Chapter I - Part I: Mundane
Jonah's eyes flew wide open as she heavily gasped for air. Her heart was pounding out of her chest. 'Not again... God, it felt so real this time' she nervously thought to herself. The thought of it made her skin crawl. Although, the streaks of sunlight passed through her window and gave a comforting touch on her lightly tan skin. Whilst outside her bedroom window, the leaves along with the branches rustle through the howling wind. A slim yet long orange cat came out of the bedsheet and yawned.
"Good morning, little man. Sorry to wake you up"
[ insert drawing of Finn and Jonah sitting on the bed ]
Finn responded with a squeaky meow. Morning isn't her favorite time of day. Though it gives another fresh start to her unending monotonous cycle. Except to her feline company. An older woman suddenly barged into her room. Surprised, the cat immediately sprinted behind her.
The older woman positioned her hand on her hips. "Oh, thank god you're finally awake. Your room's a mess"
Jonah gave her a confused look as she examined the room. Dirty clothes piled on top of her office chair along with three used coffee mugs left above the table. Her room was indeed not in the best condition. But it didn't really bother her. She caressed Finn, calmly. "You're not supposed to be in here"
Joyce replied sternly, "Ugh, please. Don't get me started with that attitude, Jonah. Come downstairs then we'll talk".
"Did Dr. Anderson give you permission?"
"Is it a crime to visit my own daughter? Gosh, young people like you nowadays are so ungrateful" Joyce rolled her eyes in disgust, then left the room leaving the door wide open.
The cat carefully peeked from behind. Jonah noticed her feline's discomfort and whispered, "You heard that right, Finn. The cow got inside again"
She couldn't care less about her Mother's sudden tone of urgency. But it did strike a nerve. All of that bickering was the least she expected. She got up and threw all of her dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, a young woman can be seen walking back and forth. Intensely holding onto the telephone's cord with her mouth over the microphone.
"Bruce, ff you don't get your shit together. I swear- Hello?!" She exclaimed, fuming with rage. Before she could say another word, the line went flat.
Joyce couldn't help but overhear the whole conversation as she walked down the stairs. She asked frantically, "Therese, what was all the fuss about?"
Therese whined. "Mama, you were right all along. I should've listen to you"
"What did he do this time?" Joyce crossed her arms and lifted her eyebrow.
Therese placed the phone down before taking a few deep breaths. "Bruce's gambling again."
"Damn it, Therese. Gambling isn't that big of a deal" Joyce threw her hands in the air. "I gamble all the time. But I'm a much better gambler than he'll ever be"
"Are you being serious right now? Ma, if his parents find out. They'll kick us out and they'll remove my Crystal Wears membership card" Therese moaned.
"Really? That's what's concerning ya'?" Joyce asked.
"Yeah. That's why I could afford this pencil skirt. My ass looks nice, doesn't it?" Therese twirled, flaunting her tomato red pencil skirt nicely shaping her plump hips. "Besides as long as he's not cheating, I guess"
"You red-headed bimbo. This is why you have such bad taste in men" Joyce scoffed.
Therese gasped. "That's kinda harsh, don't you think?"
Joyce shrugged nonchalantly.
Therese asked, lighting up her cigarette. "So, where is she?"
"Still sulking like a child. As if she's facing the world's dilemma" Joyce pulled out red wine from a black fancy box. "That woman's going to be the death of me, I swear"
"Typical Jonah. Always waiting for someone to pick up her shit." Therese huffed as the awful smell of smoke ruled the air. "Wait. Aren't you supposed to visit only when you're allowed to?"
Joyce replied. "I can do whatever the hell I want. That woman has no right to tell me what to do"
At that moment, Jonah came downstairs and went straight to the kitchen. Wearing moss green slim fit jeans, tucked with a black tank top. She took a plate of toast perfectly drenched in butter and sugar. Just the way she liked it. Though, almost losing her appetite at the site of her Mother and Sister looking at her. She could feel the judgment in their eyes.
"There she is! How's my little sister doing?" Therese greeted with an obvious fake smile.
"Can't you wait for me to finish my breakfast? You're making me lose my appetite" Jonah replied sternly before taking another bite.
"What? There's nothing wrong with asking questions," Therese chuckled nervously.
"I have a question for you. How's life treating you after marriage?" Jonah asked casually and took a long sip on her coffee.
Therese's face wrinkled up in irritation and snapped. "Are you making fun of me?!"
"Just asking," Jonah shrugged.
Joyce exclaimed, "Stop, both of you! You two are giving me a fucking headache". She massaged her temple with her eyes closed.
"What a bitch" Therese muttered.
"And you, Jonah. Why aren't you answering my calls? I've been trying to reach you for two months" Joyce uttered.
"I was busy at work" Jonah responds, unbothered by her sudden raise of tone.
"Don't tell me you're still working in that coffee shop?" Joyce deeply sighed. "Your Uncle Ian worked for that shop and now he's six feet underground"
"Uncle Ian got shot protecting Enzo, Mom. In case you didn't know" Jonah mentioned.
Joyce shook her head. "What? That's not important. What you need right now is to find a man to settle with and maybe you're life would be better"
"We've been over this. Men aren't my type and never will be. My life's not going to change even if I marry a rich man. I don't wanna end up like you or Therese" Jonah argued, trying to calm herself down.
Therese scoffed, offended. "Excuse me?"
"For god sake, Jonah. God created women to bear children and love a man. Why can't you be normal like your sister?"
"Are you serious?" Jonah asked in disbelief.
Joyce placed her hand on top of Jonah's. "I only want what's best for my daughter. And I won't stop until you come to your senses"
Anger welled up in her chest, she felt disrespected by her Mother's conservative beliefs. Even though her Mother knew the reason behind her hate towards men, she still forced Jonah on loving one. Hoping it could change her mind. Jonah slammed her cup against the counter. Interrupted by a loud smash as it shatters into pieces and coffee spills everywhere. Therese and Joyce shot up in shock. As the intense aura lingers, they've noticed Jonah's hand begin to bleed, mixing in with the bitter sweet coffee.
...