Caught In The Moment

two - the storm that started everything

I hope everyone liked chapter 1, and i hope you enjoy this next chapter.

steph xxx

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"Megan! Time for dinner." My mother calls.

I lift my head from my english book, "I'm not hungry mum."

"Megan, you need to eat to become strong and healthy." She contradicts.

"Why would I want to be strong and healthy?" I yell so mother can hear me from downstairs.

"Megan, get don't here now!"

"It's not Megan, it's Meg." I say.

My mother gives up and I know that when she is like this, it is time for me to do as I'm told. I place my book back onto the bed and haul my legs over the side. My hair falls into my face and I grab a scrunchie to put it up. Loose wavy stands fall around my face but I manage to blow them away from my eyes.

I wish I could sit in my room forever and never have to face anyone. Even when I do face them, it doesn't mean they see me. I'm invisible. What can I do about it? Nothing.

I slowly walk towards the door and gently shut it on my way out. I can hear my younger brothers squabbling at the dinner table. They are only 6, I can't expect much more from them. My baby brother, Harley, is sitting patiently in his high chair waiting to be fed. He is so adorable and the only person I can relate with. It is probably because he can't talk yet, but when he does he will most likely tell me to go away.

I walk into the kitchen and open the drawer to get the fork and knives. I count them carefully. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Then I search the other drawers for Harley's baby cutlery. When I have found them, I place them on the table in the places we always sit. Harley on the side by himself, mother and father together , the twins opposite mother and father, and me alone opposite to Harley.

I ask the boys, "Are you guys gonna help?"

They both look at each other and then back at me. "No, you're not the boss of us." They say in unison and cross their arms over their chests. I sigh and go back into the kitchen to retrieve the cups. Mum frantically rushes around because smoke is exiting from the oven. She pushes me out of the way as she places the slightly burnt chicken schnitzels on the table.

* * *

At dinner I was so hungry that I finished first. Then I speedily ran into my room and turned on the TV. I watch the news because I only have one channel on my analog TV. The screen blurs and static sounds come through sometimes. But I have learnt to ignore them. My study for the exams isn't over but I can't be bothered.

A breaking news report comes on saying 'School at Fresh Waters will be temporarily cancelled so far to desperate weather conditions'. No school means no exams. Which means I won't have to study anymore or be seen as a nerd. I may even be able to go outside and finally have friends. I look outside my window and the sun glares into my eyes. No clouds in sight. What? There is no such thing as severe weather conditions. They must have got the school wrong. I lost my one chance at having friends.

This is it. I just want to slowly die in my sleep so I don't have to worry about school, popularity, boys or being pretty. But I can't. It isn't because I don't want to - it is because I'm not strong enough to.

The power suddenly goes out and I feel a gush of cold air enter through the opened window. Is this the storm they were talking about on the news? It can't be- it is just a power failure. No big deal. Then I see a flash of light through the window that lights up my room for less than a second. My white curtains blow inwards suddenly. Then the thunder comes and I leave my room to see if Harley is alright.

They storm came so quickly and they didn't give us any warning. Well they kinda did but saying that school is cancelled is not the same as saying there is a massive thunder storm about to hit. All I know is that I have to keep Harley safe. He has never been in a storm since he was born and this one is huge.