Jeremey M.--
I jerk myself awake, to excape the nightmare that haunts my life. It's nightmare i have often, one that I have lived through, and one I wish desperately to forget. I feel, the warm wet tears filling my eyes, and rolling down my cheeks. I want to stay here and cry for a while, but as the scent of fresh pancakes drifts through the crack under the door, I remember that today is the day we go school shopping.
So, I rub my eyes to clear them of those traitorous tears, as well as sleepiness. Then, I quickly run my fingers through my shaggy hair, and run downstairs in my pajamas.
"Good morning sweetheart," Says that woman, "I made you pancakes."
"Good morning Mamma," I say with a fake sweetness. She smiles broadly, and finishes setting the table. I watch in silence, for a minute, then sit down and start eating. I eat quickly, shoveling as much food as I can into my mounth. She laughs. "Why are you in such a hurry? We've got plenty of time!"
"But Mamma, it's so good! I can't help but eat it fast!" I lied. In actuallity, I believe she is the worst cook on the planet. Her food is nearly unedible, and I merely eat it fast to get the torture over with. But it pleases her when I say it's good, so I do. She laughs her sweet laugh and smiles her sweet smile again.
"I love you, Honey"
"I love you too, Mamma." I lie again. Truthfully, I hate this woman. This pretender. She tries to be my mother, but she's not. I already have a mother! Or, HAD one at least, but it wasn't her! As I finish eating she starts babbling about something one of her friends said. I just ignore her, and go upstairs to change. I pick out some simple clothing. A red and black t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and my favorite necklace. I run my fingers over the inscription as I read it aloud;
"Always Protect Me". Then, without knowing why, I look up and ask, "Is it you protecting me, Mamma?"
No answer comes, as expected. However, something unusual did happen. The spot I had been looking at began to glow. Dimly at first, but gradually growing brighter and brighter, until eventually, it was too bright to see. I heard a faint voice in the distance.
"Jeremey, You about ready to go yet?"
And then, there was darkness.
