tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78216698754213508932024-03-19T08:24:00.854-04:00Sins of A MotherAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-32745292277635020682014-10-11T23:04:00.000-04:002014-10-11T23:04:44.767-04:00This is The End?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It saddens me to type this, but it must be done. I wanted to go on with the story, but I didn't know when, if ever, I'd be able to pick it back up. I originally thought that I'd put it off until the end of the Semester, but the longer I wait, the longer the story will "collect dust" and be forgotten about. I was speaking with a guy randomly yesterday and the topic came up about Fan Fiction and how he'd gotten into one story and the person never finished it. I had replied that that sucked and it made me think of my own. Yes, it's not the most popular blog, but I do know a few were interested. And you few don't deserve to be left to wonder when it'll come back. So instead of A) Writing the rest without pictures or B) Continuing to put it off, I am going with C. C being calling it quits and closing the book earlier than I hoped. I have wrote and quit stories before, but those were never personal. This is the most personal thing I have ever written and shared with "The World". I wanted to say this in "the end", but this is "the end", so I guess it's still appropriate. <div>
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Jeremy is/was me. My mother was Veronica for as long as I could remember. I never understood how she could abandon us or why. To this day, I don't understand, but we do have a relationship now. Is everything peachy? Far from it. But it's better. I don't hate her anymore. And I'm not spending restless nights staying up and crying over where she is or when she'll come back. I don't know WHY I wanted to write this story, maybe I felt it'll help. But it's been years and I would like to think that I've healed. But there is still that little girl trapped inside me, always wondering, always asking Why? Why weren't we good enough? </div>
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Maybe it's a good thing I didn't finish this. I had too many problems and it just seemed like it just wasn't meant to be wrote. Seriously, I've had games crash, but this one did it repeatedly. And If I were to continue, I'd pretty much have to re-create all my characters. I love them, but no thanks. That's a commitment that I just can't do right now. At this point, I'm all over the place. I just want to try lose ends I suppose. </div>
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I would love to say that I'll be back with another story, but I'd feel really crappy about that since I didn't finish this one. But then again..story writing and taking pictures is one of the reasons I love the Sims game, so who knows? I DO know that I will still be reading. I got the opportunity to catch up a little today, but I know I'm still far behind. I hope you all understand and if/when I do write again, hopefully you will still be interested. </div>
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Thanks,</div>
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~Tiff</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-44561109685928450502014-08-31T20:22:00.003-04:002014-08-31T20:22:40.561-04:00Still here!Hey, I know I posted a while back that the Fall Semester would be lighter and I'd have more time. I even wanted to write a second story. Funny thing..I hadn't made my schedule yet when I posted that. There was a change in plans and I'm actually taking more classes than I originally planned. So that means less free time. I will also start working soon so that's even less time :( I REALLY wanted to finish this story. It means more to me than my first, this one is more personal to me. But I really don't know when I'll have the time. And I have to pretty much "create" my sims again (that's a whole other story in itself). I just don't know what I'm going to do, but I didn't want to leave the readers hanging. When I know for sure if I'll continue, I will let you all know. I will still read your amazing stories though :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-91963439990306987372014-08-10T20:17:00.001-04:002014-08-10T20:17:50.348-04:00Chapter Twenty: Let it go Pt. 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Veronica nervously took her seat across from Shane and Kathy. She wished she could have simply slipped away and into her bedroom, but that wasn't going to be. </div>
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"Veronica how was your experience? Tell us all about it." Kathy inquired. Shane and her looked over at Veronica, curiously, as they waited for her response.<br />
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"Um.." Veronica said and rubbed her hands across her thighs. She was nervous and her palms were beginning to feel clammy. </div>
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"It was nice. I enjoyed seeing my family." Veronica said as if she was reading a script. </div>
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It wasn't a total lie, she did enjoy seeing her family and spending time with them. It was the happiest time she had in a long time. </div>
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"And how did they react to seeing you? Were they happy? Shocked?" Kathy went on. </div>
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Veronica was beginning to feel like this was more of an interrogation than a therapy session, but she played along nonetheless. </div>
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"They were happy. It's good to know they have my back, that they are supporting me." Veronica answered. </div>
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Kathy nodded her head, she was pleased with Veronica's answers even though she really hadn't said much. </div>
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"Good. That will get you through your time here, your families love and support. Did it encourage you?" Kathy went on.</div>
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"Yes, actually. I really enjoyed seeing my son--my children I mean. The youngest, Malcolm, he was filled with such joy. It warmed my heart. He's so young but still he filled me with the strength I need to go on." Veronica explained. She didn't want to fully open up about her visit, but here she was after all pouring her heart out. With a small white lie in the mix. </div>
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"Good good. You ladies have a good night, your first day of work starts tomorrow." Kathy said and clasp her hands together happily. She waved and headed towards her room. </div>
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Veronica and Shane took turns showering and getting ready for bed. After they were all dressed and their teeth were brushed, they were setting their alarms for their big day tomorrow. </div>
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Shane clicked her teeth and shook her head as she crossed her arms. Veronica eyed her suspiciously as the other woman stood in front of her. She found herself crossing her own arms and shooting her brows up questioningly. </div>
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"So was that everything that happened?" Shane asked. Veronica maintained her questioning expression and said nothing. </div>
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"In there." Shane said simply and nodded her head towards the living room. </div>
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"What are you talking about?" Veronica asked. </div>
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"I can read people, I'm pretty good at it." Shane said and placed one hand on her hip. "And you..girl you're lying about something." Shane said with a smirk, as if she was daring Veronica to deny it. </div>
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"I still don't know what you're talking about." Veronica said. </div>
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"Come in. I don't snitch, tell me." Shane practically begged. </div>
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Veronica sighed. She hadn't actually done anything wrong. Would it really be so bad to tell Shane everything? They were roommates after all. </div>
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"Okay so I wasn't completely honest." Veronica confessed.</div>
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"Ohh I knew it. Spill it." Shane urged. </div>
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"I went to a bar." Veronica confessed. </div>
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Shane sucked in air and her eyes widen. </div>
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"What? You must have held back." Shane said and began studying her closely.</div>
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"Well I went there, but I didn't go in. I couldn't." Veronica quickly explained. She didn't need Shane getting the wrong idea. </div>
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"Uh huh, sure. What else?" Shane inquired. </div>
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<i>Damn, she's worse than Kathy with these questions. </i>Veronica thought. She found herself coming clean to Shane. She told her how she felt tempted to go inside and how it took every inch of her not to give in. She also shared how heart broken she was when Jeremy didn't show up.</div>
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"You're better than me." Shane commented when Veronica was finished. She had crossed her arms again and was shaking her head.</div>
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"Huh?" Veronica said. </div>
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"Your son. He is disrespectful. Does he know what you're doing? How hard this is?" Shane said, her voice rising slightly. She shook her head again. "Couldn't be me..my kids would never do that." </div>
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"He has his reasons..' Veronica said softly. </div>
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"Oh I'm sorry I thought you carried him for 9 months not the other way around. Kids now are so ungrateful!" Shane said as her temper continued spiking. </div>
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"He has his reasons, good ones." Veronica repeated somewhat louder. </div>
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"No he doesn't. You are here getting clean, so you can be the best mama you can be and he didn't even show up?" Shane went on. "No screw that. He needs his ass kicked." </div>
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"I wasn't the best mother to him you know? I made my mistakes, plenty. And I don't blame him for not showing up. I wouldn't have either if I were him." Veronica said, her own voice beginning to rise.</div>
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She was afraid of Shane. She had a personality that just naturally screamed "fear me" but Veronica couldn't sit idly by and take much more of this. Not when she was borderline insulting her son. </div>
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"Don't defend him. You should be pissed off!" Shane said and narrowed her eyes.</div>
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"You don't know my son, hell you don't know <i>me</i>." Veronica said and found herself standing up. </div>
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"I don't know what you've been telling yourself, but I'm being honestly with myself for the first time in a long time. I was a shitty mother, a shitty person in general. I got high, I drunk practically anything that gave me a good buzz and slept with so many guys that I don't even know who my youngest son's father is! I was a horrible person. But I'm not her anymore. And you need to realize something, you aren't perfect either! Because guess what, you're here with me." Veronica shouted. Shane stepped back slightly, shock spreading across her face. </div>
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"We all do shit we're not proud of. Don't you dare tell me I haven't owned up to my demons, like you said. I'm here too." Shane stated. </div>
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"You still don't get it do you? Are you that full of it?" Veronica screamed. She had had it with Shane. </div>
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"I did whatever I wanted. I wasn't a perfect mother like you." Veronica said, the second bit was sarcastic humor. A final jab at Shane. </div>
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"You bitch. You don't know shit about me or how I raised my kids! I did whatever I had to do for them. I didn't go around getting my rocks off for fun like you did!" Shane began exploding too. </div>
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"Of course, because you're the best mother in the damn world. So great that you're in a half-way house instead of raising your children! How many do you have again?" Veronica said mockingly. </div>
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"You wanna go bitch? Let's go." Shane said in a challenging way. </div>
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Veronica was contemplating taking Shane up on her offer when the door suddenly swung open. </div>
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"Ladies!" Kathy screamed at the top of her longs as she stood in front of the two women. </div>
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"What is going on?!" She screamed at the two of them.</div>
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"Why don't you ask Mother Theresa over there?" Veronica said. </div>
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"You better get her!" Shane yelled threateningly. She was seeing red and wouldn't stop until she was pounding Veronica's face in. </div>
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"Veronica, living room now! Shane you too...separately." Kathy commanded. </div>
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<br />"What happened?" Kathy demanded as she watched the two women sit down. </div>
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Veronica glared at Shane before taking her seat. </div>
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"Go ahead, lie again bitch." Shane said and yawned. </div>
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"Lie?" Kathy repeated. "What is she talking about Veronica?" </div>
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"I didn't lie...exactly." Veronica answered. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkyepfN7FIagtu5KxpZxN0SA6tfhyphenhyphenNdef19-ZJrF32IkSkiVPZLDiy5DugHbkbXUBgWLetoRx76FkgfvL4Ixxy08iLExRgFFzBPAyzNxhLEiB2itRqxxuxNeQRIcMr8ThoTdb2WYwOyVP/s1600/Screenshot-2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkyepfN7FIagtu5KxpZxN0SA6tfhyphenhyphenNdef19-ZJrF32IkSkiVPZLDiy5DugHbkbXUBgWLetoRx76FkgfvL4Ixxy08iLExRgFFzBPAyzNxhLEiB2itRqxxuxNeQRIcMr8ThoTdb2WYwOyVP/s1600/Screenshot-2212.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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"You went to a bar!" Shane yelled. </div>
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Veronica's mouth practically dropped on the floor. So much for not snitching.</div>
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"You did what?" Kathy inquired. </div>
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"Thanks a lot." Veronica told Shane. </div>
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"She didn't go in, but still..the bitch lied." Shane blurted out. </div>
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"Why are you upset Shane?" Kathy said. She forgotten about Veronica's dishonesty for a moment and turned her attention to Shane, who now had tears coming down her face.</div>
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"I hate her!" Shane yelled. </div>
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Kathy waited for Shane to finish, she was clearly not done. </div>
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Shane angrily wiped away at her tears. </div>
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"People like her don't deserve to be mothers. She put everything before her kids, who does that? A selfish bitch that's who! And that's who she is." Shane spat out and pointed at Veronica. Veronica looked guilty. She couldn't deny that Shane's words weren't true so she sat there, hanging her head low and feeling ashamed. </div>
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"This isn't about Veronica." Kathy stated. Shane looked at her, looking lost. </div>
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"It is!" Shane insisted. </div>
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Kathy shook her head. </div>
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"Who hurt you?" Kathy asked softly. </div>
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Shane looked taken back, thrown off guard. She wanted to deny Kathy's assumption. She wanted to tell her that she was all wrong and this wasn't about her personal feelings, but she couldn't. Kathy could obviously read people well too. </div>
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Shane's shoulders began to shake and it wasn't soon before the tears began streaming down her face uncontrollably. </div>
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Kathy jumped out of her seat following Shane. She wasn't sure rather she should comfort her or let her cry it out. She needed to get her emotions out, emotions she had bottled up for God knows how long. </div>
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"My mother.." Shane chocked out in between her tears. "I got knocked up when I was 17. I was scared, but I knew she'd be there you know?" Shane explained slowly. "But you know what?..She continued crying. </div>
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"Go on." Kathy urged. She was breaking down, but it was a good thing. It was part of her break through. </div>
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"I was fooling myself! She never cared about me, ever. She only cared about men and their money." Shane said. Her breakdown continued. Kathy reached out to her and slowly began patting her shoulder for a short time.</div>
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"She kicked me out." Shane said. "But my boyfriend said it was okay..that we were gonna be okay and I believed that." Shane continued. She shook her head. "We got some shit hole apartment on the wrong side of town. He worked at the grocery store but he wasn't making anything. We weren't ready for a kid.." </div>
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"I had no choice but to get on welfare, I got any aid I could because I had to. We needed it. He hated it, he said that he could provide for his family but he was dreaming. He began drinking. I don't know why, I guess he felt like a failure, like less of a man." Shane continued to explain through her tears. </div>
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"After the baby was born I got a job. Things were a little better with the extra income or so I hoped. But they got worse! He became an alcoholic and he'd yell at me constantly. It wasn't long before the beatings came. I thought I was gonna die..</div>
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But I got the strength to leave the day he tried to hit my baby girl. That's where I drew the line. I waited until he left to go get hammered and I ran and never looked back. I got a job at a strip club to support us and that's where I met my ex-husband. </div>
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He took me away from all of that, we had kids together but he was no saint. He popped pills and threw back bottles left and right. It wasn't soon before I followed his footsteps." Shane finished. She had no more words, only tears.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">**Hey so sorry. It's harder than I thought it would be to type Shane's story. It's times like this where I wished I was good at filming in game lol. Hopefully it came across somewhat decent. Shane probably won't get anymore time like this. I just wanted to explain why Shane felt so strongly about Veronica's choices as a mother. She saw her own mother when Veronica confessed how she truly was. So instead of bonding with her, be began to hate her. However, Kathy saw through it, it's her job to after all. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-43441599832996171642014-08-05T15:44:00.000-04:002014-08-07T22:11:59.573-04:00Chapter Twenty: Let it go Pt. 1<i>Bridgeport Graveyard, 6:18 P.M.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jeremy's point of view</span></i><br />
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I know I shouldn't be here. I know I should just go home. </div>
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<i>Where is home anymore? It seems we've been bouncing from place to place now. The word seemed so distorted now that home seemed to be wherever I laid my head.</i></div>
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Nevertheless I found myself here. At the Bridgeport Cemetery, the place that my grandma would be resting for all eternity. I hadn't been here since she was lowered into the ground. I just couldn't bring myself to come back. It made it all the more real. And right now, I had my fill of reality to last a lifetime. </div>
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Well I was here now. I couldn't turn back even if I wanted to. I owed her this visit and despite my reasons for coming, I was here and that's what mattered. </div>
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As I neared the gate, I couldn't help but stare at the figure out front. The statue seemed to command your attention. As if you had to look at her before passing through, as if you needed her permission. It was nothing special however, just a woman from the waist up. She was arm-less but she didn't look weak. Somehow she looked strong. I quit trying to figure out the hidden meaning and why she was placed there and walked through the iron gates.</div>
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I didn't know what to expect when I walked towards the burial site. I do know that I didn't expect to be overwhelmed with such grief. I couldn't explain it, but seeing those two headstones with my grandparents names written across just took everything I had in me. I could do nothing but drop to my knees in despair. </div>
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"Grandma...grandpa" I said in a chocked up whisper. I had never got to meet my grandfather, but I felt bad about not visiting him either. I felt so ashamed. My grandmother had raised Malcolm and I when no one else would, when the people who should have abandoned their responsibility, abandoned us. </div>
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What could I say but sorry at this time? What could I say that would make up for me not coming to see her, to see them? </div>
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I had to be the world's worst grandson, but of course she would never tell me that if she was here. She never allowed me to feel guilty. I don't know why. Maybe because she wanted to protect me, maybe she felt that she had to show double the love because my Mother wasn't there and I had never met my Father.</div>
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"Grandma I'm sorry." I said at last. I let the words soak into the air, hoping they'd drift up to Heaven where I knew she had to be. She was an Angel so of course she would be there. </div>
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"I can't tell you why I haven't been back to see you, no reason I could give would make it better. I am just sorry so please forgive me? I couldn't bare it if you hated me." I continued to speak to her.</div>
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Although she wasn't physically here I still felt better just by speaking to her. I could almost feel the weight lifting off my shoulders, brick by brick it seemed. </div>
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"I shouldn't be here. No..I should. I should be here, but not now. I shouldn't use you as an excuse to run away. Again..I'm sorry." I said. I was such a fuck up. I was a coward, a disappointment. </div>
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Why couldn't I visit my grandmother like a normal person, why was I here only when I was needing to runaway? She didn't deserve that. She deserved to be shown the same love and care she had shown Malcolm and I all those years. All those years she spent working, taking care of us, sacrificing her life for us. </div>
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"Do you hate me?" I asked. </div>
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She didn't have to be here for me to get an answer. She could never hate me. She would never let me hate myself either. After that moment of realization, I began to stand. It was as if she was talking to me. No, not talking, but chastising me. </div>
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I could see her now, shaking her head but smiling. She would have her hand on her hip telling me to get up before I ruin my jeans to the point of no return. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yMTvlaeyAOTjX6PUdAAcIut7QKwZq25kYXZvlq4LpH4cOdkQlp2LiS5wSIxZE7ncT7YoAbY7pJsaLgjzOlnoN-fcCrrxzhqRJRNIzJ8qSNR_dFYTxNIPyLFMQYUyNkx_SgtCc5ZSbFnp/s1600/Screenshot-2234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yMTvlaeyAOTjX6PUdAAcIut7QKwZq25kYXZvlq4LpH4cOdkQlp2LiS5wSIxZE7ncT7YoAbY7pJsaLgjzOlnoN-fcCrrxzhqRJRNIzJ8qSNR_dFYTxNIPyLFMQYUyNkx_SgtCc5ZSbFnp/s1600/Screenshot-2234.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I stood and I felt better. I could feel her presence somehow and it relaxed me.</div>
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"I never thanked you for all you did. I never knew how much you did for us until I had to step in your shoes." I continued. "You have pretty big shoes to fill Ma'am. I worry that I could never fill them the way you did." </div>
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The wind blew for a moment, but it wasn't cold nor was it hot. It was warm, but it was nice. It was comforting. </div>
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"I have to go home don't I?" I asked and nodded, answering my own question. "I know, I know.."</div>
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"Okay. I'm going before you come down here and push me." I said and laughed. I imagined I must look crazy to anyone visiting. Who comes to a grave site and laughs? Well I did apparently. And I didn't care how it might have looked to someone. The outside didn't matter, it was just me and grandma.</div>
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I turned to leave, but looked back for a second. </div>
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"Goodbye grandma, granddad..I promise I will be back soon. Love you." I said and continued exiting. </div>
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I felt a million times better once I left the cemetery. The only issue now was what was waiting for me back home. However, it was okay. It was all going to be okay. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">***Okay I know I was complaining about not being able to finish this chapter so why am I breaking it up? Lol don't get too mad at me. Once I started writing and opted for Jeremy's point of view first, I decided that he needed his own chapter. It was suppose to be more or less his story anyways (Oops). Anyways the second part will take place after Veronica came home to the half-way house. You will also find out more about her roommate, Shane. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-68748949234803731822014-08-03T17:16:00.000-04:002014-08-03T17:16:08.455-04:00Dear Sims 3...PLEASE Stop crashing. I would like to finish taking pictures for once without interruption.<br />
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I THOUGHT I fixed the issue by removing newly installed CC, but it wasn't a permanent fix. I was able to play longer than usual and took half the pictures. I just don't know anymore. I want to finish this story but between classes and my game crashing like it's going out of style is just hair pulling-ly frustrating! This week seems to be the week of everything going bad and not just my game. Anyways I don't know when I will update the story now. I just can not handle another crash screen on my PC :/</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-76308252322655941392014-07-27T14:24:00.002-04:002014-07-27T14:24:40.799-04:00Chapter Nineteen: D for Disaster <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After their little adventure down to the Supermarket, Veronica went to call her family. Her nervous fingers slowly keyed in the numbers and she held her breath as she waited for someone to pick up.</div>
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<i>Come on. </i>She mentally commanded after the third ring. </div>
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<i>Maybe no one is home.. </i>Came a later thought. </div>
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Veronica was on the verge of hanging up when a someone finally answered. </div>
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"Hello, sorry about the wait." Nina answered. </div>
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"Hi Nina..uh, how are you?" Veronica asked unsure what to say. She was hoping she would have gotten her brother, but hope failed her this time. </div>
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"Veronica? Hi. I'm fine." Nina was just as unsure on how to respond to Veronica. They hadn't talked since her visit to rehab and neither of them were 100% used to their new, peaceful relationship. "How's rehab?" </div>
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"Rehab was helpful. I'm out now, that's why I called. I'm in a halfway house.." Veronica replied.</div>
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"Oh that's great! You should come over, if you can. The boys would love to see you I'm sure." Nina said. She wasn't entirely sure of what she had said until the words were already spoken. </div>
