Charlie shut down her computer for what seemed like the millionth time today. Whenever she thought she was done with work and had left her desk a new assignment seemed to pop up within minutes. Hoping she was finally done for the day she walked down into the living room where Naomi was entertaining Ruby with a picture book.
Charlie stood next to the pair and watched them with a smile. “And then the princess raised her sword at the dragon, scaring him until he ran away!” Naomi read. Ruby squealed in excitement, even though this must’ve been the 20th time this book was read to her. Naomi closed the book and Ruby ran off to play with her other toys.
“Has she talked your ear off yet with all those stories of hers?” Charlie asked with a smile. Naomi smiled. “She’ll have to try harder than this, I did raise her father after all.” Both women laughed at that.
Naomi’s expression got more serious. “Charlie, I want to talk to you about something important.” Charlie was surprised at the sudden shift in subject, but nodded. Naomi took a deep breath. “I know you don’t want to be here.” Charlie opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off immediately. “I know my sister pressured you to marry Damien; And that Damien forced you to have Ruby.” Instead of speaking several years’ worth of tears started streaming down Charlie’s face. Naomi put an arm around her and started rubbing her back soothingly. “How did you know?” Charlie managed to say after several minutes. Naomi cast down her gaze.
“My sister used to have that kind of influence on people. With the power she held and the leadership charisma she had no one dared to dream of disobeying her will. Not even her own family.” Charlie’s questioning look made Naomi elaborate. “Shortly after my 18th birthday when then twins were only toddlers, I was offered my own shelter. Mika convinced me to stay, with the argument she’d protected me all this time and that I couldn’t just leave her behind. I knew I had no personal income and Damien needed someone to look after him, so I promised to stay until Damien was old enough to take care of himself. From there on Mika kept having reasons to keep me around. She had the boys, then Diana and lastly adopted Lenny. I was supposed to finally leave days after your wedding, but then she had a heart attack.”
Naomi was staring at the floor now, ashamed of her years of obedience. “I stuck around again; my children are adults now, and I can’t leave this family after all these years that I’ve been their rock.” Naomi lifted her head and looked Charlie in the eye. “Don’t be a prisoner, darling. find someone that makes you happy. Damien resembles his mother more than he realizes. Caring on the outside, Manipulative and possessive on the inside.”
Charlie shook her head. “I can’t do that to him. He loves me, and I can’t leave Ruby behind.” Naomi averted her gaze to the portrait of her sister on the wall. “Yeah, and I’m sure Mika loved me too. They both show their love in messed up ways. Take Ruby. Don’t make her a third edition of love taken too far.” “But I-” “Do it.”
Naomi’s tone was harsh now. Listen to me damn it and save the fucking child. Get out. Live your life free of this mess.” Charlie could only nod. “Okay, I will.” Naomi’s tone was soft again. “Soon?” “Soon.”