marie sat at the very back of the class near the windows which was preferable as it allowed her to daydream in math class.
“Alright class I don’t care if it’s almost the end of the school year, we still have a final math exam next week and I need all of you to…” Her teacher continued to drone on about practice tests and math packages that Marie knew she would ignore.
Her math grade was at a solid 80% and she would take what she could get, especially considering the fact that graphing radicals was a pain in itself. After this she only had one year left of this horrible hell and then she could finally escape. From her father, from her school and from the pain of her own memories hopefully. She continued to sketch and doodle the bird she had previously been working on before the bell rang yet again.
Moving out of her seat Marie grabbed her belongings and silently made her way out of the classroom, nodding to her teacher before leaving. Her next class was biology where the teacher spoke endlessly about the digestive system again reminding them of the upcoming exams.
The day passed by and it was the same dull routine as every other. Lunch was long but it's not like she really minded. Then there was English which wasn't too bad and finally visual arts her favourite. Finally, Marie could get the sketches of birds she had been drawing for the past few days on some canvas and she was ecstatic.
Pulling out gouache paints and brushes she began her preliminary sketch before dipping the brush into water. The colours were mixed and the canvas became a mix of blues with red accents. Funnily enough, Marie often made it a point to wear darker colours, but when it came to her paintings they were bright and vivid. Almost showing a glimpse of her soul on the brushed-filled pages.
Her hands were stained and splattered by the end but Marie could care less. Every time she painted she could feel a bit of her previous life seep into the pages. In between the strokes and colours she could hear the warm voices of what felt like a past life. So immersed she didn't hear the end of the day bell ring until someone tapped her on the shoulder.
She jumped, she shook, her eyes filled with fear for a split second before she whirled around with the masking of annoyance on her face.
That was until she noticed who had tapped her shoulder.
"Cody-" She whispered.
"Hey Marie just wanted to let you know the bell rang 10 minutes ago" he told her sheepishly while averting his gaze.
"Thanks for letting me know," she responded with downcast eyes.
Her bubble of euphoria had broken and replaced with the somber reality. Cody and she had been best friends before it happened. Maybe they could have even been more if her life hadn't fallen apart, he was her first kiss after all. However, things didn't go to plan and they hadn't been friends for years. These days the only encounter between them would be an occasional smile but that was all. Marie knew she would never be able to have her friendship with him again but some days she still reminisced about the past.
Her painting was nearly dry so she tentatively rolled up the canvas and placed it into her bag. She walked the two blocks it took to get to her house, but as soon as she got there she noticed a change. There was a sleek shiny black car in the driveway and a wave of anxiety crashed over her before she could even blink. Her breathing became heavy as she opened her door.
"Hello?" She asked, scared for what was to come.
She could hear mumbling from the kitchen and a soft feminine voice followed by the familiar gruff one of her father's. She carefully approached the kitchen as the voices became clearer.
"-you haven't paid the taxes for the government in months and we can no longer stand by this. Your house will become repossessed by us in four weeks time and we expect you to be compliant with our policies. Least we give you a harsher punishment." The lady said with a stern tone.
"Ah do expect to be gaining some compensation, this house is still worth more than the money ah owe" Marie could hear her father say, but his tone was on the brink of a meltdown and she quickly decided to make her presence known.
"Hello ma'am" Marie spoke softly towards the woman.
"I see you must be the daughter or Mr.Raven, well I must take my leave. Please clear out in a month and we will send you the remaining balance" the lady spoke standing up and ensuring that her blazer was still stain-free.
She pompously walked out the door, she had the aura of superiority which annoyed Marie.
She knew that all of these adults didn't give a damn about her or her safety. None of them had when she showed up to school as a child. Her skin had been lined with ugly splotches of purple and blue, covering her arms and face. Even now they didn't care that there were cans and bottles everywhere.
"Pack up Marie, we're going to be outta here by next week" her father responded gruffly.