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She regretted instantly inviting her over. Daniel nor Jeremy were home to confirm rather or not they'd want to see Veronica. But it was too late to take back now. All she could hope was Veronica would turn down her offer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3teycwcwc_G1q0FuF9yz0xIg7B83hqxXAo0fjpYSQiExckF4Jl6rM7YLSbFQp8Nk5r7N3wvoU6YJ-P21G20L6oAQqmmpusKIeMn0oGeI_H4pf99SrOYQPdYLadeXZVpDymzjb_RV5BAn/s1600/Screenshot-2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3teycwcwc_G1q0FuF9yz0xIg7B83hqxXAo0fjpYSQiExckF4Jl6rM7YLSbFQp8Nk5r7N3wvoU6YJ-P21G20L6oAQqmmpusKIeMn0oGeI_H4pf99SrOYQPdYLadeXZVpDymzjb_RV5BAn/s1600/Screenshot-2082.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Sure." Veronica accepted.</div>
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"Great." Nina said. </div>
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"Wonderful." Veronica replied. "I gotta go." She said suddenly and hung up. </div>
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Veronica pondered over the brief conversation as she went to take a seat behind her. </div>
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<i>What had I done?</i> She thought to herself. </div>
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Veronica was still processing the thought of seeing her children after her time spent in jail and rehab. She didn't have to think too deeply to know Jeremy would be standoffish. After he turned 12, it had always been that way. It was as if all hope for Veronica was lost by that age. And Malcolm? Veronica worried if he would even remember her. He was still so young and although she was his mother, she certainly hadn't been stable in his life. </div>
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"What's wrong with you?" Shane asked as she suddenly joined Veronica in the living room. Caught off guard, Veronica had jumped slightly. </div>
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"Calm down. I'm not gonna bit ya." Shane joked. </div>
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Veronica thought her new roommate had a strange sense of humor, but re-framed from sharing that. </div>
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"I was just thinking." Veronica replied. </div>
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"Thinking about tailing it out of here? Me too." Shane said. Veronica shook her head. </div>
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"Oh? Well what's on your mind then?" Shane said, changing her tune. She took a seat. </div>
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"My boys, my family. I'm suppose to see them tomorrow." Veronica said. </div>
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"Then why do you look so down about it? I'd be jumping for joy." Shane said. </div>
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"I just..I'm worried they might hate me." Veronica replied. </div>
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"Hate you? You're their mother! They could never hate you." Shane said. </div>
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Veronica wasn't sure if Shane was joking or being dead serious. </div>
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"They would have good reason too.." Veronica started. </div>
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"Bull. My eldest tried to guilt me once. Saying I was a shitty mother. I had to remind her that no matter what I did, I did my best to make sure they never wanted for nothing. Even if I had to sell my ass to God know's who. If your kids give you any lip, you smack their ungrateful asses." Shane said. </div>
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Veronica didn't know Shane had kids or anything about the woman for that matter. Veronica was too ashamed to say her actions weren't for the benefit of her kids, but for her own selfish desires. Shane obviously wasn't perfect, but she seemed to care more about her children's well being than Veronica. So to avoid going down memory lane, she switched gears. </div>
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"How many kids do you have?" Veronica asked. </div>
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"Five. Four girls and a boy." Shane replied. </div>
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"I have two boys." Veronica said. </div>
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Before the two women could get further acquainted, a voice called out from down the hall.</div>
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"First meeting is starting in five, get ready!" </div>
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The next morning, after she had gotten permission, Veronica began to get ready. She was still anxious about seeing her kids, Daniel and Nina, but she tried her best to hide it. </div>
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Nina was up bright and early too. She had broke the news to both Daniel and Jeremy last night. Daniel wasn't too thrilled about being told at the last minute, but didn't put up an argument. Jeremy on the other hand, said that he had to work and would try to take the day off. His eyes said another story though, his eyes were saying he would be anywhere but home when Veronica came to visit. </div>
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But that was yesterdays worries, Nina didn't want to cloud her head with negativity. She only hope that Jeremy showed up. </div>
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As the morning progressed, Nina had seen Jeremy off to school, got herself ready for the day and then began to get Malcolm ready. He was always so happy in the morning. He never fussed, he just simply waited until someone freed him from his crib, he was such a sweet baby. </div>
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"Morning love bug. Are you ready to see your mama today?" Nina asked with forced cheer. She wasn't entirely happy with Veronica coming to visit herself. It just reminded of her of the inevitable, that she'd be childless again. </div>
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Malcolm stretched out his hands happily, oblivious to Nina's worries. </div>
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The time had finally arrived for Veronica to make her debut. It was nearing 2 pm and Jeremy would be home soon, so it was the perfect time to have her come. Nina was the first to spot her and called out to Daniel. </div>
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As she was holding Malcolm in her arms, she let Veronica inside. </div>
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The two women smiled at each other and exchanged greetings, Daniel appeared out of the bedroom seconds later and greeted his sister too. </div>
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Nina and Veronica continued to make small talk, until Daniel began to venture away from the group. They hadn't prepared lunch yet and so he opted to do it. </div>
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"Nina why don't you help me?" Daniel suggested. </div>
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Nina knew he didn't need help preparing something so simple as a Salad. </div>
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"Put Malcolm down and come over here." He added. </div>
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That was what he had meant. He wanted to tell her, indiscreetly, to let Veronica hold her son. </div>
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"Right, here I come." Nina called back. She forced a small smile before placing the toddler on the ground. </div>
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Veronica took the opportunity to pick Malcolm up. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>**My game crashed after this, so excuse Malcolm's mini wardrobe change**</i></span></div>
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"Oh Mama missed you so so much little guy. Have you been a good boy for your Aunt and Uncle?" Veronica said and hugged him close to her. She had forgotten how soft he felt, how love and innocence just radiated from him. </div>
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"Mama" Malcolm simply replied. </div>
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"Yes, mama is here and she's never leaving you again." She promised. </div>
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Nina and Daniel had finished the salads. Well Daniel had, Nina was too distracted by watching Veronica interact with Malcolm. She was happy for him, she truly was. But she couldn't help but to feel jealous. She had been his "mother" for weeks now and Veronica walks in and it's as if she no longer matters. It broke her heart. </div>
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"Veronica why don't you go to Malcolm's room? You can play with his toys with him." Daniel said upon seeing the sour look on Nina's face. He hoped that it would lighten her mood. </div>
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"Nina.." Daniel called once the coast was clear. </div>
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"Yes?" She answered from a short distance away.</div>
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"Come here." He said.</div>
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She turned around and joined him by the kitchen sink.</div>
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"What is it?" She asked. </div>
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"It's okay." Daniel told her. </div>
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Nina didn't bother to deny that anything was wrong, he wouldn't believe her anyways. She simply nodded her head. He kissed his wife, hoping to kiss away any negative thoughts still lingering in her mind. </div>
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Veronica enjoyed watching her youngest son play with his Xylophone. He banged against the keys happily and even tried to chew on the stick a few times, but she enjoyed every moment of it. </div>
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Time was passing by rapidly, so fast that she almost forgot Jeremy never came home. More time passed and they ate together. The salad was nothing special, but enjoying it with people who loved her felt nice. She even got to fed Malcolm for the first time in what felt like forever. Although he was a big boy and could hold the bottle himself, he happily accepted her help. </div>
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The duo had returned back to the nursery, but Veronica was growing annoyed. Not with Malcolm, but being forced to wait things out and no one addressing the fact that Jeremy wasn't home. </div>
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She gathered Malcolm up in her arms and went in search for Danny or Nina, whomever she spotted first. Malcolm was reluctant to detach from his toy, but he didn't protest too long. Nina saw her brother in the kitchen washing the few dishes that gathered. </div>
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"Danny?" Veronica called out.</div>
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"Hey." He said and turned around. She walked further into the kitchen with Malcolm still attached to her hip.</div>
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"Thank you for this, it really meant a lot." Veronica said honestly. It hadn't turned out exactly how she imagined, but she was still grateful.</div>
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Daniel shook his head. </div>
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"It was all Nina's idea, thank her." Daniel said. </div>
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Veronica nodded. </div>
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"Yes thank her for me too." Veronica replied.</div>
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"Do it yourself, she's only in the bedroom. I'll go get her." He offered. </div>
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"No no, that isn't necessary. I need to go anyways." Veronica interjected. </div>
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He looked at her puzzled by her sudden urge to leave.</div>
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"Why?" He asked. </div>
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"I have a curfew to keep and besides he's not coming.." Veronica replied.</div>
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"Jeremy?" Daniel inquired. "He probably had to work. He will be home soon." Daniel tried to convince her to stay. </div>
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"It's alright. I understand." Veronica said. She hoped he wouldn't push the topic any further and he didn't. He reached for Malcolm and saw her to the door. </div>
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Veronica decided to take advantage of the time she had before the taxi would be around to pick her back up. It wasn't long, but she needed to do something to pass the time. She decided to take a stroll throughout the neighborhood. She hadn't been on this side in a while, since her arrest to be exact. </div>
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Truthfully, she missed it. She knew she shouldn't, but she did. </div>
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She was debating on rather or not to go inside. She was right there, so close. But she had came too far to throw things away now. </div>
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Just as she was walking pass, a patron was exiting. </div>
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"Veronica?" A scruffy voice called behind her. "Damn it's been forever...you're looking good." He commented. </div>
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"Thanks." She said not bothering to turn around. </div>
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"You coming in? First drink is on me." He offered.</div>
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"No..I'm good." She said and kept walking. </div>
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Veronica had finally made it home, just in time too. She said goodbye to the taxi driver and headed inside. </div>
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She entered the small house and noticed she wasn't alone in the living room. </div>
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"You made it home on time, barely." Kathy remarked. </div>
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"Sorry.." Veronica said. </div>
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"It's okay. This doesn't count as a strike yet." Kathy replied. "Have a seat, our meeting is about to start now that you're home." </div>
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<i>Great </i>Veronica thought as she took her seat. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">***This wasn't exactly how I pictured the welcome home lunch going. Jeremy would have been there if my game didn't keep crashing at their house..After the third attempt I gave up and did the best with what I had***</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-4869380903529867582014-07-20T15:25:00.002-04:002014-07-20T15:25:52.402-04:00Chapter Eighteen: Day one, again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The next morning, Anne came in earlier than usual. She was excited to tell Veronica the good news, that she was leaving and she'd have her freedom again. Well mostly. Of course she wasn't being left to her own devices without a few ground rules but they were nothing extreme. Anne had went over the email the Judge sent her so she was prepared. She felt confident enough to answer any questions Veronica might have and give her some encouraging words as she left. </div>
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Anne wasn't sure why she felt so differently about Veronica. She felt more protective and more concerned when it came to her. It was as if she needed Veronica to heal as much as Veronica did, maybe even more. It could have been because she had children to get clean for, but Veronica wasn't her first junkie client. Maybe her story touched her, maybe it caused her to feel sympathy that she had never felt before. Whatever reason it may have been, Anne was determined to see to it that Veronica stayed clean and lived a happy and healthy life from this day forth. </div>
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The time had came for Veronica's appointment. Her final one in the rehab facility. It was bittersweet, but Anne couldn't show it. She couldn't outright miss one client more so than the rest. Veronica was escorted by the nurse and she made her way in Anne's office. Anne smiled but tried to show some restraint too. </div>
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"Have a seat." Anne said, trying to keep her enthusiasm to a minimum. Veronica did as she was told and took the seat on the other side. </div>
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"We will be doing something a little different today." Anne informed Veronica. </div>
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<i>Different? </i>Veronica thought. <i>Oh no, what now?..</i> She let her mind wander while she waited on the other woman to finish.</div>
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"How so?" Veronica asked slowly, fearing what her answer might be. Veronica was assuming the worst as every millisecond passed by. </div>
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"Well for starters, I spoke to the Judge about you." Anne said. She was beating around the bush, wasting time or so Veronica thought. She didn't want to be baited. She wanted answers, now!</div>
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<i>Oh God. She did it, didn't she? She must have told her I wasn't ready to leave. I am never getting out of this place. </i>Veronica thought. Her heart to begin to beat a little faster after her recent depressing thought. </div>
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"We spoke about your release." Anne said.</div>
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<i>Go on</i> Veronica silently urged her as she nodded her head. </div>
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<i>I'm going back to jail, that must be it. That's why it's taking her so long. </i>Another negative thought crossed Veronica's mind. </div>
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"You're going-" Anne began.</div>
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<i>to jail?</i> Veronica mentally finished for her. </div>
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-home". Anne finished. "You're being released Veronica!" Anne added.</div>
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Veronica's heart was still beating rapidly as she listened to Anne. She had just been told she was getting out of here, she'd be a free woman but it felt so unreal. She just knew it was a joke. It must have been because it was just too good to be true. Veronica sat with her eyes closed. Maybe she was dreaming. </div>
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<i>Yeah that was it, I must be dreaming</i> she tried to convince herself. </div>
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"Veronica?" Anne called out. </div>
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She noticed the change in Veronica's demeanor. She expected her to smile, cry with tears or joy, do something. But she hadn't reacted. She simply shut her eyes and Anne couldn't understand why.</div>
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"Yes?" Veronica answered without opening her eyes. </div>
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"I know this is big news, but it's okay to be happy. You've earned it. Jump up and down, shout..just do something." Anne encouraged. She was throwing a victory party for Veronica inside her head, but it was as if Veronica never showed up. Doubt begin to crept in her head, but she quickly pushed it away.</div>
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<i>She's just nervous</i> Anne said as if trying to quiet the voices in her head that were telling her she was wrong, that she had jumped the gun and made a big mistake. </div>
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Veronica opened her eyes and looked at Anne. </div>
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"I'm not sure what to say..it feels like a dream." Veronica said truthfully. </div>
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"I know." Anne said. "It's a lot to take in, but Veronica I believe in you. You're ready and now is your chance to prove it." </div>
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Veronica simply nodded her head in response. Anne didn't try to push her to talk anymore. She briefly went over what her release meant in detail. She couldn't return home right away. Instead she would be at a halfway house until she proved she was stable enough to go back home. She would have to do random drug tests and attend mandatory daily therapy. She would also have to work, but luckily for her the Judge had partnered with a local restaurant. They agreed to hire Veronica and others like her part time to do clean up work. </div>
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Veronica had no questions for Anne. She didn't want to tell her that she was scared, and thought she wasn't ready. If Anne thought she was then she must be she kept telling herself. </div>
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"You can do this." Anne told Veronica. "I believe in you, your family believes in you, you just have to too." Anne encouraged. </div>
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"Thank you." Veronica said. Anne smiled and told her goodbye. </div>
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As Veronica was turning the doorknob, about to tell the Nurse she was done, Anne spoke one last time.</div>
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"I am here if you ever need me." Anne said. Veronica nodded. She had a folder in her hand, it went over the details of her release some more. She assumed Anne also slipped her number inside. </div>
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"I'm ready." Veronica told the nurse that was waiting on her. The nurse smiled for the first time since Veronica had been here. </div>
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"Congratulations." She said and lead her back to her room. </div>
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Once back inside her room, Veronica began to pack. She didn't think, she just acted as if she was a robot. She was too numb to think. She opened the small suitcase and placed it on top of the dresser. She hadn't had much so packing didn't take long. </div>
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Her last step was to make her bed up for the last time. She wiped away a tear as it fell from her eyes. She took a deep breath once her task was complete. There was a knock on the door. The final knock she'd hear in this place. She called out that was was coming. </div>
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"Okay, here we go." She told herself as she grabbed her luggage. </div>
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Veronica had climbed in a small van. Inside was the driver, a redhead woman and another woman with black hair. Both were strangers to her. She said hello and took her seat. They were driven to a small house just outside of the bustle of the city. The redhead was the first to get out and motioned for the other two ladies to follow suit. Veronica did was she was told.</div>
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The woman pulled out a set of keys and opened the door. </div>
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"Welcome to your new home." She greeted as she stepped inside. Veronica exchanged a look with the woman beside her as they went inside. </div>
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"I am Kathy, I am your therapist and I am also in charge of you ladies here. I will monitor when you leave and when you come. Pretty much everything runs through me. In the morning we will have a short therapy session over breakfast and once more before you go to sleep." The redhead explained. She had a warm voice, but Veronica could tell she wasn't a push over. </div>
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"You can leave without me looking down your backs, however I need to know where and for how long. Also you have a curfew. Don't get too excited. As I'm sure you were already told, there will be drug testing in addition to alcohol tests. Lastly we work on a two strike and you're out system." Kathy went on.</div>
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"Curfew?" The woman beside Veronica repeated under her breath. </div>
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"Any questions?" Kathy asked. The two women were silent. </div>
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"Good." Kathy said. </div>
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A quick tour followed Kathy's introduction to the halfway house for Veronica and Shane. Kathy informed the ladies that they would be making a trip to the store so they needed to pack quickly and be ready just as quick.</div>
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"Yap yap yap, I thought she'd never shut her trap." Shane said as she breezed past Veronica. </div>
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They were now in their room, one they'd be sharing throughout their duration here. Veronica remained silent.</div>
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"The name's Shane." Shane greeted as she turned to face Veronica. </div>
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"Hey. I'm Veronica." Veronica replied. </div>
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"Cool." Shane said. </div>
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"I can't wait to get out of this place." Shane commented. </div>
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Veronica nodded in agreement. Veronica began to unpack her things and Shane continued to talk her ear off, but she nodded her head anyways. She didn't need to piss off the woman she'd be sharing a room with for who knows how long. </div>
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Jeremy found himself back at the football field. It was a place of comfort for him. He had dreams of playing ever since he started high school, but he just couldn't bring himself to trying out. He didn't participate in any school activities actually. It was his way of keeping his distance. He thought if he kept a wall up no one would know his secret. He preferred to stay hidden and in the shadows, but that didn't mean he didn't have friends. He just kept them at a distance too, well except one. Lauren</div>
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Lauren was the only one he let inside, the only one who got a real glimpse at him. She was also meeting him here soon. </div>
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It was like deja vu as Lauren rounded the corner that lead to the school's football field. Jeremy and her hadn't spoke much after the kiss and she was partially to blame. She didn't know how she felt afterwards. It was all so new to her. She had never really had anyone in her life other than her family. She was beginning to regret ever having kiss him. But not because she didn't want to, she did. She just didn't know what it meant. She felt confused so she blew Jeremy off every chance she got. But when he called her, sounding desperate for someone to talk to again. Her heart had dropped as she listened to him on the other end of the phone. He needed her, so she pushed her feelings aside and found herself agreeing to meet him. </div>
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"Jeremy" She called out once she got close enough. </div>
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He turned his head after hearing his name called. He spotted her and turned around completely to greet her. </div>
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A vision of their kissed flashed through Lauren's mind as he turned around. It was if the memory was haunting her. She mentally pushed it away. This wasn't about her, this was about Jeremy. And right now making sure he was okay was her only concern. </div>
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"Hi." Jeremy said softly. </div>
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"Hey." Lauren returned his greeting. She forced herself to smile, trying to appear as if their kiss still wasn't playing throughout her mind.</div>
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"Thank you for coming." He said. </div>
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Lauren shrugged her shoulders, silently saying it was no big deal. </div>
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"Um..my mom's out. Well kinda, she's at a halfway house right now." Jeremy began to explain.</div>
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"Oh?" Lauren said not sure what else to say. </div>
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Jeremy nodded. </div>
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"I don't know how I feel about it." He said and raked a nervous hand through his hair. </div>
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Lauren followed his hand for a moment before looking back at his face. </div>
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"Are you happy?" Lauren asked. </div>
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Jeremy heard her, but couldn't answer. Inside he knew that he wasn't. He didn't want her to come back in his life only to disappoint him and Malcolm again. He shook his head. </div>
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Lauren furrowed her brows together, confused. She had thought this would be good news to Jeremy. His mother had successfully completed rehab meaning she was clean. Didn't he want that? </div>
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"I just can't help but feel like she'll only hurt us again." Jeremy said at last, allowing himself to be open and vulnerable once more. </div>
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Lauren sighed softly. She hated seeing the hurt in Jeremy' eyes. She hated not being about to do anything about it even more. A kiss wouldn't fix this. His pain was too deep, so deep he probably didn't know where to begin to heal himself. </div>
