A Monster Dream

32

The look on her face would have been comical, were it not for the reason it was there.

"He...he what?" Her voice came out stunned. Shaky.

My nod that followed was just as shaky. Her hazel eyes watered up, making me feel responsible for her pain. You're a burden, Madison. Her arms tightened around me.

"Baby, I'm so sorry. I will help you get through this. I promise. I know your pain. You are not alone." Was the next thing I heard.

Tears fell from my eyes. "Thank you."

She rubbed my back in small soothing circles. And I began to believe her words. Maybe she will stay. Maybe she can handle this. Maybe I'm not a burden. But, I still feared I was. She almost died because of me. Just like my mom did.

"Mom, are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a burden."

"And you never will. I love you, baby. I want to make you the happiest girl in the world. I know it'll be hard. And I know you've been through more than someone your age should have to deal with. But, don't think for a second, that I wouldn't move Heaven and Hell for you. And I'd do it with a smile."

What? My mind went blank. My eyes stared ahead unblinking. Really? A gasp escaped my lips I as realized she meant it. My mouth opened in wonder. How did I get so lucky? I realized I'd probably wonder that for the rest of my life.

A slow shaky smile came to my lips. "I love you, Mom."

She pulled back to see my face, hers was bright. As happy as I felt. One of her hands found my cheek, as I felt the tension leave my body. All that time worrying about what she'd think if she knew. All that time keeping it in. And now I was free.

I knew I'd have a long road ahead of me, but somehow I felt ready now. I knew there'd be struggles. And I knew I'd begin to doubt myself again. Doubt her love for me again. But right now, I felt like I could handle it.

If she'd move Heaven and Hell for me, then I owed it to her to fight both to survive. To try. 'My dad may not have thought I was worth it. Brian may not have thought I was worth it. But Stefani does.' And maybe that was all I needed right now.

The rest will figure itself out.

"Let's go back to sleep now? Ok, darling?"

With renewed vigor in my voice, I declared, "I think that's a good idea. The rest can wait till the morning."

-The End-