Marie was at a loss but she decided not to argue. He was in a horrid mood and she was not going to be on the receiving end of his blows.
The next morning she went to school early and requested to take her exams that same day, and have the results sent to her when she arrived at their new house, her teachers agreed. She then withdrew from her school too as she knew that she was going to have to move to another area entirely as the housing costs here were simply too high.
“Hey Marie!” a voice shouted at her.
Marie whirled around to see Cody running up to her, his hair was the same shining blonde it had always been and for a split second, she felt like they were back in middle school when he would ask her to play tag of the manhunt on the school playground. Or meeting up late at night, sneaking Marie out of her house and running to the oak tree where they would wish on falling stars. She smiled to herself.
“You forgot this in art!” He told her handing over a bracelet she had taken off to prevent it from being stained.
It was a simple rope of green twine that Cody had given her when they were younger. It was a promise of everlasting friendship.
“Thanks Cody” Marie responded, taking the piece of rope from his hand and adjusting it onto her wrist.
Even when the promise had been broken, she continued to wear the bracelet as it gave her a sense of security.
“I didn’t know you still wore it” He said scratching the back oh his head while grinning at her.
“Of course ah do” She responded with a smile.
“I guess we’re still matching then,” He told her revealing his own blue rope encircling his wrist.
Marie smiled yet again but with the soft look of old times. They reminded her of all they had and how much things had changed.
“Cody lets go!” A friend yelled at him, ending the moment.
“Well, I’ll see you next week!” He said grinning once more before running to them.
Marie knew he wouldn't.
As she exited her last day ever at this school she looked back upon the building and all she saw were the traces of her constant loneliness. It was the same walking through her town of Caldecott Mississippi. All she would remember were bad memories with occasional nostalgia, hinting at her previous life.
Finally, she ended her tour at the river bay near an old oak tree. It had once been the birthplace of her happiest memories but coming back to it now the only thing she felt was waves of sadness crashing over her. She began to weep the tears of her youth flowing down her face but sobs were not Marie's style. It was silent tears she had instilled into her, as any noise would anger her father. She watched the sunset over the Riverbend, knowing that in this moment it would be the last time she would feel this again.
By the following week, her entire life had been packed into a few suitcases. She hadn't had much after all,no new items had been bought for a long time. There funds long waisted on her father's drunken binges.
Marie and her father piled into a car he had bought from the money given and they drove. She didn't ask questions. Questions were dangerous.
As they drove past all the familiar shops and stores she saw him up ahead. Cody. He was with a group of friends but trailing behind them seemingly lost in thought. As she drove past he looked up and made direct eye contact with each other. He looked confused.
‘Goodbye’ Marie mouthed to him and he seemingly understood as shock took over.
His eyes grew wide as he yelled ‘wait’ but by then she was gone. Like a vision, she disappeared.
She looked behind to see him running after her, his friends close behind and completely bewildered.
“Goodbye,” she finally whispered, her heart simultaneously breaking and storing the memories of the past away.
They drove for more than seven hours until they were forced to stop in a seedy motel by the side of the road. She was almost excited about the trip as they hadn’t went on a 'vacation' for years. Marie and her father walked into the lobby and approached the counter. Sitting behind the aged wooden desk was a balding middle-aged man, sporting a raggedy white t-shirt stained with cigar dust. He was smoking as her father requested a room.
“How many?” He asked in a gravelly voice.
“One room two beds” Her father responded.
“Name?”
“Owen Raven.”
The man slipped a key card towards Owen and sneered at Marie catcalling her while making obscene gestures. Frightened she moved closer towards her father before she looked up and saw his amusement. He didn't care what happened to her. A pang shot through her chest but she remained calm and quiet, taking the man's verbal abuse.
At night she was kept awake by her father's loud snores. He was unhappy about the strict ‘no-drinking’ law enforced on this particular interstate highway and his patience was growing thin. So Marie plugged her ears and closed her eyes. Awaiting the arrival of soft slumber to embrace her.
“Marie” a voice called out to her.