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He needed words of encouragement, he needed hope. But how? What could she say? Would her words really make a difference, could they really help?</div>
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She glanced over and noticed the sun begin to set. Daylight was fading away, transitioning to night. </div>
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"A new day." Lauren said softly. </div>
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"Hmm?" Jeremy asked a bit confused. </div>
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She didn't bother explaining, but instead took his hand. Her mind wasn't on their kiss or the regret she felt over it any longer. It was on Jeremy and cheering him up. She lead him to the bleachers and they made their way all the way to the top. </div>
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"A new day." She repeated. </div>
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"What does that mean?" Jeremy asked. </div>
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"The sun is setting and when it rises again a new day will start." Lauren explained. </div>
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Jeremy didn't think she was making any sense, but kept that to himself. </div>
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She smiled. </div>
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"I'm not crazy, Jeremy. What I'm trying to say it tomorrow is a new day. And with that comes a second chance. A second chance for us to do what we didn't today. A second chance to be better." Lauren began to explain.</div>
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Jeremy silently followed along, trying to connect the dots. </div>
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"You have to forgive your mother. It'll be hard, nearly impossible. But you have to. She has a second chance to get things right. How can she if you never let her?" Lauren finished. </div>
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Jeremy knew she was right. She couldn't be his mother if he wasn't willing to let her. It was his turn to smile. </div>
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He was suddenly overcome with hope. He didn't forgive Veronica right away, that would still take some time. But he didn't hate her so much at that moment. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around Lauren. She jumped in surprise, but didn't move away. She felt slightly uncomfortable, but happy at the same time. It was hard for her to explain.</div>
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"You're great, you know that?" Jeremy said and pecked her softly on the cheek. "Just..great." He said happily.</div>
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The words melted her heart. Lauren no longer felt regret over their kiss. She was still slightly anxious and knew they had to address it soon though. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">****HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I am finally free! That's right, no more Summer school. Can we have a moment and just celebrate that? Okay celebration is over. During my little hiatus I was challenged to improve my writing through with a project. I felt bad for leaving the story, but between studying, classes and the project I just couldn't bring myself to open my game and take all these pictures. Forgive me? :) please. Anyways I am back. Unfortunately Fall semester is approaching soon. But I don't want to take a hiatus again. I'll just have to plan my time better. I think once I start classes again I will upload bi-monthly instead of every Sunday though. Also I will probably be uploading on Thursdays, but I haven't made my mind up just yet. We shall see! I hope you guys enjoy the update too. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-18040038487872645692014-06-15T13:32:00.001-04:002014-06-15T13:32:33.179-04:00Be back later! (Again...)You guys probably already know what I'm going to say right? I'm going on another break due to school. Thankfully, I have a month and two days left as of today. That's not THAT long right? :) I will be catching up on stories. I just don't have the time to play my own game and write. I hope you all understand, xoxo!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-59417924540367222862014-06-01T13:17:00.002-04:002014-06-01T13:17:23.539-04:00Chapter Seventeen: We are family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anne nervously knocked on the door as she clutched the manila folder to her chest. After three knocks the Judge's voice boomed from the other side.<br />
"Who is it?" Judge Davis called out.<br />
"Anne. I have come to talk to you about a client." Anne answered from behind the door, while trying to keep her voice steady. She didn't know what it was about Judge Davis that scared her. Her presence was intimidating alone so maybe that was it.<br />
"Come in." Judge Davis said. Anne twisted the doorknob and walked over the threshold.<br />
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"What can I do for you?" The Judge asked. Anne held the folder in her hand tighter as if pulling strength from it.<br />
"Well you asked to be updated on the Hawkins case." Anne stated nervously. The Judge nodded, signalling for her to continue.<br />
"She's finally began talking. I think I can make a fair judgement about her now." Anne summed up.<br />
"Hawkins." The Judge repeated the name as if jogging her memory. "Addict with two boys? Transferred from the jail right?" The Judge asked. Anne nodded.<br />
"Hmm, yes sit down and tell me how well my experiment played out. Anne wanted to shake her head at the Judge's choice of words. <i>Experiment? Was that how she felt about all this? Didn't she know that a woman's life was hanging in the balance here and her children as well?</i> She was sightly disgusted but held her tongue as she took her seat.<br />
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The Judge turned her attention back to her computer, pulling up Veronica's file.<br />
"Well she's making progress I believe. She's finally opening up about her past and the beginning of her addiction." Anne explained. The Judge mumbled an "Mhm" to let her know she was listening.<br />
"In my opinion, I think she should go home." Anne finished and waiting for the other woman's response.<br />
"Go home?" Judge Davis asked as if she was confused. "Explain." She commanded.<br />
"Well she has recognized her problem. And she's also getting help. She's been sober for quite a while now. I think with mandatory counseling and a good support system she'd be fine." Anne explained. The Judge let out a bitter laugh.<br />
"I trust your judgement, I really do, but are you serious? Addicts like her know how to work people. She hasn't been broken yet." The Judge replied.<br />
"Broken? Our Job isn't to break her, it's to mend the pieces. To make sure she feels like she can live without those vices." Anne said firmly. She was the professional here, not Judge Davis. And despite her earlier nervousness, she would not be mocked. The Judge sighed.<br />
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"Do you know why I started this experiment?" The Judge asked. Anne shook her head. </div>
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"My sister is an addict, or was. I watched her put any and everything in her body and it destroyed my family. My parents constantly fought, blaming one another for her screw ups. And my brother and I had to watch it all. She was in and out of jail, prostituting herself and rehab never worked since she could check herself out. But in this case, people are forced to get help. Forced to face their demons and battle them without a crack pipe or a bottle of alcohol. They are here to learn to deal with whatever life throws at them soberly." The Judge explained. She didn't tear up at the mention of her family history like Anne thought she would. Maybe this is why she has such a hard exterior, she's been through a lot just witnessing her family fall apart. "So I do trust your opinion, but know that I am not ignorant to this topic either." The Judge finished. Anne nodded her head as she processed the information. </div>
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"But this is also a second chance program right? She has to get out of here and have a chance to live if you want to see the change." Anne said. She had made up her mind about Veronica and wouldn't change it.</div>
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"You are correct." The Judge replied </div>
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"You know I like you. Not many people can stand up to me." Judge Davis remarked with a chuckle. Anne smile at the compliment.</div>
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"Well I meant no disrespect." Anne said.</div>
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"None taken. You stand up for what you feel is right, that's why I hired you." Judge Davis said and waved her hand. The two were silent for a moment. The Judge was thinking about what they had just discussed and Anne patiently waited on an answer. </div>
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"She's free to go. I will have the paper work done by the end of today." Judge Davis stated at last. Anne jumped up happily, but contained her excitement. </div>
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"Thank you." Anne said. Anne handed over the file with her notes in it. The Judge would read over everything. </div>
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"Very well. Be prepared to talk to her tomorrow. She has conditions with her freedom. I will email you the details." The Judge said. She opened the folder and began to read. Anne took this as a sign of her dismissal and let herself out. </div>
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When Jeremy awoke that morning, his nostrils were hit with something he hadn't smelled in a long time. <i>Breakfast, home cooked breakfast </i>He thought. His mouth was practically salivating as he rushed out of bed and threw his clothes on. He hadn't had real breakfast since before his grandmother fell ill. It was a time he missed. Her, Malcolm and himself sitting around the table and eating like a real family. </div>
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"Morning Jeremy." Nina greeted. She had a broom in her hand and just finished cleaning up. </div>
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"Morning." He greeted back. </div>
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"I hope you're hungry, have a seat." She said. She nodded to his plate that was steaming and waiting for him He smiled. He definitely could get used to this. </div>
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He looked to his further right and spotted Malcolm gulping down whatever was in his bottle and laughed. The kid looked happy as he tried to hold onto the bottle even though his hands were covered in grease from the bacon and eggs. He looked so happy and so innocent. And Jeremy was thankful, his youth shielded him from a lot and he prayed he stayed un-bothered for as long as possible. </div>
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Nina put the broom away and joined her nephew at the island counter in front of them. Jeremy had taken a bite of his eggs as she began to talk.</div>
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"Your uncle had to go in early." She explained. Jeremy nodded understandingly, he didn't want to talk with his mouth full of food. </div>
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"I was thinking, maybe you boys would like to hang out with your Aunt for a day. Maybe go to the movies?" Nina suggested. Jeremy couldn't help but smile. He wanted to pinch himself because this all felt so surreal. He was actually spending time with family. People were making time for <i>them. </i>It was something he wasn't used to people doing, besides his grandmother of course.</div>
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"I'd like that." He said. Nina smiled too.</div>
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"Great." She said. She reached over and grabbed a piece of toast and the family ate in happy silence. </div>
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***<span style="color: purple;">So this is extra short right? Sorry. I wanted to throw in a lighter chapter so I hope you guys enjoy!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-64436038334229010942014-05-25T15:08:00.001-04:002014-05-25T15:08:28.349-04:00Chapter Sixteen: Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was time for another therapy session. Time for Veronica to relive her past yet again and take a trip down memory lane. Veronica stretched as she got ready to leave. She didn't want to talk anymore. She didn't want to be here. But she <i>had</i> to be, because another person said so. She was tired of other people controlling her and deciding what she could or could not do. </div>
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<i>Knock, Knock</i></div>
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"Yes?" Veronica called back. She didn't have to. She knew it was her Nurse, or whom she referred to as her prison guard. Although there were no handcuffs wrapped around her wrist or bars up around her, she still felt like she was in jail. </div>
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"It's time." The nurse replied. She always had such a monotone voice, as if she was robot who was programmed to do her assigned task and no more. </div>
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"Coming." Veronica answered. She tried to force some enthusiasm in her voice. The last thing she wanted them to pick up on was that she was craving to use again. She had even scratched her arms, which is why she opted for a long sleeve shirt today. If they inquired about it she was prepared to say she was cold. </div>
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"Morning Veronica." Anna greeted. Veronica hated how happy she sounded. Why was she so happy? How could she be so happy when all she heard were depressing stories all day long? Veronica plastered a fake smile on her face.</div>
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"Whenever you are ready, go ahead." Anna urged. Veronica sighed. <i>Where would she go today? Which part of her past would she revisit?</i> She thought to herself. </div>
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"When you're ready." Anne repeated. She was patient, but Veronica hadn't spoken in five minutes. She was only fidgeting with her leggings and paying special attention to her nails. </div>
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"Are you okay?" Anne asked, suddenly observing the woman across from her. </div>
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"Give me a second!" Veronica snapped. Anne nodded her head in agreement, but not before making some notes on her pad. <i>Great</i> Veronica thought. </div>
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"These sessions are confidential right? You can't tell on me." Veronica asked. She didn't need this woman undoing all her hard work by reporting her to the judge or something. She would never get out of here then. </div>
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"Wrong. You aren't a typical client, there is no confidentiality agreement here. If I see questionable behavior I must report you." Anne answered. Veronica suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. </div>
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"I didn't do anything wrong." Veronica stated, holding on to her innocence.</div>
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"I never said you did. Now, please go on." Anne stated. Veronica knew she was going to say something to that judge and it wouldn't be good for her, but she let it go. </div>
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"I was a few months along by this time. I had been cooped up in the house as usual, but today I wanted out. I needed to breathe and see other people that weren't in magazines or behind the television screen." Veronica began. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(I fixed her eyes, if anyone noticed they didn't match lol)</i></span></div>
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I had made my way down to the park, it wasn't anything fancy but it was nice. I was standing in front of the water fountain. I was mesmerized by the water, as it shot up and then cascaded back down over and over again. It was truly beautiful. I don't know how long I stood there, but eventually I made my way to the swing. I was a little nervous about getting on it. I was pregnant and heavier than usual, what if I broke it? I didn't want to fall, but I sat anyways and swung my feet slowly. </div>
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I was having fun. Not because I was swinging like I was five years old again, but because I was outside like a normal person. I didn't feel lonely or like I was suffocating at that moment. I had closed my eyes and enjoyed a breeze that was passing through the park when my peaceful moment was ruined by footsteps close by. They sounded small, like those of a child. </div>
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"Mine!" I heard a little voice call out. It was a child, who's voice was pretty clear by that time. She had to have been right behind me. </div>
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"Hmm?" I said and turned around to face them.</div>
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"Mine" She repeated and pointed to the swing. </div>
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"Oh." I said. She was more fitting to swing than I was, but still it felt odd to be commanded by a child. The thought had made me laugh. I had pretty much been bossed around by someone in diapers. </div>
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"Natalie, slow down!" I heard another voice behind her, only this one sounded further away. Footsteps were approaching me. I spun to my left to see a woman waddling her way over. She looked to be bigger than me; she was pregnant just like I was. I wondered exactly how far along she was. </div>
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"I am so sorry!" The woman said as she bent down to pick up the toddler. "She is in the mine stage, she doesn't even understand that she's too little to be on the swing." The woman explained. </div>
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"Oh it's fine." I said. I turned straight ahead. I had began to swing a little because I was not sure what else to do.</div>
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"I'm Daisy and this little monster is Natalie." Daisy greeted. She looked kind enough I remember thinking. </div>
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"I'm Veronica." I had replied. </div>
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"Nice to meet you." Daisy said. I nodded my head in response. </div>
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"Are you new here?" Daisy asked. "We frequent this park quite a bit and I don't remember seeing you before." She added before gently bouncing her daughter. </div>
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"Kinda, I don't get out much." I answered.</div>
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"Oh. Home body huh?" Daisy said jokingly. "I understand, besides the park we don't get out much either." </div>
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"Yeah." I said, not sure what else to say. I didn't have any friends or talked to anyone outside of my family and Lance, so socialization wasn't my strongest quality. </div>
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I suddenly felt uncomfortable swinging so I stood to my feet. </div>
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"How far along are you?" Daisy asked. I could tell she was a chatter box already.</div>
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"About seven months." I answered. </div>
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"I'm eight myself, but I had this one early, so I'm prepared for anything." She replied. I nodded and smiled. </div>
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"Was it..painful?" I asked, suddenly curious about the labor process.</div>
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"Painful? It was the worst moment of my life, but she was worth it." Daisy said. That wasn't what I expected or wanted to hear. </div>
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"Don't worry, you'll feel the same way afterwards besides I didn't have an epidural." Daisy said trying to reassure me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rJIs5Of6DcN_kQ3to44GsyMN6eo0za2DQ8hpUQ72POUw_2jV4OBsW4_sN4ANk600OQvQuVeA1P2tvsjoQD_GGyTMqlFEM_MgrkMr5MU66wJ1_6yEBwQmc254OFsBZQBrICz6LFYfw_kT/s1600/Screenshot-1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rJIs5Of6DcN_kQ3to44GsyMN6eo0za2DQ8hpUQ72POUw_2jV4OBsW4_sN4ANk600OQvQuVeA1P2tvsjoQD_GGyTMqlFEM_MgrkMr5MU66wJ1_6yEBwQmc254OFsBZQBrICz6LFYfw_kT/s1600/Screenshot-1938.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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"You know sometimes I wish guys could have a vagina and see how it feels to push something out of it." Daisy said randomly. I was a little taken back by her bluntness. </div>
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"Yeah I guess so." I said half-way agreeing with her. Daisy laughed and her baby just stared at me, as if she was just as clueless as I was on the topic. </div>
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"Are you married?" Daisy asked. <i>Is this 20 questions?</i> I started to think. </div>
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"No..I don't need a certificate." I answered suddenly feeling defensive. </div>
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"I thought the same thing, it's just paper right? But my husband insisted." Daisy said. </div>
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"Right." I said in response. </div>
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"He's a sweet guy..." Daisy said and trailed off. "But he's never home. It gets lonely sometimes." She said reflectively. I could relate, probably more than she knew. </div>
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"I know exactly how you feel." I said before I even realized it. We continued to make small talk and get to know one another better. </div>
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We had become friends sorta. We discussed our pregnancies and how we felt. I was surprised to find out her husband was a truck driver too, but I would be even more surprised later. </div>
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Weeks had went by and Lance still hadn't returned, but it was okay. I had a friend, Daisy, and I didn't feel so lonely anymore. I learned that her and her husband were high school sweethearts. I thought it was romantic at the time. Everything had went well. We hung out more and more, but that would all change soon. I invited her to my home and as soon as I opened the door she seemed different. I could sense the change in her right away. She kept looking around and wasn't keeping up our conversations, which was so unlike her. She didn't stay long, saying she had to pick Natalie up and left rather quickly. I was stunned but never asked her what was wrong, I would soon find out. </div>
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I remembered checking the mail one day when I found a box propped against it. I wasn't expecting anything, but picked it up nonetheless. It was addressed to me. </div>
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It was a wedding photo album. I had placed the book on the table and just stared at it, wondering who was it from and what it meant. I certainly wasn't getting married and no one knew where I stayed, except Daisy. But why would she send me this? I opened the album and I flipped through the contents. My hand shook as I did. This was from Daisy after all, but I would have never expected this person to be her husband. The happy groom beside her was Lance. My Lance, the love of <i>my</i> life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4fVElVjPBElX0hUSDZHfnjLewAcn36EZcYJNihqsb-qmR4AAnsgGRBQmybmQg1MG1zUBg9BcEavJF-m80XuVOAULS-GsdxyUI2za5tvB3YOyXOHsqROvHrEu8GKDPl_17Nit8gXl36f1/s1600/Screenshot-1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4fVElVjPBElX0hUSDZHfnjLewAcn36EZcYJNihqsb-qmR4AAnsgGRBQmybmQg1MG1zUBg9BcEavJF-m80XuVOAULS-GsdxyUI2za5tvB3YOyXOHsqROvHrEu8GKDPl_17Nit8gXl36f1/s1600/Screenshot-1973.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I couldn't look anymore. I covered my eyes as the tears started to stream out. This was a joke. It HAD to be a joke, I remember thinking. How could all this time been a lie? How could he have lived a double life and I never suspected anything? How could I have been so stupid, so naive?! </div>
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Time passed by, I spent the remainder of my pregnancy alone. Lance never called or returned to our home, if I could still call it that. I imagined he was home with her, with them, his real family.</div>
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I, on the other hand, was all alone. So very alone. I spent my pregnancy being a prisoner in that place. Fearing to leave, fearing to call my mother and tell her everything. I wanted to, but I couldn't. I was too afraid, too ashamed. </div>
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My water broke and I called 9-1-1. I rode in the ambulance alone. And the only one holding my hand was an EMT, who was only doing their job. I was in the hospital room alone, all alone. The only people around me were nurses and my doctor. No one else. I didn't have a supportive boyfriend to hold my hand and kiss my forehead. I didn't have my brother and mother there, happily waiting the arrival of my son. No, I was alone, all alone. I opted out of having an epidural because I wanted to feel the pain. At least I would feel something that wasn't loneliness. The delivery itself was a blur, before I knew it Jeremy was in this world and in my arms. </div>
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It felt so surreal, the person I had been talking to all this time was here. I wasn't alone anymore. But as I looked into his little eyes, all I could see was Lance. The hurt and the pain came flooding back into my mind. I told the nurse to take him. She looked at me strange, but placed Jeremy in the crib near my bed. </div>
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I looked at the phone on the stand nearby me. I had two people in my mind to call, Lance and my mother. I didn't want to talk to either, but I had to. I dialed Lance's pager number, signalling for him to call me. Afterwards I called my mother. She answered on the third ring, she always did. </div>
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"Hello?" My mother answered. </div>
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"Mom.." I said.</div>
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"Honey, I've been so worried. Why haven't you called?" My mother asked, her voice filled with happiness and sadness at the same time. I didn't want to tell her. <i>How could I tell her she was a grandma?</i> I thought. </div>
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"Mom." I repeated.</div>
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"Yes honey? what is it?" She asked. </div>
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"I.." I began</div>
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"Yes?" She urged. I imagined her gripping the phone tightly, waiting for me to spill my guts already. </div>
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"I had a baby." I blurted out. Silence. I was greeted with silence. I should have expected that. </div>
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"A baby.." She repeated the words as if she was trying to process them as it escaped her mouth. It was my turn to be silent. </div>
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"Where are you?" She suddenly asked. I had handed the Nurse the phone. She gave my mother instructions to the hospital and hung up.</div>
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"She will be here shortly." She told me. I shrugged and turned away from her. </div>
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"Well.." I said as I stared at Anne. "That's what was on my mind."<br />
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Anne looked unsure of what to say or how to react.<br />
"Is there anything else on your mind?" She asked after she blinked, as if she suddenly remembered she was a therapist and couldn't space out. I shrugged.<br />
"I suppose." I replied. Anne nodded her head, telling me to go on.<br />
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"My addiction started not too soon after Jeremy was born. We went home with my Mother and Daniel, she was not allowing me to return to Lance at any cost. I was grateful for that, I wasn't strong enough to leave on my own. Lance tried to see me and Jeremy, but my mother wouldn't let him. She even got a restraining order against him. So he never got to see Jeremy, other than a picture I had sent which she never knew about. My reality was too much for me to handle so I started drinking. My mother didn't know at first, but when I started staying out late and not coming home she couldn't ignore it anymore. She noticed I reeked of alcohol and always appeared to be high. One day I just didn't come home. I began staying with whoever welcomed me in their home. Any place that could supply my habit. I took any and everything that eased my mind." I said. Anne looked un-phased, I guess this part was normal to her. </div>
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"That's all the time we have today. We will pick up where we left off next time." Anne said. A knock was followed by her dismissal. I knew it was time to go. I stood and left.<br />
