Alone & Abandoned

Chapter 1

I walked out with the brisk air hitting my face. My sister, Shanelle, held my hand tightly as we walked towards the school. I hadn't seen my mother in 6 days. When I told the police officers they said "We'll get on it." I knew what that meant, basically that it's a lost cause. "Chloe?" my little sister spoke up. "Yes?" I responded. "When's Mommy coming home?" she questioned. "I honestly don't know if she'll ever be home." I truthfully tell her. "I'll see you later munchkin." I say as she walks thru the door. I turn around to make the fifteen minute walk to my high school. I was a sophomore at Monroe High School. The school was okay but, I would've been more comfortable at my old school in Florida. But, I can't change anything now. I walk into the school and immediately bump into someone. When I come to my senses, I realize I'm sitting on the ground. "I'm sorry Chloe, I didn't see you walking in." Brandon apologizes. "It's alright Brandon, I was only halfway paying attention." I say. He stares at me, "Are you okay?" he questions. "Yeah, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" I respond, wondering why he's suspicious. "Okayyy." he says, dragging the word out. I turn around and walk to my class, trying to think of how I'm going to survive without my mom and raise a child.

I leave the classroom and swiftly walk to Monroe Elementary School to get Chloe. When I see her walking out I call her name. She runs over to me showing me her progress report. "Look Chloe! Look! Look!" she shouts and waves her progress report around. "Slow down munchkin so I can see." I tell her. She hands me her progress report and I take a look at her grades. She has all A's and three B's. "This looks great Nelly!" I tell her. "How about we go get some ice cream?" I ask. "Yesss, yesss!" she screamed. "Ok, ok. Let's go." I laugh. As we walk, I think a lot about where my mom might be. Why would she leave us? Did we do something wrong? I'm only a child taking care of another child. I only have about $568 saved up and that's not going to last long. I need to find me a job. We walked to the counter and ordered our ice cream. I got a cookies and cream sundae and Shanelle got a banana split. We sat down and waited for them to bring us our dishes. While we waited, I thought some more. I think I was numb to the fact I basically didn't have a mother. I cried when I couldn't find her. I realized there was no hope in finding her. She would come home later, right? I assume she would. Of course she would. What's taking her so long? Is she in trouble? Did she run into someone from her past? Did she start back doing drugs? I really hoped she didn't. My mom wasn't perfect, but she was my mom. I hadn't realized that my ice cream had come until Shanelle tapped me. I started to eat slowly, still thinking. As I stared out the window, the employee that was working at the counter posted a sign outside that said "NOW HIRING!". I told Shanelle I would be right back and went to the counter. When the girl walked back in, I asked for an application. She gladly gave me one and I said "Thank you,". I walked back to the table and began to fill it out. I really hope I get this job and it pays well. If I don't get it, I will only have one other option and that will be my very last option.