It was instantly recognizable but she wasn’t sure where.
The feeling of dejavu overtook her as her heart filled with joy but her head with confusion. She was embraced with a warm familiar presence and practically melted. She hadn’t felt this level of comfort in years. She was in heaven.
The sharp ring woke her up. The alarm vibrated on the bedside table as she instantly stopped it.
7:06 a.m
Her father groaned waking up and dashing to the bathroom. The sounds of vomit were heard she swiftly got dressed before he returned. Dawning jeans and a hoodie while slowly letting go of the feeling of safety was a usual occurrence for Marie. Sleep was often the only solace to ease her aching soul, but come morning she would once again let it go.
There was a time when it had become an addiction for her. Something she wanted, no, needed to have for her survival. She would spend countless hours between the sheets of her bed waiting for night to come and for the day to end.
Her father re-entering the room made her snap out of her thoughts. He grumbled about ‘feeling like shit’ but she stayed silent. Speaking was a surefire way of being on the receiving end of an outburst and that was something she would rather avoid.
They ate quickly at a nearby gas station scarfing down white bread and peanut butter before leaving again. Marie still had no idea where they were heading but she chose to take advantage of the road and her music to sway her to sleep.
It was another five hours before they finally reached their destination.
‘Welcome to New Orleans’ The sign read.
The drove further into the city and Marie admired the bright lights and abundance of people. Music was playing and everywhere she looked is seemed like a celebration was occurring.
“Damn traffic” She heard her father say before a line of curses were let loose. However, Marie didn’t care.
“Where are we going?” She finally asked in a tentative manner.
It seemed like he decided to answer to reward her for being quiet the whole journey there.
“A house your grandfather used to own. It’s been passed down.” He responded to her.
Marie nodded, silently understanding that it had come from her side of the family and it was the only reason why they hadn’t moved here yet.
As they rolled up the driveway Marie appreciated the nice neighbourhood they were in. It seemed like the taxes had been paid over the years by someone from herside of the family. Whatever it was, she was grateful that they weren’t going to be staying in another run-down place.
The house was panelled with white slates of oak wood, and it had a wrap-around porch, which she loved. Marie vaguely recognized the house as somewhere she had visited when she was much younger and when they were happier. Although in her memories the garden had been bountiful and the house was full of life. Now looking at it Marie could see where the aging had begun. Some wood slats were falling off and the garden was full of dead plants and weeds.
Owen opened the front door and they walked in to be greeted by white sheets covering all the furniture. He immediately pulled them off the couch and promptly fell asleep.
Marie on the other hand slowly climbed up the wooden staircase and was grateful for the solid railing and steps. It seemed like in all the mess, the skeleton of the house was still strong and firm. All the rooms were beautiful and a big improvement from her old one. She however chose a room facing the back of the house. A bald cypress tree was near her window where a bay window was. It was the perfect cozy spot. The furniture was a little dated with frills seeming to line everything, but underneath were timeless pieces. The walls were daisy white and the ceilings were high. Attached was her own private bathroom, which she relished. The room somehow attracted her and unpacked the little belongings she had.
Once done, Marie wandered the interior finding where the hydro and electricity switches were and turning them on. Miraculously it worked and she was able to take a warm bath after the years of built-up grime exited the taps. It was hot and humid so she rummaged around the closet of her room before she found a pale pink silky nightdress. It was possibly the most revealing article of clothing she had ever worn as its long sleeves and knee-length hemline exposed some of her pale creamy complexion. She towelled her hair dry, while looking out the window and decided to take a stroll.
Slipping on some sandals she walked outside before settling on a white bench. The moon illuminated her as she stared across a small creek to a grand house. It was white with Greek sized pillars and multiple stories. It was like a castle from a fairy tale. Marie was in awe at its grand size and decided she would explore her new surrounding tomorrow. She began to braid her hair and hum a soft melody. When she was finished she wandered back inside but failed to notice a pair of piercing red eyes looking curiously observing her.
…