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Once back in her room, Veronica allowed the waterworks to began. She cried and her body shook. She felt alone again. She felt hopeless.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-9115857654149874382014-05-24T01:10:00.000-04:002014-05-24T01:10:05.876-04:00New Story?Yeah, I'm not done with this one yet, I know lol. I don't plan on finishing Jeremy's story as quickly as I did Miranda's. I want it to really focus on his life, not just his life right now. Anyways I was looking at videos about the Goths and it got me to thinking about Pleasantview, and then the Broke family. Honestly, I loved to play them. I always made Brandi have a ton of kids, Dustin drop his bad boy ways, Brandi become a cop or whatever her goal was in that particular game and I TRIED to find her a man. It was just so fun. And I want to start it in a few months. Yup I said that. I say a few months because that'll be my Fall semester and my schedule will be so much lighter! Phew..So I SHOULD have more time (fingers crossed). It's still an idea in my head in the moment like Sins of a Mother once was. I made the characters and I'm going to play around with the family to see if I want to actually continue with it. But for now my heart is set on it. And for once, I want to complete their story and give them the happy ending they deserve. And I think it'll be much lighter than SOAM. I was looking back over it and I realized how sad it. Yes, its a very sad situation, but I thought I had a few happy moments. Well I guess I do..but you know. Anyways I'm blabbering, what do you guys think? :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-37362766877998751742014-05-18T16:08:00.002-04:002014-07-11T23:02:04.153-04:00Chapter Fifteen: Lost without you <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Veronica, are you okay?" The Nurse asked. Veronica's eyes shifted from her to the person standing beside her. Yes, she nodded her head. The nurse glanced over to Nina and looked at her suspiciously for a moment while she contemplated telling her to leave. </div>
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"We haven't seen each other in forever, she must be surprised." Nina explained. She smiled sweetly and as genuinely as she could. The Nurse knew she'd already been patted down and her purse check so she assumed it was safe. </div>
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"Okay." She said. She motioned for Nina to enter Veronica's room and shut the door behind her. Veronica on the other hand, watched it all take place as if she wasn't there. Her eyes followed along as Nina stepped over the door's threshold and the door click shut. She blinked back to reality. </div>
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"What are <i>you</i> doing here?" Veronica finally said. To say her visit was a surprise and total shock, would be an understatement. She assumed she was there to gloat and mock her, yeah that had to have been the reason. She could feel her nose flaring slightly and her anger rising. Nina watched her feeling confused. </div>
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"I didn't come here to fight." She assured her. Veronica scoffed, she may have been a fool but she wasn't that stupid.</div>
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"Right." Veronica said sarcastically, "Did you come here to hold my hand and sing Kum Ba Yah?" She asked. Nina shook her head at the woman in front of her. She may be clean, but the hatred was still there. </div>
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"Real funny, but no. I actually came here to see you." Nina said. Veronica looked taken back. They had never really been on friendly terms, and she was the reason for that. She never felt as if she was good enough to date her brother. Mostly because she had her own heart broken and didn't want to see her little brother go through that. She was still holding her breath, waiting for her to leave him and just crush him completely.<br />
"Why?" Veronica asked suspiciously. "What's your angle?"<br />
"I don't have one!" Nina said her voice slightly rising. <i>Why must she be so difficult?</i> She thought to herself. She was five seconds away from saying to hell with her and walking out. But she wouldn't give up just yet.<br />
"Can we sit down?" Nina asked. She glanced around the small room and noticed there were no seats. Veronica shrugged and lead her to the bed.<br />
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Veronica nodded towards the end of the bed, silently instructing her to have a seat. Veronica took a moment to observe the other woman. Her sister-in-law. She wasn't a bad person, she was actually one of the sweetest people she had met. So why the hate? Well it all stemmed from jealously and her own insecurities. Her brother didn't seem to need her anymore, instead he had found companionship in Nina. They begun dating when they were in 16 and 15, around the time Veronica's life had falling apart. And her own mother loved her. At times, Veronica felt as if she loved her more and secretly wanted her to be her daughter. Tears began to form in Veronica's eyes and then made the journey down her cheek.<br />
"You didn't deserve any of that." Veronica said in a whisper as she began to cry. Nina took her eyes off the wallpaper and looked to her right.<br />
"Are you crying?" She asked and scrunched her brows up. <i>Why was she crying?</i> She wondered.<br />
"I have been nothing but a bitch to you, and you are here. Of all people, you came to see me." Veronica expressed her thoughts. "I'm sorry." She finished. Nina thought she was hearing things. <i>Did she just say that she's sorry?</i><br />
"Veronica.." Nina began. "I don't know what to say." Nina confessed. She truly was at a lost for words. Veronica shook her head.<br />
"Just try to forgive me, please." Veronica said. Nina nodded. Silence feel upon the duo. Nina was still in shock and Veronica was trying to steady her emotions.<br />
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"How are the boys?" Veronica asked at last.<br />
"They are good." Nina answered with a smile. "Mostly.."<br />
"Mostly?" Veronica repeated. Nina sighed.<br />
"It's Jeremy. He isn't handling the news so well." Nina explained briefly.Veronica shook her head. Even when she was absent she was ruining his life.<br />
"I am such a failure." Veronica said, her voice cracking with emotion all over again.<br />
"You're not." Nina said.<br />
"You don't need to lie to me." Veronica said. The waterworks began again.<br />
"You have just.."Nina started. She wasn't even sure where she was going, "don't think like that." She finished.<br />
"He will be okay." Nina tried to reassure her. The Nurse knocked on Veronica's door, signaling the end of their visit.<br />
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The two rose to their feet and walked over to the door.<br />
"Thank you for visiting me." Veronica said sincerely.<br />
"That's what family is for." Nina said, returning her smile.<br />
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"We're rooting for you." Nina told her as she pulled her into a hug.<br />
"Take care of my boys." Veronica replied as she allowed her to embrace her. For a moment, she felt hopeful. They bid each other goodbye and Veronica watched as Nina left before closing her door.<br />
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As Nina drove home, she reflected over her short visit with Veronica. She had shocked herself by going to visit. It was a last minute decision. She was happy that she had done it though, maybe they can learn to like one another. She was also proud of Veronica for getting help even if she hadn't willingly done it. She would be clean for her boys and that was the important thing.<br />
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The remainder of her commute was spent in silence. She had turned off the radio and just listened to the other cars around her. The taxis, people talking loudly on their cellphones, women's heels clicking, brakes screeching as they avoid colliding with another car or person. She listened to Bridgeport and it's soundtrack. She smiled, this was home after all.<br />
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Nina's top priority when she exited her car was to check on the Malcolm. She knew Jeremy wasn't home yet. She said hello to her husband as he worked in their home office. He briefly waved back, but didn't give her a second look. Nina walked into the open doorway of the nursery. She spotted Malcolm playing.<br />
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"Hey Champ." She greeted as she lifted him up. He hugged her back as much as his little arms would allow.<br />
"You're such a sweetie." She noted and kissed his nose lightly.<br />
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Malcolm giggled. He was such a happy baby even with everything going on. His youth allowed his to escape all the pain that everyone else was feeling around him. It dawned on Nina, this wasn't real. The boys were not hers. She felt slightly empty again. Veronica was really getting clean, meaning they would leave soon. And she would be all alone again. She glanced back at the crib. It was empty currently. She had the depressing thought that it would always be. She would never truly be a mother. She held Malcolm close to her, as if holding onto life itself.<br />
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"Luv woo" Malcolm said sweetly. Nina chocked up.<br />
"I love you too honey." She said.<i> Don't leave me too</i> She thought to herself. She didn't think she would be able to take it once her home was empty again.<br />
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Jeremy hadn't been himself for a whole month now. In that time, he pretty much alienated everyone. His family, his friends at school, Lauren and even Malcolm. He regretted it, but he couldn't help it. He had tried everything in his power to hold his family together and yet it still managed to fall apart. He felt like he failed. And because of this he found himself in a bit of a depression. His grades took a hit pretty bad. He didn't care though. He just didn't care about anything anymore. Why should he? His life was hell and it would always be. He might as well accept it he had told himself over and over.<br />
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He felt like a bottle that was shaken up, he was doomed to explode the minute it was open. He had to talk to someone and get everything out. But who? His aunt and uncle? No he shook his head. Malcolm was too young to understand. He sure as hell wasn't talking to the counselor at school. So who? Lauren. The name flashed through his mind. They had gotten pretty close even though he pushed her away at times. He felt as if he knew her well enough to confide in her. And if all else failed, who would she tell? She was still considered the new girl and hadn't made any friends. It was a mean thought, but at least his secret was safe with her. He dialed her number and hoped she'd answer.<br />
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Thankfully, Lauren hadn't shut him out like he felt he deserved. She agreed to meet him at the school. He went upstairs to change, ignoring his family in the process. They didn't try to push him to talk and just watched him leave.<br />
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Lauren spotted Jeremy on the football field. It was empty since the team was away at a game. She waved in his direction, but he ignored her. His eyes were down looking at his hands. She dropped her hand sadly. She felt close to him, yet she didn't. He was the only person in the entire school who had made her feel welcomed with the exception of the school staff. They had grew close after their project together. Sometimes he walked her home. They would do their homework together or just talk on the phone. Bur lately she had felt shut out. Like there was an invisible door in between them and she couldn't open it no matter how hard she tried. She was pleasantly surprised when he asked her to meet him. But the realist in her told her to not get her hopes up, he might just close up again.<br />
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"Jeremy?" She called out as she got closer. He was still staring ahead, but had looked her way. He smiled at her halfheartedly. The smile didn't reach his eyes and her heart fell. <i>What was going on with him?! </i>She wanted to scream.<br />
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"Are you okay?" She asked timidly. She wanted to know, but didn't at the same time. What if she didn't like what she would hear? What if he told her they shouldn't be friends anymore? She was being a little dramatic but she couldn't help it. She had really never had a friend before that wasn't related to her. This friendship thing was new to her. Maybe she was failing at it. Jeremy shrugged his shoulders.<br />
"Not really." He answered somewhat truthfully.<br />
"What's wrong?" She inquired. She silently hoped the issue wasn't her.<br />
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<i>Here goes nothing</i> He thought. He sighed. </div>
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"A lot." He said and laughed. It was a sad laugh. Lauren listened. </div>
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"Go on." She urged him. He let out a slow breath. Would she reject him, would she judge him because of his mother's actions? He wondered. He shook the thoughts away. He was determined to talk to someone. </div>
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"It's okay Jeremy." Lauren said and patted him on the shoulder. He looked as if he needed the encouragement for whatever it was that was bothering him. "I'm listening." He nodded. He gave her a brief overview of his life. He told her that it wasn't a time in his life where he could truly remember his mother being sober and how he had became his grandmother's burden at a young age. Although he knew he wasn't a burden to her, he couldn't help but feel that way. She should have been living her own life. Maybe remarrying, traveling the world or something. But instead she was raising a kid she didn't have. Taking care of responsibilities she wasn't responsible for. </div>
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He told her that she was his rock, the one person in the world he could count on. He went on to tell her that his mother got pregnant again with Malcolm, his younger brother. His father was still unknown but since he was born his grandmother had taken him in too. She was strong. She didn't let them known she was silently hurting inside. He then told her how he had lost her, his rock, the center of his world. His life had turned upside down the summer before school. His life was completely shattered. His Aunt and Uncle had returned to Bridgeport. But they were still in the dark somewhat, they didn't fully know that his mother was using again. And they were dealing with their own issues so Jeremy never told them. He didn't want to become their burden too. So Malcolm and him moved back home with their drug addicted, alcoholic mother. He shouldered as much responsibility as he could, getting a job and making sure someone looked after Malcolm during the time he couldn't be home. But it wasn't enough, she was in jail and now rehab. His life..was turned upside down all over again and he didn't know how to deal. </div>
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Lauren listened quietly. She didn't interrupt him not once. She just listened. She had no idea he was carrying so much baggage inside. It was a wonder he managed to hold it together this long. He was suffering and it wasn't fair. He was being punished for his mothers sins. She had chose to be selfish, but he paid for it. Him and his brother. It wasn't fair. Lauren found herself hating her even though she had never met the woman. </div>
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"Jeremy, I-- Lauren began. She wasn't quite sure what she was going to say, but she didn't get to finish. Jeremy had fallen and dropped to his knees. He covered his face and grabbed his hair. He truly looked like he was breaking. Lauren gasped. She wasn't sure what to do. How could she comfort him? She felt so lost and unhelpful. </div>
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"My life is shit!" He yelled out. Lauren stood, still unsure what to do. </div>
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"Jeremy.." She started again. </div>
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"Hey." She said softly as she kneeled in front of him. She prayed for the right words to come out of her mouth. </div>
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"You don't have to feel this way." She said. Jeremy remained unmoved. He was in a state of despair. </div>
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"This isn't your problem. Your mother lived her life and you have to live yours." She said. He began shaking his head, as if he didn't believe her. She sighed. Why couldn't life be like the movies? Why didn't words work the same way? She inched closer to him. </div>
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"You're not alone, you have your brother and your aunt and uncle." She said. Is this helping? She asked him silently. </div>
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"I am alone." He said. His voice was broken just like his soul seemed to be. Lauren wished she had a magic wand and could wish his problems away. </div>
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"I'm here too. You're not alone." Lauren said, still refusing to give up on him. </div>
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Lauren let silence fall over them. Maybe it would help her words sink in. Lauren watched Jeremy. His hands had fell, but his head still hung low. He looked like he had officially given up on life itself. The look on his face was enough to break her heart. <i>Why can't life be a movie?</i> She thought again. </div>
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Lauren racked her brain for another idea. What would someone in the movies do right now? The girl would kiss the guy, as if kissing his problems away. Lauren thought. She wasn't too happy about that idea, but what if it worked? It couldn't hurt, could it? She nervously looked at his lips. She slowly reached out and lifted his chin up. He looked at her, confusion in his eyes. <i>This had better work</i> She thought. </div>
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She brought her face closer to his and gently kissed his lips. It had been her first kiss and she hoped she didn't screw it up. Her eyes were still closed and she was about to pull away, when Jeremy surprised her. He had kissed her back, but it wasn't just a peck. He had opened his mouth and she followed suit. It was like a real, legit kiss. Lauren was taken back. </div>
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Jeremy had stood and helped Lauren to her feet.<br />
"Thank you." He spoke at last. Lauren opened her eyes and stole a peak at his face. He didn't look like the Jeremy she knew, he wasn't happy 100%, but he looked better.<br />
"You're welcome." She said softly. She was still reeling over the kiss. Had she gone too far? She didn't know herself. They stood there, Jeremy's hands wrapped around hers. They didn't speak.<br />
"I should go before my dad gets home." Lauren said. He was getting off early and she had took a risk leaving when she did. Jeremy nodded.<br />
"Sorry." She said. She didn't want to leave him.<br />
"It's okay. We'll talk later" He said. She smiled.<br />
"Yeah." She replied. He gave her a small kiss on the forehead and watched as she went to hail a cab. She wasn't completely sure where Jeremy's head was when she left, but she knew it was a bit clearer. She smiled as she road home.<br />
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Jeremy was by no means back to himself, but he felt a sense of hope. He didn't feel so defeated anymore. He had made his way back to his Aunt and Uncle's apartment. On the ride up he thought about Lauren. She kissed him, and he had kissed her back. What did that mean? Were they "together"? Were they still just friends? He wasn't sure. They would have to talk about that, but right now he had to talk to someone else.<br />
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Jeremy unlocked the door and found his aunt reading. He glanced over and saw his little brother playing happily with his toys in the nursery.<br />
"Aunt Nina?" He called out. She closed her book and looked back.<br />
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"Jeremy." Nina said happily. She could tell by the tone of his voice that he was feeling better. She hoped he was returning to himself.</div>
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"Welcome home." She greeted. He smiled.</div>
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"Thank you." He replied. </div>
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"I'm sorry for acting like a zombie." He apologized. Nina shook her head, dismissing his apology.</div>
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"You have nothing to be sorry for." She said.</div>
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"I do. You guys took us in and treated us like your own when you didn't have to. I should be grateful, and I am. But I repaid you by shutting you all out. I'm sorry." He said. </div>
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"Jeremy you don't ever have to apologize. We know you were taking this hard." Nina reassured him. </div>
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"Well thank you for putting up with me." He joked. Nina laughed and pulled him into a hug.</div>
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"We love you Jeremy and Malcolm, don't ever forget that." She said. </div>
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"I won't." He said and hugged her back.</div>
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"I think someone wants to see you." She said and nodded towards Malcolm.</div>
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"I think so too." He said and made his way to the nursery. </div>
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"Hey kid" Jeremy greeted his little brother. Malcolm paused, with his stick in hand and smiled. He giggled happily.</div>
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"Up up!" He demanded. Jeremy shook his head. He could be so demanding sometimes.</div>
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"Alright" Jeremy said and threw his hands up playfully.</div>
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"Come here little guy." He said and picked him up. He tickled Malcolm and he laughed in delight. Jeremy was regaining his hope little by little. He knew everything would be alright. He thought about his grandmother. He smiled and looked up and silently said thanks. </div>
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Back at Rehab, Veronica wasn't feeling hopeful. She should be. But she wasn't. Hearing that Jeremy was having a hard time dealing with the current situation took a toll on her. It was all her fault. If she wasn't selfish, she would have never left home. She would have stayed home and been the mother they deserved. Usually when thoughts like this settled in, she'd wash them away with drugs or alcohol. A pill for this, a joint for that, a swig of vodka for the rest. But no, she was in rehab. She was clean she couldn't have any of that. She would have to be a prisoner of her guilt. She laid down fearing she wouldn't make it on the outside. That the real world wasn't for her.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-19849297909678846302014-05-07T14:11:00.000-04:002014-05-07T14:11:02.212-04:00Chapter Fourteen: Something to live for Pt. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;">***This chapter contains nudity and adult situations***</span></div>
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Veronica laid on the hard, lumpy mattress with her heart racing and tears streaming down her face. She hadn't been able to sleep anymore. She had spent God knows how long dreaming, if you could call it that. It was a perfect nightmare. It was the lowest time in her life. She blinked and the tears fell faster. <i>How could she have been so weak?</i> She thought. Sadly, her mind reminded her that wasn't the worst part. And that she would re-live it just as soon as she closed her eyes. She truly was a prisoner in every sense of the word. Of her mind, her life, her addiction...she felt as if everything controlled her and she was just allowing it to happen, as if it was out of her control.<br />
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Time had passed by, even though it felt like it was standing still. Soon the lights flashed on, her cell mates stirred and an Officer was calling out for them to wake up. Veronica quickly wiped away her tears and began to sit up. Her back felt awful, but she commanded her body to move anyways. She sighed, looking at the bars and the officer on the other end.<br />
<i>Nightmare Round 2 has just began.</i> Veronica thought to herself.<br />
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One month had went by. 30 days, 4 weeks, 720 hours, 43,200 minutes, and 2,592,000 seconds had passed. Time Veronica would never get back. In that time, Veronica had received her sentencing. Her options were to continue to serve time, 6 months to be exact or to go to Rehab until the Judge decided she was clean enough to rejoin society. Although nothing was found on Veronica, they had went back to get her purse at the scene. They found syringes, pill bottles that were not prescribed to her, a small back of cocaine, a half smoked joint and a small bottle of alcohol. She didn't bother trying to deny it. What would be the point? She chose the lesser of the two evils and had been shipped off to Rehab. She willingly checked herself in, but she wouldn't be able to check herself out without the Judge's consent.<br />
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With Rehab, came mandatory counseling. But she had to go, she didn't have to talk. And during her first couple of visits she didn't. Anne, her therapist, politely sat there until the 30 minute session was up each and every time. </div>
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Today was different, today Veronica finally felt like opening up. It could be because she wasn't experiencing the withdrawal symptoms anymore. She didn't have that intense craving, cold sweat, or an uncontrollable shake anymore. She felt like, for the first time in forever, that everything was going to be alright. </div>
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In a month, Veronica's hair had grew. And the deep under-eye circles didn't stand out so much. She looked alive. Like she was actually living and not just existing. She was standing in front of the mirror and observing her reflection. She couldn't say she was 100% happy with the person looking back, but she was starting to like herself again. And one day, maybe she'd love herself. </div>
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A knock on the door, and her alarm going off had told her it was time. She shut off the alarm and greeted the nurse standing on the opposite side of her door. She couldn't go anywhere without some type of escort, but it was what she had chose so she'd live with it. Anne's door was open and ready for her to enter. The nurse watched her walk in before shutting the door behind her. </div>
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"Veronica" Anne greeted happily. She was always a cheerful woman. Veronica gave her a half smile before making her way to her seat.<br />
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"How are you?" Anne asked. It was how she had begun every session, asking how she was or what was on her mind. Veronica shrugged her shoulders in response.<br />
"You don't know?" Anne inquired. She scrunched her brows up. "Just tell me what you are thinking. It can be anything at all." Anne asked. Veronica let out a small breath of air. <i>You wanted to talk, so talk.</i> She told herself.<br />
"Well.." She began. "I guess you want to know why I'm here." Veronica said. Anne nodded her head, instructing her to go on non verbally.<br />
"It's not a straight forward answer. There are many reasons." Veronica explained.<br />
"Well life never is straight forward is it? There are twists and turns, bumps along the way. You can start from where you want." Anne responded.<br />
