Page 2 of Corruption
Jared turned toward me, his smile brightening, and he reached for my hand, taking it with a gentle grip. The loud sound of his mother’s laughter reached our ears once more, and we both turned to see the man leaning affectionately closer to her, planting a quick kiss on her cheek before sauntering away. An idea sparkled in my mind. I turned to face Jared, who noticed my peculiar expression and withdrew his hand.
“Why do you have that look on your face?” he asked.
Without warning, I sprang toward him, enveloping him in my arms, effectively trapping him. He struggled lightly.
“Let me go!” he demanded.
Drawing nearer, I planted a playful kiss on his cheek, provoking a frustrated growl from him. He was a slender boy, and he couldn’t put up much of a fight.
“No! Stop!”
I peppered his cheeks with more pecks, my lips grazing his skin. However, an all-too-familiar, resonant voice disrupted our playful moment. I was abruptly wrenched away from Jared, my mother’s grip unyielding, and I winced at her forcefulness. She found wet wipes and began to vigorously cleanse my mouth. I cast a glance at Jared, who was wiping his face with his sleeves. His mother came to stand beside him, and he quickly clung to her leg, seeking solace.
“What is happening here?” she asked.
My mother stood up, arms crossed, and cast a stern glare at Jared’s mother. A noticeable disparity lay between them. My mother was adorned in an exquisite white summer dress, a Chanel purse hanging from her arm. In contrast, the other woman wore a more casual attire—jeans, a t-shirt, and a lightweight blouse over it. Even at my young age, I discerned the distinction in clothing quality. I had been reprimanded numerous times for daring to touch my mother’s expensive purses and shoes. After enduring many punishments, I had developed a keen understanding of the true value of clothing.
Nonetheless, while my mother loomed over me like a protective barrier, I couldn’t help but notice the difference between me and Jared. He clung to his mother, finding refuge in her embrace, whereas I stood at an arm’s length from my own. A strange sensation swelled within my chest—an inexplicable irritation at the sight of Jared seeking comfort from his mother, who tenderly stroked his head. What was this unfamiliar emotion coursing through my little heart?
“I believe it would be best for you to keep a close eye on your son from now on,” my mother cautioned.
“Pardon me?” the other woman asked.
“I said it’s best if you keep a watchful eye on him. My Alison is an exceptional child, whereas yours is...” My mother’s gaze drifted to Jared, who had buried his face in his mother’s leg, “not.”
Jared’s mother turned her attention to me, and I braced myself for any comments she might make about me. To my surprise, she offered me a small, reassuring smile before redirecting her focus to my mother.
“Your daughter is indeed quite unique,” she remarked. “But it’s what lies within that truly matters. As you might have learned during your gatherings with other new mothers, children mirror their surroundings.”
I struggled to grasp the significance of Jared’s mother’s words, but my mother’s anger was obvious as she crossed her arms.
“Well, then I won’t have to worry about my daughter stooping to the level of ordinary folks like yourself,” my mother retorted.
“Simplicity is good. Life doesn’t always have to be overly serious and complex to bring true happiness.”
“I feel sorry for your child if you’re instilling such hippie values in him. My daughter will certainly not be influenced by that. You need to keep your son away from her,” my mother asserted, pointing accusingly.
“Rest assured, ma’am. I trust Jared to choose his friends wisely, and for now, I don’t see him trying to get close to your daughter.”
I looked at Jared again, but he wasn’t looking at me. He was hiding behind his mother. Something about her words and his behavior ignited a rage within me, unlike anything I’d ever felt before. Resentment began to fester in my heart. I clenched my small fists and glared at Jared, though he did not meet my gaze.
“Come, Jared. Let’s go home,” his mother said, her voice oozing with sweetness. My mother had never spoken to me like that…
Jared and his mother turned away, her hand holding his as they walked away from the playground. I continued to glare at them until my mother seized my arm so hard that it elicited a small whimper of pain. She turned me toward her as she crouched down, her eyes dark with anger.
“You will never get close to that boy again, do you understand, Alison?” my mother warned.
I stared at the ground, but my mother’s disapproval only grew. She forcefully grabbed my little chin, making me meet her gaze.
“Look at me when I speak to you!”
I gulped, disliking it when she raised her voice. Why couldn’t she speak to me like Jared’s mother?
“You will not be friends with the likes of him. Have I made myself clear?” my mother asked, her voice thick with anger.
Still, I remained silent. An inexplicable urge inside me begged me to run. It implored me to chase after Jared and his mother. I didn’t want to stand there and be yelled at.
“Alison!” she snapped, her sharp tone making me jump. “Never touch him again! Don’t even speak to him! Do you understand?”
