The Stairs

Jared never should not have hit mommy.

That was what Jenny kept telling herself, it was the all consuming thought in her 10 year old head as she removed the slip case from the pillow then wrapped the fluffy feather filled lump of fabric with a black garbage bag. Tying the open end of the dark plastic closed with a knot she slid it under the kitchen table.

Nobody should ever hit mommy.

Then Jenny opened the door to the basement jamming a fork under the door to ensure it would be nearly impossible for Jared to close. The door was heavy, made of oak and stained a beautiful honey color by Jenny’s daddy the year before the car accident took him away and three years before Jared became her step daddy.

All mommy did was burn the pork chops, who deserves to be hit for that?

Once she was sure the door was stuck Jenny slid under the table with the pillow to wait. She didn’t have to wait very long, less than ten minutes later Jared came down from his “Man Cave” where Jenny’s daddy used to have his library.

Jenny missed the library and all of the old leather bound books. She hated the giant loud television and video games Jared had filled the room up with since moving into her house.

Daddy wouldn’t like that Jared hit mommy.

“What the hell?” Jared asked the seemingly empty room, “If that kid has been playing in the basement I am going to bust her ass.” He muttered setting down his half finished soda and attempting to shut the door.

Daddy wouldn’t like it if you hit me.

“What the hell?” He asked confused when the door wouldn’t budge.

Jenny exploded from beneath the table and drove the entirety of her eighty pounds into the small of Jared’s back. He was massive compared to her slight frame but he had been trying to close the door and not balanced to remain standing.

Jared made no sound as he toppled head over feet down the stairs, thumping as his body struck the risers.

There was a sickening crack as he impacted the concrete floor.

Jenny peered down the steps and saw his still form at the bottom. But he wasn’t dead and when his eyes opened and locked on her she sighed in resignation.

Why can’t this be easy?

“Jenny” he choked, “Jenny call 911 I think I’m paralyzed.” He gasped panic settling in his voice.

Jenny said nothing. Instead she went back to the table and brought out the pillow. Then she went back to the doorway and headed down the steps, one at a time never taking her cold dark eyes off of her step father.

“Jenny what are you doing?” Jared asked. It was obvious he was trying to move but was unable.

Jenny said nothing.

“Goddamnit go call for help you little bitch!” Jared screamed spittle flecked with blood flying from his mouth.

“You shouldn’t have hit mommy.” Jenny said coldly before she placed the plastic covered pillow over Jared’s face. He shook his head against the suffocating pressure.

He didn’t shake long.

The End