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"Right." Veronica replied. "Okay" She said before she began. She was going back willingly this time. Her dreams weren't in control this time.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"My boyfriend, whom I had moved out with, was a truck driver. He was always on the road, so it wasn't rare for me to be alone. Nor was it strange to find him home at random times. This had been one of those nights. He came home shortly with McDonald's in tow. It was his way of bringing dinner home. We ate our Big Macs, fries and coke while he told me about the towns he visited and the places he saw. He always talked about his job and I enjoyed it. I felt as if I was there sometimes, going to those places with him. But of course it wasn't much to talk about. He was on the clock, he had a schedule to keep so most of what he experienced was strictly visual. Dinner ended when he said he was tired. He retired to our bedroom while I threw the remainder of our meal away. I took a shower before going to bed. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The night was nothing special. I followed my shower with moisturizing my body, you know the usual. And then I decided I was tired too and it was time for bed. I remember glancing at the clock in the hall before I opened the door. It was just a little after 10. It really wasn't late at all. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Instead of being greeted with soft breathing and snoring, I found Lance wide awake. He was just laying there, smiling and obviously thinking about something. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Can't sleep?" I had asked. He looked in my direction and his face fell a bit. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"You're wearing that to bed?" He asked referring to my bathrobe. I looked down as if I had forgotten I was wearing it. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Oh. Well no, I have my pajamas on under it. " I answered. I opened the robe and revealed a pair of flannel pj's. He still looked at me with a disapproving eye. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I come home and this is what you wear to bed." He said with a cruel laugh. "That's no way to dress for your man." He said. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I wanted to protest, and I did slightly.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"What's wrong with me pj's?" I asked and re-tied my robe. I loved them, they were comfortable. Besides why should I change for someone who is never at home? I had thought. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Well you are 18 not 50. Dress like it." He said. "I got you something." He said. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"What is it?" I asked and nervously looked around the room. He laughed and pointed to the dresser. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I did as I was instructed. Inside, was a red lacy piece of lingerie. I just stared at first, fearful of picking it up. But I did after sensing Lance's gaze burning a hole through my back. I picked it up in my hands. I noticed there was no tag. Did he remove it? I didn't ask. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Put it on." He said. His voice was lower and slightly seductive. I didn't feel completely comfortable with this, but I obliged. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Veronica had retreated to the bathroom. Lance looked as if he wanted to say something, but didn't. I did my hair and put on lipstick as well." Veronica said. She stopped talking for a moment. Anne looked at her, her eyes asking what was wrong? </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Sorry." She apologized. She realized she was was about to tell Anne, a stranger, how she had lost her virginity. She took a deep breath and continued. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I had re-entered our bedroom with the flimsy outfit on. It looked as if it was barely attached to my body. And sexy was the last thing I felt. Nevertheless, if it was what Lance wanted, then it was what I'd give. I loved him that much. I risked my uncomfortable for his happiness. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">He inched closer to me until he was right behind me. I shuddered nervously. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I placed my arms over his. He felt so warm. And for a moment, just a moment, I let go of the fears and anxiety I was feeling. My stomach was still in knots and butterflies were still fluttering around, but I welcomed his embrace and warmth. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"You're beautiful." He whispered before kissing me. His lips devoured mines hungrily. I sighed happily. No matter how uncomfortable I felt, I couldn't deny the power of his kiss. His lips alone made my heart skip a beat and my knees want to buckle. I involuntarily moaned. He smiled, breaking our kiss. Instead of returning his lips to mines he began to remove the straps of my outfit. The fear, anxiety and all of the other emotions had returned full force. I closed my eyes so I wouldn't give myself away. It didn't matter, his eyes weren't paying attention to my face. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I felt the garment completely removed from my body. The room got even cooler. There I stood, naked and cold. My nipples tighten in response. And Lance wrapped his arms around me. He pulled me towards him and began to kiss the crock of my neck. My arms nervously went around his neck. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Beautiful." He whispered again. I felt anything but it, but maybe if I told myself that I was then I'd soon believe it too. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Before I knew it, he had stripped himself too and I was on my back. His eyes filled with lust, began to kiss me all over. I don't think there was a part he had missed. Soon after, he began to stroke himself. I shyly looked away. But then I stole glances at him. I had never seen all of him before. The sight of his penis made me want to push him away and run for the hills. But I knew he would never let me get that far, so it was useless. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>He had grown in size and was completely erect. He made his way closer to me, Penis in hand, ready to penetrate me. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I watched with tears in my eyes, threatening to escape any minute. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"It'll be okay." He promised and proceeded to slide it in, or try to. Instinctively, I clinched up. He looked up at me and I mumbled an apology. His second attempt was successful. I bit my finger and closed my eyes to try to escape the pain. He pushed in more and more until he was completely inside of me. I felt as if I had died and went to hell. But the pain was so intense, that I couldn't even speak. I just laid there, biting my finger and shutting my eyes. My actions were oblivious to him. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">He began to move in and out, somewhat gently at first but he quickened his pace. I felt pain, but I had mentally blocked it all out until it was as if I was numb. I could feel everything, but at the same time I couldn't. I stared at the ceiling, my eyes focused on it. I could feel warm tears stream down my face. But he didn't stop. He was too wrapped up in the pleasure that he felt, so he didn't see my pain. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Time was at a standstill for the entire duration, but eventually it was over. I felt him withdraw from me following his climax. He collapsed next to me. He didn't hold me or tell me he loved me. It was nothing like I imagine my firs time to be. It was nothing like the movies depicted it either. He did give me a small peak on the cheek before falling asleep though. Too numb to move, and too tired to try I laid there until sleep overcame me as well. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The next morning had arrived and I found myself laid on my stomach. I must have turned over during the night. I awoke to an empty bed with nothing but a pink rose near my head. He had tucked it right under my arm. It was a wonder the thorns hadn't stuck me. I looked at the rose and pushed it away as memories of last night invaded my thoughts. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Raw with emotion, and the pain of the past fresh on her mind, Veronica came back to the present time. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I had never felt so weak in my entire life." Veronica spoke. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"But it wasn't all bad.." Veronica said. A small smile spread across her face. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"There was a silver lining, a rainbow at the end of the storm. A few months later, after experiencing what he called sex a few times there was hope. A reason for me to be happy. I discovered I was pregnant." </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Anne looked defeated after hearing Veronica's story. No matter how many stories she heard, each one still managed to break her heart. She smiled after hearing the hope in Veronica's voice. When she remembered the happiness her unborn child brought her. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Well I think that's all the time we have now." Anne announced. She wasn't sure why Veronica had shared that story with her, especially when it didn't involve her addiction. But she assumed she was connecting the dots. Giving her the full story and not just the important details. And so whenever she was ready to talk, she'd listen no matter what. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Okay." Veronica simply said. Fresh tears were now on her face. She picked up a tissue before standing. And wiped her face as she opened the door. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Ready." She told the nurse sitting outside the door. It was another woman, the other must be on break Veronica thought before heading back to her room. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Veronica now laid on her bed. Her mind drifted back to the past, but a different memory this time. With her pregnancy with Jeremy on her mind, it was no surprise that her mind took her back there. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>_____________</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>She was home alone, no surprise there. She had just awoken from a nap and her mind screamed for something to quench her thirst. So she headed for the kitchen. There, a Dr. Pepper was calling her name. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Something told her not to go straight to the Kitchen just yet. She turned to her left as she left the bedroom and felt another presence in her home. Fearful she turned around. She sighed in relief when she saw the other person was Lance. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Thank God." She whispered to herself. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Hello." She greeted. Lance didn't look happy and didn't return her greeting.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"How long?" He simply asked. She raised one brow in confusion. She could ask him the same thing, how long had he been home, but she wasn't sure where he was driving at. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Huh?" She asked dumbfounded. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Don't play dumb with me. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" He asked. His face was now neutral but his words were cold. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I seriously have no idea what you're talking about." Veronica said </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Imagine my surprise when I come home to a phone call congratulating me on a baby I knew nothing about." He spoke. Veronica's eyes widen. She turned her head to the culprit, the phone on the wall. Lance had finally gotten the number changed so it was their official home phone and she was free to use it. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Lance.." Veronica said. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Sit." He demanded. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">He waited for her to make her way to the small table and join him. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Lance I was going to tell you." She said after she was seated. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"When exactly? When you were wobbling around noticeably? When your water broke?" He asked sarcastically. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"No." Veronica replied. She didn't appreciate his tone. "When you came home. How can I tell you when you are never here?" She threw back. She was tired of being his doormat. He couldn't just say or do whatever he wanted and she would just take it. No, she wouldn't take it anymore. Her baby gave her the courage she needed. He looked taken back by her response. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I have to work!" He yelled. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"That's your excuse for everything!" She yelled back, her anger matching his. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"For weeks I have been dealing with this alone. I don't know when you're coming home so excuse me for not having a speech prepared announcing my pregnancy." She said bitterly. She willed herself to calm down. He didn't deserve to make her upset. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"You're right." He said. She widen her eyes in shock. Did he just say she was right? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"You heard me, I said you're right." He repeated as if reading her mind. He stood and reached for her hand. She eyed him before taking it. He pulled her up gently. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"I'm sorry." He said softly. Gone was the anger. He looked apologetic. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"But this means I'll have to work even more. We have a baby to support." He said before hugging her. That wasn't what she wanted to hear. But Veronica allowed him to hug her anyways. She didn't want to argue anymore. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>__________</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Veronica was pulled out her past with a knock on the door. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Who is it?" She called out. She wiped away at her tears with the sleeve of her dress. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"You have a visitor." The Nurse informed her. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"A visitor?" She asked. Who would want to visit her? She wondered. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Just a minute." She said and got out of bed. She nervously walked to the door and pulled it open. Who stood in front of her beside the nurse was the last person she imagined seeing here.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Hello." The voice said waiting to be invited in. Veronica blinked and was unable to speak. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Okay, Hi I'm back :D Sorry about the cliffy, but this was becoming too long lol. And I figured this was a good place to leave it. Don't get mad at me too much please! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-31178844875235790782014-05-03T19:52:00.002-04:002014-05-03T19:52:25.349-04:00Hold on I'm coming back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXR8zicacnSgr-uiIhL13YEQTVsSFyqzsvRJGaO_obtN5G4PkNvl-CLYRkF0nMeNVqNbbG_V9peyT_7kiWXtOscqKJfWmNZIh68VRV-9Aquxdub-JbufDVyOclq66rqaLwssDj__tqrtCC/s1600/keep-calm-i-am-coming-back-soon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXR8zicacnSgr-uiIhL13YEQTVsSFyqzsvRJGaO_obtN5G4PkNvl-CLYRkF0nMeNVqNbbG_V9peyT_7kiWXtOscqKJfWmNZIh68VRV-9Aquxdub-JbufDVyOclq66rqaLwssDj__tqrtCC/s1600/keep-calm-i-am-coming-back-soon.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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You guys have NO idea how happy I am to say this semester is O-V-E-R! I am so happy that I can't even express myself further than that lol. I will be coming back with an update in the middle of next week. I feel all rusty and a little overwhelmed about writing again. Seriously, Anatomy is still on my brain :/ But I'm sure all will be well once I open up my game! Thanks for hanging in there with me guys xoxo!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-6107203321515634162014-04-16T13:23:00.001-04:002014-04-16T13:23:11.520-04:00Short Hiatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hate to do this when it seems like so many other writers are going on break too, but it's become unavoidable at this point. I originally wanted to push the story back altogether since I knew this would be a tough semester in school. But I found time in the beginning and it was fine. Now it's crunch time lol. Finals, projects, lab reports, ahhh! I will be M.I.A until the first week of May. I don't want to, but I have to. I NEED to if I want to finish the semester on a good note. Sorry guys. I'll miss Veronica and the gang but they will have to just wait in sim land a little while longer. Thanks for reading and hanging in there with me though :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-38910489108603639852014-04-06T17:29:00.002-04:002014-04-07T15:12:50.379-04:00Chapter Thirteen: Master Manipulation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Veronica felt as if she was in a horror story and the murderer had just entered her home. She turned around and froze. What was she going to say? What could she say? Her mind went blank. Her throat grew dry and all she could do was stand there and stare. Lance had dropped his arms and they were now uncrossed. He let out a deep breath and walked over to her. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thump, Thump, Thump went her heart. It seem to grow louder the closer he got. Thump, Thump, Thump. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He stopped in front of her and glared. The fury and rage was evident in his eyes. If looks could kill, well Veronica would be dead meat. She somehow managed to find her voice or part of it. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Lance.." She said shakily. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I told you <b>not</b> to touch the phone, didn't I?" He asked. His spoke slowly as if talking to a child, but his voice was cold. Cold enough to send a chill up Veronica's spine. Her voice had abandoned her again and all she could do was nod. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Then what were you doing?" He asked and pointed towards the phone, which was still swinging. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I.." Her voice was coming back little by little. <b>Think! </b>She yelled at her brain. <b>Say something! </b>"uh..I wanted to call my mother." She explained. Lance shook his head at her disapprovingly. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I told you not to touch the phone." He repeated. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I didn't want her to worry and I missed her." Veronica said in a small child-like voice. She felt every bit of 18. She was reminded of their age difference and she felt like a stupid, innocent little girl. Lance looked his age too, which was 27. It was as if his anger made his face darker, older, and scarier. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"You missed her?" He said mockingly. "You've been gone two hours tops. You can't possibly miss her." He said. But she did. Even more so now. She wished she was home. She wished she had never left. In that moment, she wished she could summon Dorothy's ruby red slippers, click her heels and go home. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Veronica summoned every bit of strength she could muster. She closed the short distance between them. Lance withdrew slightly and looked at her with confusing eyes. Veronica reached out her hand and touched his arm with it. Silently willing him to calm down.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Lance I'm sorry." She said. She forced herself to make and maintain eye contact with him. "Please forgive me." She said genuinely. Some of the anger left Lance's face. It was working, he was calming down. He sighed. </i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"No.." He said. Veronica furrowed her brows sadly. <b>No?</b> She thought.</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Don't apologize." He added. His tone was returning to normal now. Gone was the roughness and anger. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Why not?" Veronica asked. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I overreacted. I am the one who's sorry." He replied. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hesitantly, Lance reached out for Veronica. She didn't flinch or shy away. He closed his hands over hers and kissed them. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I didn't mean to lose my cool with you." He said. She nodded. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I know." She replied almost automatically. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I just..I just want you to listen to me." He said. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I will." She replied. She was just so grateful he had calmed down. She had never seen anyone so angry before and she never wanted to see it again. Her heartbeat seemed to be relaxing too. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Let's go." He said. Veronica had opened her eyes. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Go?" She asked. <b>Back home?</b>..she thought. She still thought of her mother's place as home. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"And call your mom. There is a pay phone not too far from here. We can walk there." He explained. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Oh." She replied. She then realized what he had said. She could call her mother. She didn't understand why she couldn't use the phone at their home, but she wouldn't push her luck. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Thank you." She said. He kissed her forehead in response. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance gently let her hand go. He walked back to the door and picked up the groceries. He took all of two minutes to put the items away. He returned to Veronica who stood there waiting as if she needed to be told to move. </i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Come on." He said softly and smiled. She smiled back. He reached down and grabbed her hand and lead her out of the front door. She happily walked along side him. The walk was brief. They walked to a small store down the street and Lance gave her change to use the payphone. Barbara answered right away and was happy to hear her daughters voice. Veronica was happy to. She had told her mother she was fine and was settling in her new place. Barbara had offered to come over and help clean up or unpack. Veronica refused her offer when Lance shook his head even though she wanted to say yes. Lance was right, she'd be gone less than two hours, but she was missing home. She didn't want Lance to grow impatient so she let her mother go. She thanked him again for allowing her to call home and ease both of their minds and then they headed home. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As they had reached their home. Veronica slacked back a bit. Lance was walking up to the door and reaching for the keys in his pocket. She stopped him when she threw her arms around him. He dropped his keys and turned his head to look at her. </i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"What are you doing?" He asked. He didn't raise his voice though. Veronica shrugged.</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I don't know..I just. I'm grateful for this." She said. He chuckled. She kept saying thank you all through their walk. He told her she didn't have to, but she did anyways. She pecked him on the cheek and pulled away. He bent down and collected his dropped keys. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"You're welcome." He said and opened the door. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They entered the house. Veronica headed for the kitchen to prepare dinner. Lance split ways and headed to their bedroom. She wondered where he was going, but didn't ask. She didn't want to fight with him ever again. She would have to remind herself to behave. She couldn't afford to upset him like that again. Especially being here all alone with her family not even knowing where she lived. She vowed to be on her best behavior from here on out. Lance shut the door behind him. Followed by a clicking sound, he had locked the door as well. </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance waited until he heard the refrigerator door shut and pots moving before he took out his cell phone. He dialed a number and waited for it to ring. </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Somewhere across town, Daisy was playing with her daughter Natalie. She was tickling her stomach and enjoying watching the laughter her daughter rewarded her with. She smiled, but felt as if something was missing. Just as she was about to dismiss her thoughts, the phone rung. She kissed Natalie and placed her on the floor and allowed her to play with her toys. </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Be back baby girl." Daisy said and went to answer the phone. It was nearing the fifth ring when she picked up.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Hello?" She answered. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"How's my second favorite girl?" The voice on the other end asked. </i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Second?" She repeated. "Lance..." Lance laughed, but was careful to keep his voice low. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Natalie holds first place you know that." He said. Daisy shook her head at him.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Cute.." She said. "Hey what happened earlier today?" She asked. She remembered she tried calling and was greeted with the receiver being hung up in her face.</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"What are you talking about?" Lance asked innocently. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I tried to call, but someone hung up on me." She answered and let a hint of her annoyance out. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Really?" He asked. "Beats me." He responded. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Someone picked up and hung up in my face! You have no idea who?" She said. She was getting angry. It was bad enough her husband was hardly home. She was happy to know she'd be able to get in contact with him, with him being in their old home preparing it to be sold. Or so she thought. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I just got here." He lied. "And calm down it's not good for your condition." He said softly. "Don't upset my baby boy." He joked. Daisy laughed. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Baby boy? No..Natalie wants a little sister. She insists." Daisy joked backed. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Is that so? Give her a kiss for me. I have to go." He said. Daisy sighed loud enough for him to hear.</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"But you just called." Daisy complained. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"And now I have to go. I'll be home before you know it." He said trying to cheer her up. He didn't want to get into that argument again. About him never being home. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I miss you. I need you here, we need you here." Daisy said sadly. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I have to go. Love you." He said and hung up. That ended that. He shook his head and placed his phone back into his pocket. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">***Okay I know my updates are SUPER short. I'm sorry. I picture them being longer, but when I write them I see they aren't. But I also like the short chapters. It allows me to focus on one thing at a time. Another reason is probably the pictures. In my mind they are so much better, I promise. But I guess that's where my failure lies, in picture taking. I love the sims and how you're able to capture the perfect moment with them. Well I don't have that down pact yet lol. But I hope you guys don't mind and I appreciate you all taking the time to read my story :) </span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-59583460054107763232014-03-30T13:54:00.000-04:002014-03-30T13:54:12.687-04:00Chapter Twelve: Haunted by the past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>As Veronica lay her head against the cool, stone-like pillow, she began to drift off to a land of sleep. She was successfully able to shut out her cellmates and for a a moment she was even behind bars and give into the tiredness of her body. As she entered a state of slumber, she soon found herself dreaming. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She was no longer in the rags Officer Jill called a uniform, but she was in a pink blazer, a white button-down and a ruffled grey skirt. She was back in her childhood home that was filled with nothing but love from both her parents. It was the safest place she had ever been and as she grew older, she truly believed the saying "There's no place like home." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She remembered pacing back and forth in her bedroom before going to talk to her mother in the kitchen. She rubbed her nervous fingers down her skirt before she finally opened the door. She took deep breathes as she walked in the hallway, turned and was met with her mother sitting at the dinning room table. It was her favorite place to be after she'd spent the morning cleaning. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"What a pleasant surprise. My daughter has decided to grace me with her presence." Her mother, Barbara, had joked that morning. Veronica had giggled lightly to her mothers joke. She pulled out the chair opposite of her mother and took a seat. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Good morning to you too mom." She said, trying to hide the shakiness of her voice. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I was starting to worry, you hadn't came out your room all morning." Barbara said. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I was thinking.." Veronica replied. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Again she rubbed her nervous hands on her legs, trying to get rid of the sweat. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"What's on your mind?" Her mother asked as she took in her nervous appearance. "You can tell me anything." She added. Barbara always wanted her children to feel comfortable around her and not to keep secrets. She always told them there was nothing they could say or do to make her love them any less. She grew especially concern after her husband, their father, had passed away. Both Veronica and Daniel seemed to not fully express their grief and it worried her. Veronica took one final deep breath. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I need to tell you something." Veronica began. She had a clue on how her mother would take the news and it wouldn't go well, but she had to get it off her chest. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Now mom please just hear me out." She said before she continued. A brief look of fear and worry crossed Barbara's face, but she hid it. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I will try." She replied honestly. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Do you remember the guy I told you about?" Veronica asked. Her mother nodded. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Yes, the one I've still yet to meet." She answered. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"And you will meet him soon mom. He's just really busy." Veronica said. She felt the need to explain his actions. She wanted her mother to give him a fair shot and not to judge him right off the bat. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Go on." Barbara urged. She needed to know what her daughter was going to tell her and the wait was eating away at her patience. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Well he's found a place. He's a trucker so he's been living in hotels, but he finally got a place that he can come home to." Veronica said. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Okay..." Barbara said confused. She wasn't 100% sure where Veronica was going with this, but she knew she wouldn't like it when she was done.