Fix me

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The fireworks exploded, lighting up the warm summer sky with beautiful flowers of colors. Everyone was cheering, celebrating, happy. My sister was here from college and dad had invited the whole family over for a barbeque and firework show. It was a perfect night.

We were in the backyard and it was around 9:30. The party was set to end at midnight. The adults including my dad, aunt, uncle, and grandparents were having some beers and reminiscing about the past. On the outside, my dad seemed happy and enjoying himself, but I could see the sadness in his eyes and the slight frown when he stayed silent. I felt much the same way. This was the first Fourth of July without my mom, who had left eight months ago.

I was not expecting my mother to go. Actually, it was quite sudden. I went to sleep one night worrying about an Algebra test the next day, and, in the morning, she was gone. She only left a small note in her place explaining that she could not be tied down to one place and needed to go explore the world on her own, trying new things.

She expressed her love to me and my sister, but I was so angry at her that I did not believe it. Surely, a mother who loved her daughters would never leave them?

Those first few weeks had been the hardest. Dad was a ghost of himself; I doubt he suspected she would leave as much as we did.

I tried to make things easier. I cooked meals, did the laundry, cleaned the house, all of the things mom did. Nothing I did made anyone feel better, especially myself.

We had gotten a few postcards from her from around the world and she called every now and then, but eventually, they were more rare and rare until they stopped altogether. I will never forgive her for what she did to this family. She ruined us.

The fireworks were at the finale now. The sky was painted colors of greens, blues, reds, pinks, and gold's. It was beautiful and, for a moment, I forgot about thoughts of my mom and focused on the show.

"This is the best part of the show," a voice said beside. I looked over and saw that it was my cousin, Jeremy. He was a year older than me and would be going into his junior year at our high school. He was my only cousin, but we were never really close. When we were younger, he and Susan always got along more than me.

I didn't mind much. I would rather spend time with my mother. We were always so close... shaking away the thoughts, I smiled at Jem.

"I have always loved this part."

The fireworks died down and the adults continued their conversation. Susan was nowhere to be seen; probably gone to one of her friend's houses for another party. It would not surprise me, for she had done it many times before.

"Come on," Jem said, taking my arm. "I want to show you something."

Curious, I followed him inside the house. What could he possibly want to show me in my own house? This was not a gift giving holiday, so I was not prepared to receive anything.

He climbed the stairs, still holding onto me, until he reached my bedroom, opening the door and stepping inside.

"What are we doing in my room?" I asked, not understanding. We should be back down at the party, enjoying the nice summer air. I suddenly had a feeling that I wanted, needed, to go back downstairs. The door quietly closed and I looked back to see Jem starting towards me.

"Violet," he said, his voice soft as he continued near me. "Have you ever... been with anyone?"

That was an odd question. "No," I answered. It was true; I had never had a boyfriend. He nodded as if he understood. He was standing right in front of me now.