Compulsive (ON HIATUS)

Broken Promise

The following day came along and I was getting ready for school. I took a quick shower and threw on whatever looked decent before heading downstairs. I walk to the kitchen and see that no one was in there and a small pang settled in my chest. I sighed before grabbing an apple from the fruit drawer in the refrigerator. 

"You're up early." I turn around to be met with Margaret. A middle-aged woman, with ginger hair and blue eyes. I feel a sudden lump in my throat as I feel my back start to get hot. 

Margaret was the one who kept order around the big house. I hadn't seen her in a while, mostly due to the fact I was locked up in my room, but she had also been extremely busy. With my parents passing, all of the responsibilities of managing the rest of the staff fell onto her.  

She was hired by my parents when I was born to help lighten the load. Margaret had always gone above and beyond for us and was seen as part of the family. In a way, I saw her as like a grandmother. She had that motherly touch and would always be attentive towards me.

I know she took my parents' death just as hard as I did, especially my mother's. Yet, despite her own mourning, she tried so hard to be there for me and all I did was push her away...

"Are you hungry, I can make you something." She says in a soft voice. I blink and clear my throat before lightly shaking my head. Although Margaret was no longer the chef she still enjoyed cooking and was very good at it.

"No, I'm fine. I'm not really hungry, but I know I should at least eat something." I gesture the apple in my hand towards her. She nods her head and there is a short awkward silence between us. Say something else, Amara. 

"Okay, well if you need anything let me know." Margaret smiles before turning around towards the door that leads to the garden. I bite my lip and force the words out of my mouth. 

"Hey, Margaret." I softly call to her. She turns around and gives me a concerned look. 

"Yes?" Her voice was delicate and full of warmth. 

"I just wanted to say thank you... I'm very grateful for your help and for your company." I chew on the inside of my mouth as I waited for her reaction. Margaret blinks before flashing a big smile. 

"Of course, sweetheart." She walks away towards the garden as I stand there, disappointed in myself for not apologizing and checking up on her. I exhale loudly and take a bite out of my apple just before I hear a loud yawn emerge from the living room. 

"Hey, kiddo." I turn to see Ken dressed for the day and not in his usual pajamas. He walks towards me and roughs my hair up causing strands to fall in front of my face. Ken smiles at my annoyed reaction as I smack his hand away and try smoothing out my hair back to how it was. 

"What are you doing up so early?" I question as I looked at my watch, he never wakes up before ten. He walks towards the coffee pot that was done boiling, thanks to Margaret no doubt. 

"Hey, I need you to come by right after school okay?" Ken asks a question as he completely ignores mine. 

"Uh sure, but why?" He turns to face me but still keeps his attention on the now hot mug. He opens his mouth to speak but in the most comedic way, his phone rings and interrupts him. Ken pulls out his phone and looks at the name before giving me an apologetic look. 

"I'm sorry, this is important. Just be here on time, okay?" A small sigh escapes my lips and I nod my head before Ken excuses himself. I collect my things as I hear Ken's deep voice fade away. A million questions swarming my head at the possibility of what uncle Ken could have in store. 

~~~

I find a space in the parking lot that was starting to fill up. I grab my belonging and lock my car before walking towards the side of the building. I see the cafeteria entrance and flash my school ID to the guard before heading inside. I scan the crowd and find Jack and Felix sitting in the middle of the pit. I adjust my bag on my shoulder and walk towards them.