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"And well.." Veronica paused and looked away from her mother Barbara's eyes was locked in on hers and she had to break it. She looked past her mother instead at their pool and the cool waters that filled it. It relaxed her for a moment. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Well he's asked me to move in with him." Veronica managed to finally get out. She felt like a ton of bricks were lifted off her chest, but as she glanced back at her mother's face she felt as if they had just falling back. She sighed. To her surprise her mother laughed. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"What's so funny?" Veronica asked, puzzled. The sudden outburst of laughter didn't sit right with her and she wondered if the news would cause her mother to have a break down or something. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I thought you said you were moving out with some boy I haven't even met yet. Veronica you shouldn't joke like that." Barbara dramatically clutched her heart. "It' not good for an old woman." Veronica couldn't help but to smile at her mother's lightheartedness. It certainly took some of her nervousness away, but she was serious. 100% serious. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Oh mom you don't look a day over 30." Veronica said and rolled her eyes jokingly. And Barbara didn't. She managed to eat right and exercise all while working and keeping the house clean. She rarely got upset or screamed, except when she lost her husband. It had been a terrible time for all of them, but especially her. The kids kept their emotions bottled up, but Barbara cried none stop. Her husband had been her best friend, the glue that held the family together and it wasn't a day that went by when she didn't think of him and wondered how could she go on. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Veronica. You can't be serious." Barbara replied going back to her motherly tone. Jokes were off now. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Have you completely lost your mind?" Barbara asked her daughter. Veronica feared this, over-reaction and not letting her get a word in.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"You can not move in with him. I forbid it, do you understand? Absolutely not. Her mother now furrowed her brows and wore a frown upon her face. She kept shaking her head as her. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Mom please. You haven't even heard me out!" Veronica pleaded. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"It's nothing to hear. You might as well go back to your room." Her mother said. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"No mom. I am 18 now and I can make my own decisions. I wasn't asking your permission, I was only alerting you about my decision in hopes that you would respect it." Veronica explained. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"How could I respect a decision like that, did you even think it through? Seriously think about this. Moving in is a big commitment. How well do you know him anyhow?" Barbara inquired. Veronica had pointed something out that she couldn't argue with. She was an adult and could make her own decisions, but that didn't mean Barbara would like them.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I love him and he loves me." Veronica said. She realized how cliche' it sounded, but it was the truth. Barbara scoffed. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"It's true! And even if it's a mistake. Isn't it minds to make?" She asked. Again Barbara knew she was right. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't keep her kids locked up and under her care forever. At some point they would want to branch out and live, and Veronica was ready. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Yes." Barbara answered. She argued no further, but simply got out of her seat. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Mom? Where are you going?" Veronica asked. She should be happy, she had won, but she didn't feel victorious. And she didn't want to upset her mother. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Are you hungry?" Her mother asked calling behind her as she entered the kitchen.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"No ma'am." Veronica replied. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Well I'm going to bake some cookies. Oatmeal I think." She said and began to scramble around looking for the ingredients. "They were your father's favorite." She added softly. Veronica could hear the underlying tone of sadness in her voice. She did this often when she was sad. She would cook something that reminded her of her father. She couldn't pull out any of his things because she had given them all away. Well Veronica and Daniel had, she was took heartbroken to even pack his things up so she asked them to. But food she could handle, it wasn't as personal of a reminder. And she ended up giving them to the neighbors or her kids anyways, she could never bring herself to eat it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>______________________</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>The next morning had finally arrived. Veronica stood with her mother just outside their front door. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"It's not too late." Barbara said." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Mom I'll still visit." She said in hopes of cheering her up. "I'll be here so often, you and Danny will be pushing me out the door!" Veronica joked. A small, sad smile crept across her mothers face.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I would never do that." Barbara said sadly.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I love you Veronica." Barbara said. Tears formed in her eyes and Veronica watched as she swallowed her emotions down. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I love you too mommy." Veronica said. She threw her arms around her mothers waist, like she was five years old again. She didn't realize that she was finally leaving home until now. Reality was setting in and she was going to miss her family just as much as they would miss her. Barbara squeezed her daughter tightly until they heard the horn behind them. They laughed and pulled themselves apart. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>The two women packed her luggage into the Taxi's trunk. As they made their final trip, Barbara reminded her to say goodbye to her brother. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Daniel made his way outside after Barbara called for him. He tried to hide his sadness, but he wasn't very good at it.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I'm going to miss you kid." Veronica said and pulled her brother into a hug.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I'll miss you too." He replied. She gave him a small peck on the cheek.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Eww." He joked and rubbed it off. The three of them shared a laugh.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"You'll visit sometime right?" He asked.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"All the time." Veronica replied and smiled. They were practically best friends. And they would both miss each other terribly. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I'll call you when I get settled in." Veronica promised as she turned to leave. She gave her mother one last hug and waved goodbye as she hopped in the taxi. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>The drive had been forty minutes longer than Veronica anticipated. They pulled into a neighborhood of small-starter homes. The taxi stopped in front of a white and green wooden house. It wasn't all that grand and smaller than she thought, but she held off further judgement until she had seen the inside of the place. She paid the cabbie and he helped her by bringing her bags to the door. It wasn't much help really, but she thanked him. He nodded and sped away. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She walked up to the door with one of her suitcases in hand. She pulled the key from under the welcome mat and let herself in. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She set her luggage down and to her surprise, the place looked fully furnished. She frown upon seeing this. She had expected to see an empty room with a bad paint job and boxes everywhere. She had looked forward to decorating and painting the place with Lance. But now, she could forget about that. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />"You're here!" A familiar voice spoke behind her. She turned on her heels and was met with Lance approaching her. She returned his smile and forgot about being upset over the furniture. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"What's wrong?" He asked seeing the disappointment on her face. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>But before she could answer, he covered her mouth with his and silenced her. He pulled away like he hadn't just kissed her and took her breath away. He stood and awaited for her answer. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Go on." He urged and stood before her. Veronica tried to catch her breath. He was an amazing kisser. He always left her wanted more, but always stopped himself. She hated that about him, but would never actually tell him that. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Well it's just that..I hadn't expected the place to look like this." She answered. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Oh." He replied. "Isn't it great? I figured it'd save us some time." He said. Great? It was anything but great to Veronica. She felt robbed of the opportunity to decorate what was suppose to be their first home together as a couple. Before Veronica could comment the phone rung. She was closer to it so she naturally walked over to answer it, but Lance surprisingly jumped in front of her. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>He looked at the phone then simply hung it up. Veronica watched confused by his actions.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Who was it?" She asked. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"No one. They have been calling all morning, we have to get the number changed." He explained. Veronica was still confused. If no one had lived here before, then how was the phone on?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Lance.." She said.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Hmm?" He answered and spun around to face her. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"How come the phone is on, you know if no one lived here?" She inquired. She didn't question him often, but this made no sense. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Well I never said no one lived here. It belonged to a family member who needed a bigger place for their family. And I needed a place and you know..the rest is obvious." He explained. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Oh. I assumed no one lived here before then." She said feeling a bit dumb. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Don't assume." Lance replied seriously. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Why don't you go put your things away?" He suggested and went to sit on the sofa. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Veronica did as she was told. She put her clothes and belongings away with no help from Lance. She only had two suitcases, but still it would have been nice if he offered to help. She noticed that the bedroom was somewhat empty, except the bed and dresser. This made her a bit happy, at least she would get to decorate something. She returned to the living room when she was done. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Honey. We should go out." Veronica suggested. One thing about having your own place meant freedom. She didn't have to run things by her mother anymore, now she could go out whenever she pleased or so she thought. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Hmm..I would actually perfer if you cooked." Lance replied. </i><b>Cook? Veronica thought. She had been packing all the night before, barely had any sleep because she was too anxious about today and just unpacked her things by herself and now he was suggesting she cook? Why her, why couldn't he cook and why couldn't they go out? </b><i>She bit her tongue. She didn't want to argue in their first day in their new home. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"What would you like to eat?" She asked. She hoped he said a salad or something. Her cooking skills were pretty limited since her mother did all the cooked. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I'd love some spaghetti." He answered. "I'll swing by the store and get the ingredients." He added. She had only seen her mother cook spaghetti, but had never tackled it herself. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I'm not very good at it.." She said and tried to get out of the task. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Nonsense. You'll do fine." He said. She was glad he had more confidence in her than she had in herself. He pecked her on the cheek before grabbing his keys and heading out the door. He shut the door and she was left alone, all alone. She wish she'd offered to go with him. She had nothing to do now. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She had turned on the television in hopes of finding something on TV, but it didn't hold her interest for long.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She then got the bright idea to take a nap. She could use one and she was sure it would past the time. She was wrong however. She hated sleeping in new places and spent five minutes trying to fall asleep. She sighed and turned the lights back on and re-opened the blinds. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>She sat up and rubbed her eyes even though she hadn't rested. She stretched and tried to think of another way to pass the time. Maybe go meet the neighbors? No. She wasn't that social and didn't want to make a fool of herself. It was nothing to clean up so that wasn't an option either. And to make matters worst there was no clock in sight so she didn't know how long Lance was gone for. One final idea popped in her head, she could call her mother. But she remembered that Lance had told her not to answer or use the phone. But he wouldn't know right? It would last all of two minutes tops. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Her heart was beating too loud as she walked over to the phone on the wall. So loud that she didn't hear the door open. So loud that she didn't hear footsteps or Lance placing the grocery bags on the ground. As her hand reached for the phone, a voice spoke from behind her. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"What are you doing?" It asked. It was Lance and he didn't sound happy. Veronica dropped the phone and it swung back and forth as it hung from the cord. She let out a small scream and placed her hand over her chest. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>To be continued...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-41528676851358195522014-03-23T16:05:00.001-04:002014-03-23T16:05:57.991-04:00Chapter Eleven: When Reality hits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The drive to the Bridgeport Police Department took all about five minutes, however to Veronica it felt like eternity. Every minute reminded her where she was headed. To Jail. How long would she have to stay? She couldn't afford a lawyer, would she need one? Her mind wouldn't shut up. It wouldn't let up and she had no escape. And unlike usual, she didn't have anything to ease her mind and erase her fears. Oh what she wouldn't do for a pill, beer or a joint right about now.<br />
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"We're here." Officer Jill announced. She shut off the engine and exited the car. She came around to Veronica's side to let her out. She roughly helped her out of the car and lead her inside the building.<br />
"Ouch." Veronica said under her breath. She didn't know which was tighter, the cuffs or the officers grip.<br />
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Drew was already inside when they entered. Another officer was behind the desk and his eyes quickly zoomed in on Veronica. He let out a whistle.<br />
"What? Your plan actually worked?" He said. Drew crossed his arms over his chest.<br />
"You two will learn to stop doubting me one day." He replied. The other officer chuckled.<br />
"Well I didn't think anyone would be dumb enough to offer it up right in the open." The other officer remarked. Veronica felt even more embarrassed. It was certainly one of the stupidest things she had ever done.<br />
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"Book her." Drew commanded and made his way behind the desk.<br />
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"Move it." Jill said. She tightened her grip yet again around Veronica's arm. This time Veronica let go of the lipstick in her hand. It landed with a clicking noise as it made contact with the ground. Jill kicked it out of her way. As Veronica began walking ahead she could feel the two women's gazes shooting darts her way. Veronica chalked it up as them sizing her up. She just kept her eyes forward and continued to the desk. </div>
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Jill unlocked Veronica's handcuffs so she could give her fingerprint.<br />
"Do I get my phone call?" Veronica asked before placing her finger in the ink.<br />
"Yeah yeah." The officer behind the desk answered her.<br />
"First things first." Jill said and pointed to the ink. Veronica placed her finger inside and made a copy of her fingerprint. She looked back at Jill. Jill in return nodded her head towards the phone nearby.<br />
"60 seconds." Jill said.<br />
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With shaky fingers, Veronica reached for the phone.</div>
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"Please pick up." She said as she dialed her brothers number. Thankfully it was one of the few numbers she knew off the top of her head. </div>
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Around the fifth ring, Daniel picked up.<br />
"Hello?" He said. "Who is this?" He asked. He had no idea who could be calling him from the Police Department.<br />
"Danny it's me." Veronica said.<br />
"Veronica? WHERE ARE YOU?" He yelled.<br />
"Calm down. I don't have much time to explain. Uh..I'm locked up." Veronica replied.<br />
"30 seconds." Jill reminded her. Veronica resisted the urge to tell her to shut up. Jill was working her nerves more and more.<br />
"I can't talk long. Just take care of the boys for me please." She begged. Daniel sighed.<br />
"Of course." He said.<br />
"Thank you." She said and hung up.<br />
"You went over." Jill said and squinted her eyes at her. <i>Really?! </i>Veronica wanted to yell.<br />
"Sorry." Is what she said however.<br />
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After patting them down and completely taking any personal belongings the ladies had, except their clothes and shoes, Jill led them into a small communal bathroom.<br />
"You only get five minutes. I suggest you start scrubbing." Jill told them. The women stood there for a moment, confused. Especially Veronica.<br />
"Move!" Jill directed. They jumped slightly and headed towards the showers.<br />
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Jill triggered the water to start and turned away. She hated belittling people, but it came with the job. You couldn't show any weakness in front of the inmates. She sighed. She paid attention to her shoes as a way of giving them some sort of privacy.<br />
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After their shower, Jill tossed them a towel, a uniform and shoes.<br />
"Get dressed." She said. She turned her head again. She lead them to their shared cell after they were dressed. Jill shut the door loudly behind them and locked the door.<br />
"Lights out in 10 minutes." Jill said and exited the room. She needed a cup of coffee right away.<br />
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Veronica stood there and stared at the bars. Hoping they'd open, hoping she could be free. Her eyes began to water. She was truly stuck. This was it. She was in jail.</div>
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"They aren't going anywhere." One of her cellmates told her.<br />
"Stare all you want, you'll pass out before they budge." The other one interjected. Veronica turned to face the two women.<br />
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"What is wrong with you two? How can you sit there and act like this is...normal?!" Veronica yelled. She didn't care if her tone would get her beat up or yelled at. She was going crazy.<br />
"Sorry to disappoint you Princess, but this is how it works. Now lay your ass down and shut up." The redhead told her.<br />
"I don't belong here" Veronica said. "I'm innocent." The two almost doubled over in laughter.<br />
"Innocent?" One of the repeated. "Right honey we are all innocent."<br />
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Fed up of being the butt of everyone's joke, Veronica made her way to her bed. She fluffed the old pillow and rested her head on it. It was going to be a long night.<br />
"Night Princess." One of the women said mockingly. Veronica closed her eyes.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-55172287996177212292014-03-16T00:07:00.002-04:002014-03-16T00:07:20.079-04:00Chapter Ten: Busted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Veronica quickly slid back up to the front seat and the gentleman joined her. She was straightening out her dress and trying to look as calm as she could. Her heart was racing as she watched the female officer shut off the car, slam the door shut and walk over to them. </div>
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"Relax." He told her. <i>Sure</i> she thought, <i>easy for him to say. </i>She nodded anyways and tried to take his advice. </div>
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"Officer." The man greeted her once she reached the car. The woman just nodded hear head in Veronica's direction.</div>
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"Whats going on here?" Officer Jill asked. </div>
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"Oh officer, we were just leaving. Heading home." Veronica fibbed. </div>
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"Really?" The other woman inquired even though she could see through Veronica's BS.</div>
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"Yes. We got a little carried away after leaving the club, but we can save it until we get home. So if you could just let us be on our way." Veronica said. She could tell the officer wasn't buying any of this, but it was worth a shot. </div>
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"Right, How rude of me. Here I am standing in your way of you getting your rocks off." Jill replied sarcastically. </div>
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"Have you been drinking?" The officer asked both of them.</div>
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"No Ma'am." They answered in unison. For once, Veronica wasn't lying. And she was grateful for not drinking before she left home.</div>
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The driver finally spoke up.</div>
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"Miss we haven't done anything wrong. We weren't engaging in any type of sexual activity here. Can't you let us be?" He said. The officer scoffed and directed her attention his way. </div>
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"No paying for sex is totally legal correct?" She spat at him. He frowned. </div>
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"Out of the car Miss." Jill said. </div>
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Veronica nearly dropped the lipstick in her hand. Her eyeballs popped open in shock.<i> Out of the car?</i> She thought. <i>Shit this can't be good. </i>She looked at the man in the drivers seat, her eyes pleading for help. She thought about cranking up the car and putting her foot over his and taking off. But it would be pretty hard to have a high speed chase when you weren't the driver. </div>
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"Okay." Veronica said nervously. Her hands shook as she reached for the door handle and slowly pulled it open. </div>
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"Hands where I can see them!" The Officer instructed as Veronica exited the car. </div>
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"Yes Ma'am." Veronica said. </div>
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Veronica now stood in front of the officer. She turned away not meeting the woman's glare. </div>
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"So how much did he pay you?" The Officer asked. </div>
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"Excuse me?" Veronica asked. She had almost forgot about the two twenties and ten dollar bill that was in her clutch on the floor. She then realized what the woman was implying. She turned to face her. </div>
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"Ma'am you are mistaken. I am not a prostitute." Veronica explained. In her head it made so much sense, but not to an outsider, especially a cop. </div>
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"You could have fooled me. Nice dress." Jill said with a nod to Veronica's wardrobe. </div>
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"This is just a misunderstanding. It isn't what it looks like." Veronica pleaded. She had to make the woman understand, she needed to. The Officer shook her head.</div>
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"You are being placed under arrest for soliciting sex." Officer Jill said and then began reading Veronica her rights. </div>
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This night was not going the way Veronica hoped. She planned on going out, getting wasted and taking home a much nicer looking guy then the last. So far she hadn't succeed in any of that and would now be spending the night in jail. </div>
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"Please Miss. You have this all wrong." Veronica begged. </div>
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"My kids. They need me. I have to go home." Veronica said.</div>
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"Ha! And is that where you were headed? Home? After you finished blowing me off of course?" The gentleman threw at her. Veronica's eyes expressed confusion.</div>
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"Wha?.." She said in confusion. </div>
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"Drop the act lady. I'm a cop." The man said. He flashed her his badge and motioned for Jill to put Veronica inside the car. Jill nodded and lead Veronica to the back seat.</div>
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"Watch your head." She told her. </div>
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"And you doubted this would work." Drew told his partner. </div>
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"That I did, gotta say I'm pleasantly surprised." Jill remarked. </div>
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"Well I hope you know now not to doubt me anymore." He said.</div>
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"That I do." She replied. Jill looked over to Veronica, she felt a small pang of regret. She hated taking a mother from her kids. </div>
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"Maybe we should give her a warning. She has children." Officer Jill said. She knew she would get grief for letting her emotions cloud her judgement. But she didn't care. So what if she had a heart? </div>
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"Jill." Drew warned. </div>
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"We proved your idea works. We will have no problem picking up another I'm sure." Jill tried to reason with him. Drew shot her a firm look that said there was no going back.</div>
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"Get in your car Jill and book her. Now." He said sternly. </div>
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"Okay." Jill replied. She looked back sadly at the woman as she turned to get in the car. </div>
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<i>Jail? </i><br />
<i>I can't go to jail!</i><br />
<i>What about Jeremy? Malcolm? </i><br />
<i>Oh no.. </i>For once in Veronica's life her concern was not all about her. She worried for her boys. Sure she wasn't much of a presence at home, but she made sure they were okay. Food was in the fridge, lights were on. <i>What would happen now?</i> She worried.<br />
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"Cheer up. You get one phone call, and you better make it worth it." Jill said as she started the car. Veronica laughed sadly. <i>Cheer up? Yeah right </i>She thought.<br />
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"Who the hell is that?" Daniel complained. He was sleeping rather peacefully and wasn't too thrilled about being waken up. He sighed and went to answer the phone before it disturbed Nina too. </div>
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_____________________________<i>Present Time</i>________________________________________</div>
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Jeremy rushed to his Uncle's apartment as fast as he could. It was the third time that he got an uneasy feeling from his Uncle's phone call. He was grateful that Lauren and him had finished their project or he'd feel extra guilty for running out on her again. She was understanding though. In his hast to get to his Uncle's place, he had forgotten his book bag but it hadn't hit him yet.</div>
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As he walked through the door, He was greeted with a worried Aunt Nina, a cheerful and oblivious Malcolm, and his Uncle sitting with his back turned to him. He didn't need to see the man's face. His posture said enough. Something had happened. Something <b>bad. </b> </div>
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Nina looked up and saw Jeremy coming their way. She gave him a small sad smile before scooping Malcolm up. He dropped his toy, but Jeremy picked it up.</div>
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"Here ya go Champ." Jeremy said and ruffled his hair a bit. Malcolm took the toy and laughed. </div>
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"What's going on?" Jeremy asked looking back and forth between his Uncle and Aunt. Daniel cleared his throat. Nina took the hint plus she felt inappropriately dressed being in front of Jeremy. She walked towards the nursery with Malcolm in her arms. </div>
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"What is it?" Jeremy asked. He was growing more concerned by their odd behavior. Daniel rose from the couch and stood to meet his nephew. He looked the younger man in his eye with sad eyes. Why did he always have to break the bad news to him? He exhaled. </div>
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"Jeremy take a seat." Daniel suggested. Jeremy shook his head. </div>
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"No. Tell me what's going on." Jeremy demanded. </div>
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"Jeremy sit." Daniel told him once more. </div>
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"Tell me." Jeremy insisted. "I'm not a kid I can handle it." He said. </div>
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"Alright." Daniel said sadly. He informed Jeremy that he received a phone call from the Bridgeport police department concerning his mother. She was arrested for prostitution and would at least have to spend the night in jail. </div>
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"You're kidding me right?" Was Jeremy's response. He couldn't believe it. </div>
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"I wish I were kid. Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you. I would have helped you." Daniel wondered. He wanted to be there for his nephews. He wanted them to be able to turn to them in times of trouble. Maybe it was his fault. Maybe he was too blind to see what they were going through. He was mentally blaming himself. He felt as if he could have done more. </div>
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"Why?" Jeremy asked as his voice began to crack with emotion. He could feel the tears forming in his eyes and his shoulder slumped over. He was tired. Tired of his mother and her crap. And tired of having to hold it all on his shoulders. He felt as if the pressure was finally too much and he wanted to collapse. Daniel gripped his arms to make sure he didn't.</div>
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"I'm sorry kid." Daniel apologized. "I should have been there for you. I should have seen what was right there all along." He said. Jeremy shook his head. As he did a tear escaped.</div>
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"It's not your fault. It's hers. I hate her!" Jeremy screamed. </div>
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"It's going to be okay." Daniel said. He wasn't sure how to comfort him. What could he say really? His mother was an alcoholic junkie and she was now behind bars. Was it really going to be okay? He didn't know but he would do what he could to make it so. </div>
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Nina changed and put Malcolm in his pajamas. She gently sat him in the crib. The crib that her child was suppose to be in, but she was fine with sharing. She thought of it as Malcolm keeping it warm for them. </div>
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"Get some sleep handsome." She said softly to him. The toddler placed his hand around hers as she touched his cheek. She smiled. </div>
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"Night night." She whispered. He laid down and his little eyelids began to close. Nina slipped a blanket over him and turned off the lights. She turned to see her husband consoling Jeremy. She sighed sadly. It was going to be a long night. </div>
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**Two updates in one week! Fridays made up for last Sundays. And today, which is technically Sunday my time, makes up for Sunday. I won't be home to publish it so I decided to get it out of the way before I go to bed. I hope you enjoy. It'll be back on it's Sunday schedule next week!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-20843932886946100072014-03-14T17:46:00.003-04:002014-03-14T17:46:51.784-04:00Chapter Nine: Interruptions <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sunday had arrived. The day Jeremy and Lauren had agreed to meet once again and finish their American Government assignment. Lauren had just made it home in time from church. She was heading towards the living room as her father walked past her to use the bathroom. Her cell phone began to buzz in her hand. She almost jumped. She wasn't used to having a cell phone or using one. No one texted or called her besides family. </div>
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She let out a small breath of air as she slide the button over to accept the call. </div>
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"Hello?" She said. </div>
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"Hey, just calling to let you know I'm on my way." Jeremy said. </div>
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"Alright. See ya." She said. </div>
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"See ya." He returned. They both hung up their phones. </div>
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Lauren was making a U-turn to her room to grab her laptop when her Father blocked her way. </div>
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"Dad." She said. </div>
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"Who was that?" Her father asked out of curiosity. How was she going to tell him that a boy was on his way over to their home? She was honestly hoping Jeremy wouldn't come until her father had left for work. But she decided to be truthful with him.</div>
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"My partner, remember I said we had to finish our project?" She answered. <i>Maybe it wouldn't hurt to leave his gender out of this</i> Lauren thought.</div>
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"Uh huh. I remember. Why are you so jumpy?" He asked noting her sudden change in attitude. </div>
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"Oh Dad. I'm just ready to get it over with." Lauren said. She made a dash around him and retrieved her laptop. She returned with her laptop in tow when she heard the doorbell ring. <i>Oh no!</i> She thought. She placed the laptop on the desk and turned to open the door, but her father was five steps ahead of her. He raised an eyebrow at her before he looked out the peephole. </div>
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Mr. Gleason swung the door open and on the other side there stood a young man. <i>It makes sense now</i> he thought to himself regarding his daughter's behavior. </div>
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"Hello." Jeremy said. "I'm Jeremy." Jeremy introduced himself. He extended his hand for a handshake. The older gentleman accepted and gave him a firm shake. </div>
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"Nice to meet you." Mr. Gleason said. </div>
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"Likewise sir." Jeremy replied. Mr. Gleason stepped aside to allow Jeremy to enter their home. Lauren had gotten over her horror and busied herself with a book or pretended to. </div>
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"I have to go to work Lauren." Mr. Gleason said over his shoulder. "You two make sure to only do schoolwork understood?" He said. Lauren wanted to die. <i>What exactly was he implying?</i> Jeremy and Lauren thought. </div>
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"Of course sir." Jeremy said. Mr. Gleason nodded his head before picking up his keys and going out the door.</div>
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"I'll he home early." He said before closing the door behind him. </div>
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Lauren stood when Jeremy was making his way to the living room. </div>
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"I am so sorry." Lauren said. "He uh..isn't really like that." She tried to explain her father's behavior. He never had to be she guessed. </div>
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"Hey it's okay. I understand." Jeremy said. That still did nothing to ease Lauren's embarrassment. </div>
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"He only has two daughters." Lauren joked. "He's protective I guess." </div>
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"You guess?" Jeremy joked back. Lauren laughed softly. </div>
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"Very Protective. Anyways let's get started." She said. </div>
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Jeremy swung his book bag around and began to dig out his research and usb flash drive. </div>
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"I need to change." Lauren said. She wanted to be in something other than her Sunday's best. It would make her feel more relaxed too hopefully. </div>
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When Lauren returned she discovered Jeremy seated on the couch looking over his notes. She joined him and opened a book she picked up from the table. </div>
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"I found something we could use in here." She explained. Jeremy lifted his head and watched as she flipped through the various pages. She looked so much more relaxed here he noted. Well anyone would feel comfortable at their own home, or at least they should. He continued to observe her as she flipped pages. She licked one of her fingers to help with the turning. It was then he noticed the hint of pink lipstick on her lips. His eyes traveled further up and he saw the hint of blush that was delicately spread across her cheekbones. His eyes continued their journey up to her eyes. Her eyes were lined with eyeliner, but it wasn't overly done like a lot of girls who looked like they were raccoons or had permanent black eyes. </div>
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"Here it is!" She announced. He didn't say anything. She turned to face him and noticed he was staring at her. She felt a little uneasy. </div>
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"Jeremy?" She called. </div>
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Jeremy came to his senses. It was his turn to be embarrassed. </div>
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"Sorry." He apologized.<i> I hope she didn't notice me staring.</i> He thought, <i>I can hope at least. </i></div>
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The duo continued to work to get their project finished. Lauren was putting the finishing touches on the power point and Jeremy was offering his input from beside her. </div>
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"Done!" She said cheerfully. She played a preview of it and they both agreed they were pleased with the outcome.</div>
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"I can breathe now." Jeremy said.</div>
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"Me too." Lauren replied. </div>
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Lauren saved the project to Jeremy's flash drive and shut her laptop down. Jeremy placed his papers and notebook back in his bag. </div>
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"Here ya go." Lauren said and handed him his usb. </div>
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"Thanks." He said and slide it into one of the pockets on his book bag.</div>
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"Don't lose it. It's our grade." Lauren teased. </div>
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"I wouldn't dream of it." Jeremy said with a small smile. Lauren smiled too. She then went to sit down. Jeremy took the seat across from her. </div>
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"You look really comfortable." He said. He realized how lame it sounded once the words left his mouth. He was mentally face palming himself for it. </div>
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"Thank you." Lauren said confused.</div>
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"I meant you look so nervous at school." He said trying to save himself. Lauren nodded.</div>
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"Yeah. It's a new environment for me." She said. </div>
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"Right. Do you like it here?" He said. Lauren shrugged. </div>
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"Not really. It's really busy." She answered. It was quite the opposite of where she grew up. She was a country girl, born and raised on a farm. </div>
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"It is." Jeremy agreed. "I hate it too. It's like sometimes I can't even hear myself think." Jeremy added. Lauren nodded. As if to prove a point, a car zoomed past from the street while blasting loud music. </div>
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"See?" Jeremy said and laughed. Lauren joined him. </div>
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"You sound tired of it." Lauren noted. </div>
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"I'm tired of a lot. I want to just go somewhere, anywhere, and never look back." He replied. Lauren could hear the sadness in his voice. She could tell he meant every word. She wondered exactly what he wanted to run from or whom. The bravery bug had bitten her and she was about to ask when Jeremy's phone began to ring.</div>
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__________________ <i>90 minutes earlier</i>________________________</div>
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Veronica was determined to get the Nina incident out of her head and have a good time. She deserved it. She remained sober that entire day, proving she can quit anytime she wanted to. But tonight she didn't want to be sober. She wanted to go out and live, have fun while she was still young. She scrunched her face up as she applied more blush to her cheek, trying to cover up the fading bruise. </div>
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"That woman." She said to out loud to herself referring to Nina. <i>She had some nerve slapping me</i> she thought. </div>
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"Much better." Veronica said to herself. She was happy with her appearance and exited the bathroom.</div>
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She was grateful that Malcolm was still at Daniel's place. At least she wouldn't have to call a babysitter. And besides she didn't know anyone else who would be willing to watch him 24/7. She had no intention on returning home tonight. Little did she know, she would get her wish. </div>
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Veronica had decided to walk in true Bridgeport fashion. Why waste money on a cab when you have two feet? She was preparing to cross the street when she spotted a man sitting in an empty parking lot. Her curiosity got the best of her and she made her way to him. </div>
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She sauntered over to the car and learned over. </div>
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"You lost stranger?" She asked. The man looked to his left. She wasn't sure why, but she would find out later. </div>
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"Who said I'm lost?" He replied coyly. Veronica smirked.</div>
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"Then why are you out here all alone?" She asked.</div>
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"I don't have to be alone." He said. That was music to her ears. The club could wait, she would just have a little fun before she got to her destination. </div>
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"Can I come in?" She asked. He patted the leather seat next to him. She wasted no time letting herself in. </div>
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"So what's your name?" He inquired. </div>
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"You didn't invite me in here to talk." She said bluntly. </div>
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"Oh?" He said and raised a brow.</div>
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"Oh nothing." She said. She lifted a finger and caressed his beard. "You are the sexiest guy I've ever seen." She said seductively. </div>
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"I bet you tell all the guys that." The man said. Veronica shook her head. </div>
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"How much?" The guy asked. Again Veronica was being mistaken for a lady of the night. She decided to go along with it.</div>
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"Uh..$50." She replied. </div>
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"That's all?" He said. Veronica shrugged. He slipped her two twenty's and a ten. She placed them in her clutch and threw it on the floor. </div>
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Veronica slipped back to the backseat of the car and her friend joined her. </div>
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"You're not afraid of getting caught?" He asked hesitantly. </div>
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"I'm not afraid of anything." She said. She brought his face closer to hers and was about to go in for the kiss when sirens were heard in the background. </div>
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"Shit!" He swore and pulled away from her.</div>
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"What's wrong?" Veronica asked.</div>
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"Are you deaf?" He said in a panic. "The cops are coming!" He screamed. Veronica turned her head to look and spotted a policeman pulling up nearby.</div>
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"Just follow my lead." She said coolly. She thought she would have it under control but inside her heart was threatening to beat out of her chest. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-89845850527465929762014-03-08T23:23:00.001-05:002014-03-08T23:23:17.151-05:00SorryI won't be updating tomorrow. I wanted to write this earlier, but then I was like no I'm going to go ahead and take the pictures and then write it tomorrow like usual. But I am so tired of taking pictures in Bridgeport. Idk if it's my computer, me or the game just hates me. It takes entirely too much time and effort to get the angles just right. It only happens in apartments too. I don't understand :( I will probably end up having them live in houses because I can't deal lol. Also the reason I was going to not update because it's Spring Break for me and I really need it. I have had test after test thrown my way and I need to work on some work too now that I have free time. Soo if I do anything sim related I'll probably be moving my sims into their new homes. I'll still be lurking to read stories though! Never to busy for that lol.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-31927707709378717362014-03-02T18:22:00.001-05:002014-03-02T18:22:54.200-05:00Chapter Eight: Out of time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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It hadn't even been a full week into the school year yet, and they were already being assigned a project. Thankfully, it was a partnered project and Jeremy didn't have to go at it alone. With Lauren being new to the school she asked the only person she knew for help, Jeremy. He didn't mind. Honestly, he didn't want to work with anyone else in the class. 90% of the students would flake on the assignment and the other 8% would rush at the last minute. So he happily accepted. </div>
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The two agreed to meet over the weekend. Jeremy suggested Saturday because he was off and their aunt Nina offered to babysit Malcolm. It was a bit unexpected and he was shocked his mother didn't object, but he was happy he'd be in safe hands. That allowed for him to actually focus on getting the project done instead of worrying if his mother was getting high with his little brother in the room.</div>
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The two selected a quiet little corner to work in at the Library. Lauren had been busy at home and gathered most of the research, which was now spread out on the desk in front of them. </div>
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"Sorry I'm not pulling my weight." Jeremy apologized. He felt like one of the slackers he wanted to avoid. Lauren shook her head, dismissing his apology.</div>
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"No, it's my fault. I got a bit carried away." She replied. She wasn't used to having partners so it was natural for her to get started right away. She decided to leave out the fact that she had nothing better to do. She was afraid of sounding like a geek. Jeremy smiled at her.</div>
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"So do you think we should do a power point or use a display board?" Jeremy asked. The project was for American Government and they had to research any president throughout history and 10 things that stood out during their presidency. They decided on Nixon. </div>
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Lauren pondered for a moment. Either choices made her want to cringe, she was terrified of presenting. She had never done it before. </div>
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"Uh..which do you think is best?" She asked. Jeremy shrugged.</div>
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"I'm fine either way, but a power point is easiest." He answered.</div>
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"Power point it is then." She said. </div>
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Lauren was about to turn around and open her laptop, when she heard a vibrating sound. Jeremy pulled out his phone and slide the button to "Decline". He didn't bother to check the ID.</div>
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"What are you looking up?" He asked, turned the focus back on the project.</div>
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"Just some pictures for the power point." Lauren answered. She was a bit confused as to why he didn't answer his phone, but didn't say anything. She found a picture she thought would be good to use and was going to ask Jeremy's opinion when his phone rung again. He declined the call again. </div>
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"Seems important." Lauren commented. She wasn't one to butt into people's business, but she thought it was getting a bit weird. Who calls multiple times for nothing? </div>
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"It's no- He didn't get to finish his reply. His phone had rung again. He sighed. </div>
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"Maybe you should just answer it." Lauren suggested. She went back to looking at pictures. </div>
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"Excuse me." Jeremy said and answered his phone.</div>
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It was his Uncle Daniel. He wondered what he wanted. And then he started to panic. What if it's bad news? again? He remembered it was his Uncle that had made the call about his Grandmother. What if something happened to Malcolm.</div>
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"Jeremy? Kid, you there?" Daniel was saying. Jeremy blinked his eyes and came back to reality. </div>
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"Sorry. I'm here." Jeremy answered.</div>
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"I just called to tell you I'm on the way." Daniel said. Jeremy had forgot that his Uncle was picking him up. Had it been an hour already? It didn't seem like it.</div>
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"Right okay." Jeremy said. </div>
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"See you soon kid." Daniel said and hung up. </div>
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Jeremy told Lauren that he had to leave soon. She began to pack up her things with Jeremy's help. She grabbed her book bag and they walked towards the exit. Jeremy offered to move forward with the project and send her his work when he was done. She agreed. </div>
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"Sorry." He apologized. Lauren laughed softly.</div>
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"You didn't do anything wrong, stop apologizing." She said. Lauren wasn't the talkative type and didn't easily open up. But she felt different with Jeremy. She felt relaxed, as if they hadn't just met and were practically strangers. He had to admit, he felt the same comfort with her. The two said their goodbyes and Lauren walked home. </div>
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Jeremy opted to stay outside and wait. His mind drifted to the phone call he got today and what it dredged up. The death of his grandmother. He knew she only had days left and wanted to spend every moment with her, but she insisted that he go home. He wasn't sure why and regretted leaving her side. But she had said, he needed to get fresh air. He had reluctantly left. He took a nap, but was woken up at exactly 5:55 pm by a phone call. His Uncle's voice was shaky and Jeremy knew something was wrong. </div>
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"Jeremy?" Someone called his name. He was too distracted by his thoughts to hear it though. </div>
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"Jeremy?!" The voice got louder. He was brought back to the present time. </div>
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"Yes?" He called out. As he stood, he saw his Uncle approaching him. </div>
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"You going deaf on me kid?" Daniel joked. Jeremy didn't join in on the laughter. He shook his head.</div>
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"No. I was just thinking." He said. Daniel nodded.</div>
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"You ok?" He asked. Jeremy nodded.</div>
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"I'm fine." He lied. Daniel wasn't buying it, but he didn't push any further. </div>
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"Let's grab a bite to eat." Daniel suggested. Jeremy remained quiet and followed his Uncle to his car. </div>
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Daniel parked his car a few blocks away from the food truck and the two hoofed it the rest of the way. </div>
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Jeremy ordered first and selected a taco. Daniel went for the hot dog with all the toppings. Daniel paid for their meal and the two went to sit on a nearby bench. </div>
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Daniel watched as Jeremy took a bite of his taco. He thought about how he should approach the subject of his mother. He was determined to ask him if she was using again and hoped he'd answer honestly. But it wasn't easy and he didn't want to just come out with it. It was like Jeremy could sense it and took a bite every time Daniel opened his mouth. Daniel began to eat his hot dog and wait until his nephew was done eating. He couldn't use his food as a distraction if it was gone. </div>
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Jeremy had gotten up to throw the paper plate away. He knew Daniel was up to something. They had never hung out before. He pretended to get a phone call as a way to get out of the awkward situation ahead. </div>
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"Hello?" Jeremy said.</div>
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"Oh you need me to come in? right now?" Jeremy asked. He hoped his performance was believable. Daniel eyed him as he made the phone call. </div>
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"I'll be there as soon as I can." Jeremy replied and "hung up" his phone. </div>
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He walked the short distance back to his Uncle.</div>
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"I have to go. Work needs me." He said. Daniel nodded his head. He finished the last bite of hot dog and threw his plate away too.</div>
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"Need a ride?" Daniel offered.</div>
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"No no, It's not too far. I'll walk." Jeremy said evasively. </div>
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"Be careful kid." Daniel said. </div>
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"Of course. I'll pick up Malcolm when I get off." Jeremy said and began to walk off. He intended to just go home for a few hours and then walk back to his Uncle's place. It was a bit extreme for a lie, but it was better than talking about whatever it was Daniel had on his mind. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-43258978232079569942014-02-23T13:46:00.002-05:002014-02-27T23:36:15.095-05:00Chapter Seven: Confrontation<br />
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The following morning, Nina was trying to prepare some much needed coffee when Daniel surprised her. </div>
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"Morning beautiful." He whispered as he embraced her. Nina giggled softly.</div>
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"Morning." She replied. She felt much better today after they had gotten everything out in the open. She even felt closer to Daniel. The only thing missing was sleep, but that's why they invented coffee. </div>
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When the coffee was finished, Nina was preparing to fill her mug when Daniel swiftly took it away. </div>
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"Daniel!" Nina gasped. Daniel just winked and went to sit at the breakfast bar. </div>
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"Thank you." He said jokingly as he took a sip. Nina squinted her eyes at him and began to fill another mug. </div>
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"So that was your mission all along? to distract me and steal my coffee?" Nina joked before she took a sip of her coffee. Daniel laughed. </div>
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"Maybe." Daniel joked back. The two sipped their caffeinated beverages in silence for a few moments. </div>
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"Is it casual Friday?" Nina asked. She had just now looked at what her husband was actually wearing.</div>
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"Yes Thank God. It's torture wearing a suit and tie everyday. Especially when you're just at a cubicle." Daniel answered. Nina smiled at his response. It wasn't a day that went by when he was complaining about his workplace attire. </div>
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"Are you heading in early?" He asked. Nina was caught briefly off guard.</div>
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"Uh yeah. I have a 9 o'clock session." Nina answered. She took another sip in case he further inquired. </div>
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"Alright." Daniel said. He didn't notice his wife's sudden change. Nina finished her coffee and grabbed her briefcase. </div>
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"No breakfast?" Daniel called out as he watched her head for the door.</div>
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"No time." She yelled back. "Love you." She said and left. </div>
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"Love you too." He replied even though she was no longer in the apartment. </div>
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Nina was thankful that Daniel didn't ask anymore questions. She really hated lying to him, but she didn't want him to know the truth, not yet. She wasn't actually going into work early. Instead, she was paying her sister-in-law a visit. She tossed her briefcase in the backseat and started her poor excuse for a car. </div>
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After weaving through the morning traffic and dozens of pedestrians, Nina found herself closer to their side of town. The little brown building was getting nearer and nearer in her sight. She flicked on her right turn signal and parked her car.</div>
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She had to walk back around to get to the entrance so she did. As she was approaching the door, she spotted old newspapers. She shook her head in disgust. Once inside she tried to remember their apartment number. </div>
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<i>I'm sure I could just follow the trail of beer bottles and crack pipes </i>She thought. <i>No I came here to help, not judge </i>She reminded herself. </div>
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She asked a tenant if they knew where the Harrison's lived and the older woman politely helped her. Nina thanked her for her help and entered the elevator. </div>
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Nina exited the elevator and began to knock on the tan door. She got no answer and so she started up again. </div>
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<i>I know someone is home</i> She thought.</div>
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Veronica was passed out in bed as usual. In her slumber, she thought she heard knocking. She assumed it was just her pounding headache but she came to realize it was the door. </div>
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"Who the hell is that?" She asked herself out loud. She slowly began to sit up. As she did it felt like she had just gotten off a roller coaster. Her head was spinning and she couldn't maintain her balance. </div>
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Veronica nearly slipped on the beer bottle as she stood. She sighed and continued to get up. She glanced over at the other culprits of her hangover, her cigarettes and her "borrowed" pills. </div>
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"I gotta stop this shit." She said to herself and stumbled out of the room.</div>
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Veronica reached the door at last and swung it open. She didn't care who was on the other end, she just wanted to knocking to cease.</div>
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"Do you know what time it is?!" She yelled at her visitor. To her surprise, it was Nina.</div>
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"Twenty-five minutes to Nine." Nina replied. </div>
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"What the hell are you doing here?" Veronica barked. </div>
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"I was in the neighborhood." Nina said with a shrug. She slide past Veronica and walked towards the living room. Her nostrils were immediately hit with the smell of smoke. For a moment she wondered if she had actually walked into a smoke joint. </div>
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"I did not invite you into to my home!" Veronica reminded Nina rudely. She didn't appreciate the lack of respect she was showing.</div>
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"I didn't need you to." Nina snapped back. "Besides I'm not here for you, I want to speak with Jeremy." Nina added.</div>
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"He's at school obviously." Veronica said.</div>
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"Obviously." Nina repeated. "I was hoping to leave earlier, but the traffic got in the way." Nina responded.</div>
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"That should have been a cue to turn your ass around. What do you want with my son anyway?" Veronica asked. </div>
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"It doesn't concern you." Nina replied. Veronica narrowed her eyes at the woman in front of her. She didn't care that her head was pounding and her stomach contents were threatening to make an appearance. </div>
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"You've got some fucking balls coming to my house disrespecting me." Veronica said. She stood back and eyed Nina, daring her to respond. </div>
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"Why should I respect you?" Nina tossed back. "You don't even respect yourself, your kids or your home. Look at you!" Nina replied and gestured her hand at Veronica's body. Nina took the moment to really look at Veronica. The decaying of her teeth, the skeleton-like frame she had, the permanent dark circles under her eyes, the premature wrinkles she was beginning to have, it was all clear signs that she was using again. </div>
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"You look like you just finished a crack-binge or something." Nina commented after her inspection was over. </div>
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Veronica's eyes widened. </div>
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"I don't do crack." Veronica responded. "And you interrupted my sleep, of course I'm going to look tired." She tried to explain.</div>
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"Sure, that's it." Nina replied sarcastically. </div>
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"Well look at <i>you. </i>At least I don't look like I'm pregnant when I'm not." Veronica said bitterly. She knew it was a sore spot for Nina and it's exactly why she brought it up.</div>
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A hurt look spread across Nina's face and for a moment she didn't know what to say.</div>
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"When was the last time you were pregnant anyways? How long did that last?" Veronica continued to insult Nina. The words stung like they had came to life and turned into little darts, each aiming for her heart. </div>
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"I didn't come here to talk about me." Nina said as she fought back the tears. "I just need to know if the boys are alright." Nina replied honestly. And it was the truth. Her sole purpose for this visit was to hear from Jeremy, that he was happy living here and safe.</div>
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"Why don't you have your own kids and worry about them? Mines are fine." Veronica said smugly. That was the final straw for Nina. She had no reason to continue to be nice to this bitch in front of her. </div>
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Nina inched closer, closing the space in between them. </div>
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"I came here because I care. Because I have a heart and can't bear the thought of those boys watching you kill yourself everyday. They don't deserve it and you don't deserve them!" Nina yelled. Her voice was raw with emotion and through her rant, a tear managed to escape. Veronica tried to back up. She put her hand up and tried to speak, but nothing came out. </div>
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Just when it looked like Veronica was going to reply, Nina slapped her. She couldn't take another smart ass comment and wouldn't give her the chance. </div>
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"The next time you want to bring my kids into this, it will be more than a slap." Nina threatened. "I was a better mother in a few months than you have ever been in decades." Nina pulled herself away and forced herself to leave. </div>
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"And clean this shit up, the whole house stinks and so do you." Nina said before she slammed the door shut behind her. The whole apartment shook briefly. Veronica touched her cheek and fell back onto the couch in shock and fear.</div>
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**Question: Are the pictures too small?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-11466271718130156732014-02-16T13:15:00.001-05:002014-02-17T01:03:31.472-05:00Chapter Six: Stuck in the middle <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Daniel left his sister's apartment shortly after she finished cooking. He suddenly didn't feel much like having breakfast with her after the shots she took at his wife. They had never gotten along and he couldn't say he didn't understand why, but it sure put him in a tough spot. Why did someone always have to be right? Why did he have to pick sides? Couldn't he just be neutral? Apparently not. He was off today and was determined to enjoy it despite his day not getting off to the best start. </div>
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He opened the door to his apartment and wondered where his wife was. She was off today as well and usually spent her time catching up on her favorite TV shows. He glanced to his right and didn't see her in the living room. He walked around the corner to their bedroom and she was no where in sight. </div>
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He was ready to call his search off until he spotted her in the doorway of a particular room. He told himself to just turn around and walk away, but he couldn't. He shook his head at himself and headed for the room. </div>
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As he approached Nina, he could tell her attention was fixed on something as if she was magnetically drawn to it. Actually you could say she was just drawn to the room in general. He didn't have to follow her eyes because he already knew what the object was, a crib. An empty crib. </div>
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"Honey?" He called as he tried to reach out to her. She didn't respond to him even though he was so close by.</div>
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"Nina?" He tried again. She blinked but continued to stare at the crib. </div>
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"Yes?" She answered softly all the while never turning to look at him.</div>
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"What are you doing in here? I thought we agreed to keep this room locked." He asked. </div>
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"I did no such thing." She replied defensively. "<i>You</i> agreed to that." She said. </div>
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"Well I think it's best for us." He clarified. It wasn't good for her to constantly worry about the children they had lost or would never have, not of their own anyways. Adoption had been his suggestion but Nina always dismissed the idea. </div>
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"Why don't we go out or something? It's a nice day out." He suggested desperately wanting her to be anywhere but this room. </div>
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Nina broke her trance-like state and turned towards her husband at last. </div>
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"Why do you always do that?" She asked. Daniel looked dumbfounded. </div>
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"What do you mean?" He asked in response to her question.</div>
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"Try to change the subject or avoid it all together!" She answered angrily. </div>
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"I don't." Daniel replied. He didn't want to feed into whatever this was becoming. He just wanted to salvage his day but it looked like he just added fuel to the fire. Nina squinted her eyes at him. She often did that when she was upset. </div>
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"Ignoring it doesn't make it go away!" Nina yelled. She hated when he acted as if she was crazy for remembering, crazy for being hurt, for actually feeling something. While Daniel on the other hand seem to just put a wall up and refuse to feel anything about it. </div>
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"I don't." He said. He realized he repeated himself and knew that she would probably think he was coming off as an insensitive jerk. He wasn't or at least had no intention of sounding that way. </div>
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"I just hate seeing you get depressed over it." He said trying to explain himself.</div>
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"I am not getting depressed." She fired back defensively. "I am feeling like a normal human being!" She shouted. Things were going so far left, Daniel regretted not turning around now. </div>
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"But the therapist said this behavior isn't healthy. We have to move on." He reminded her. Nina held her hands up as if she couldn't believe what he was saying. </div>
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"If there was a baby in that crib would you tell me to move on, to forget?" She asked. He looked at her confused. </div>
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"Of course not." He answered. </div>
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"Then don't tell me to move on now. I will grieve however I damn well please." She stated dismissively. She wanted to end the conversation there and be left alone.</div>
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"Honey you can't forget a child when it's literally here..that's crazy." Daniel said. </div>
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"Veronica certainly has no problem doing it. She has two kids that she ignores constantly." Nina said bitterly. Daniel sighed loudly. </div>
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"We are not talking about my sister." He said. He was beginning to feel exasperated by all of this, by the constantly putting one another down his wife and sister did with one each other. </div>
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"Why not?" She asked. Nina folded her arms and rolled her eyes. "Did you even talk to her?" She inquired. </div>
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"About what?" He asked and held his hands out. He was becoming mentally drained because of these two and it wasn't even noon yet. </div>
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"About her addiction and her seeking help!" Nina yelled. He could be so oblivious. Nina thought he must be blind if he couldn't tell she was using again. </div>
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"She doesn't have one." He replied in his sister's defense. At least she didn't to his knowledge. </div>
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"Yes she does." Nina insisted. "And those boys deserve better." Nina said. </div>
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"What is better, here with us? Is that what this is all about?" Daniel asked as his tone rose. Nina gasped as if he insulted her. </div>
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"Don't try to make this about me. Don't insinuate that I only care because I am so desperate for a child." She said. Her face fell and the hurt was evident. </div>
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"You are twisting my words. I never said that." He said. Daniel was at the end of his rope. If he took his sister's side then his wife would be hurt and upset. If he took Nina's side, then Veronica felt as if he was breaking some type of family code. <i>"Blood is thicker than water"</i> She'd always say. He never understood what that meant. Nina <i>was</i> his family, they were married for goodness sake. He couldn't win for losing and he was sick of it. </div>
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"Not directly." She said softly. "But you still made your true feelings painfully clear." She said as her voice began to crack. Daniel's arms dropped to his sides. He felt defeated and just stood there as Nina walked off. </div>
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Daniel wasn't sure how long he stood there as if his feet were glued to the floor, but he went to seek out his wife. She hadn't went far. He found her sitting on the sofa and her face looked as if she was in deep thought. </div>
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"Nina?" He said softly. Like before, she was continuing to looking straight ahead. </div>
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"I deserve that." He said in response to her ignoring him. "But I am sorry. I don't mean to sound nonchalant when it comes to the miscarriages we've had. I care Nina. You don't know how many times I've had to sneak off and cry." He explained. She turned her head briefly to look at him but still remained silent. "I had to. If I cried in front of you then how could I be any help to you? One of us had to be strong." He answered. She hadn't asked him to but her look said enough. She looked at him understandingly. Nina knew deep down that he cared too she just wanted him to say it once in a while. </div>
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"And about Veronica." He started. Nina turned away at the mention of his sister's name. "I am not as blind as you think. I just want to give her a chance. I can't go accusing her without proof. What if that just makes her start up again? That would do nothing but hurt the boys. I have to just observe and if I see anything out of the ordinary then I'll act on it." He finished. Nina wasn't completely happy with his answer but she understood. </div>
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Nina slid closer to him and placed her head on his shoulders. Tears began to fall from her face, but not because she was sad. She felt like she finally broke through the barrier he had put up. She wasn't alone in remembering their lost children and he wasn't totally blind to his sister's behavior. She just wished he was more observant. But she felt like something was accomplished and didn't want to push it. </div>
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The couple stayed in the living room for the majority of the day. The day was spent watching movies and laughing and just enjoying being in one another's company. </div>
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Night had soon approached and they were calling an end to their day. Sleep quickly overtook Daniel, but Nina was left wide awake. Her mind wouldn't let her rest. She kept thinking about a conversation she had with her mother-in-law before she got sick and took a turn for the worst. They were having lunch at a small sandwich shop downtown. The woman had confided in her and told her a secret, one that she had been keeping from Daniel ever since. She had told Nina that Veronica was back to her old ways and if something was to happen to her that she wanted them to take the boys. Nina of course promised to do whatever she could to make sure the boys were safe. However at the time, No one expected her to fall ill so fast. Nina never thought she would have to fully uphold her promise. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821669875421350893.post-9214372091482523102014-02-09T12:19:00.001-05:002014-02-16T11:56:35.858-05:00Chapter Five: Meeting Her<br />
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Jeremy pushed out of his apartment building as fast as he could. He hated exploding at him mom like that, but he felt as if it was uncontrollable, like his anger was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. And it did. He worked on trying to calm down by taking deep breaths but it wasn't doing the trick. He still felt as though he wanted to scream. He just wanted her to understand how he felt for once. Was that so hard? so wrong? He loved Malcolm like he was his son and he'd take a bullet for him any day. He would do whatever it took for his little brother. Why was it so hard for their mother to have the same commitment? That was something he'd never understand. </div>
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He sighed loudly. His mind wandered to his grandmother and what she would say to him right now.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Jeremy she's your mother." She would have said. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"I know grandma." would be his reply.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"You have to respect her, love her. And she'll get better." His grandma would respond.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"But how? why? She doesn't even love me!" Jeremy would want to say but wouldn't. He'd just be silent and it was like she could read his mind. His grandma would give him a hug and repeat herself, "respect your mother and love her."</i></span> </div>
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And the conversation would have been finished. His grandmother didn't support Veronica's habit but she didn't argue and fight. She felt as though it would only push her daughter away more so instead she hoped and prayed for her daughter to get better. </div>
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"Grandma I'm sorry. I lost my temper." He spoke softly into the air. He knew she wasn't here, but he hoped somehow she would hear him. It also helped ease some of the guilt he was feeling. </div>
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He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. His thoughts took over and he didn't try to stop them. He felt deeply bothered by yelling at his mother. In the moment he felt justified, but what if his grandma was right? What if it just made her addiction worse, what if she actually died? He couldn't handle that. He was barely holding on as it is without his grandmother. He couldn't make it if he lost Veronica too. He could feel a lump forming in his throat and he swallowed it down. </div>
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His walk to school had came to an end and he was entering the double doors before he knew it. He was glad he walked, it was obviously the longer route but it helped clear his mind. </div>
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Meanwhile, back at home Veronica had managed to put Malcolm back to sleep and take a shower. She decided she should eat something but was surprised to find an empty fridge. </div>
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<i>Shit. </i>She swore. <i>How long had it been this way?</i> She thought. <i>Did Jeremy even eat before leaving?</i> She wondered. She was reminded about their argument and once again she found herself thinking that she was the worst mother in the world. </div>
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She wiped out her cell phone and dialed her brother, Daniel's, number. His wife answered the phone and Veronica simply said "We're out of groceries." The other woman paused for a moment before she woke her husband. He mumbled an "Okay" as he began to get out of the bed. She replied that he was on the way and hung up. Veronica rolled her eyes at the phone screen as it noted the call had ended. The two weren't the nicest to each other for obvious reasons. Her addiction and the fact that she lost her job. However, they weren't aware that she had started using again. </div>
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Daniel arrived about twenty minutes later. He asked to be buzzed in and Veronica went downstairs to meet him. She hated this arrangement. Their mother had died knowing Veronica was back to her old habits and hated knowing she was leaving her grandchildren in her care. The only thing that eased her mind was knowing they would be taken care of. And the only way she could be sure of that was placing Daniel over her will. He handled her funeral arrangements and the left over funds from her life insurance. He used it to help his sister financially, but never directly gave her anything. </div>
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Together the siblings brought up the groceries and in return Veronica offered to make him breakfast. Daniel was reluctant to stay, but he agreed. </div>
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"Veronica have you been looking for a job?" He asked. Veronica knew the topic was coming up. She would have preferred if he just came out and said he was tired of helping her. </div>
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"Danny...of course." She replied trying not to get irritated. </div>
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"Mom's money won't last forever and I have a household of my own to take care of." He said. </div>
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"I know that!" She said a little too loudly. She sighed. "Providing for your wife must be so hard." She said in a quieter tone. </div>
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Daniel grew quiet. He wasn't one for fighting, much like their mother. </div>
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"Veronica I just don't want to see you and the boys struggling." He said. </div>
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"We'll be fine. I will get a job." She said and continued to chopped the vegetables for the omelet. Daniel knew that she wouldn't. As long as she had some type of crutch, she would never want to stand on her own two feet. He was torn between carrying out his mothers wishes and helping his family, and taking crap from his wife. She never believed his sister would change and wanted him to just take the boys away. Veronica was aware of this and hated her because of it. They couldn't have children of their own and Veronica never missed an opportunity to throw it in her face. </div>
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Upon entering the school, Jeremy was still somewhat distracted by his thoughts. He was on his way to his locker when he noticed someone kneeling in front of it at the last minute. He almost stumbled back when he tried to prevent tripping over her. </div>
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<i>Crap. </i>He thought. </div>
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"Sorry." He apologized. The girl looked slightly shaken up by their almost collision. </div>
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"It's okay." She said in a soft spoken voice. "I was in the way." She said. Jeremy shook his head. </div>
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"No I wasn't watching where I was going." He said. </div>
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The girl stood and nervously avoided eye contact. </div>
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"I'm Jeremy." He introduced himself.</div>
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"I'm Lauren." She replied shyly.</div>
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"Nice to meet you." He said. A small smile crept across her face.</div>
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"Uh you're new right?" He inquired. Lauren nodded. </div>
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"Is it that obvious?" She asked. </div>
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"Well kinda when you've seen the same faces for three years." He joked. She gave a small nervous laugh. </div>
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"Are you having trouble with your locker?" He asked. He could note the frustration on her face when she was beginning to stand. </div>
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"Yes. I'm not very good at opening them.." She answered. Jeremy offered to help her. </div>
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She stepped to the side and called out her locker combination. He soon popped it open. She thanked him and pulled out her book bag. Because of her not knowing how to open it properly and no one being around to help yesterday, she had to leave it here overnight. Thankfully it was only the second day of school and the only homework they had were getting their syllabus's signed. </div>
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"Thank you so much." She said with her book bag now back in her possession. </div>
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"No problem." He replied. </div>
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"Could you help me with one more problem?" She asked. </div>
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"Sure." He answered. </div>
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"I'm looking for Room 116, I believe it's my homeroom." She explained. He nodded his head. It was his homeroom as well. </div>
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"It's straight ahead, you can follow me." He said. She placed her schedule back in her pocket and followed him to the classroom down the hall. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14444034293601461130noreply@blogger.com8