HAUNTED HEARTS

With a heavy heart Jenny walked back from school, wondering why her parents wouldn't allow her to have any friends. She feels lonely and she knows she sometimes gets very depressed sitting around alone and never enjoying her youthful life. But she knows her parents love her and only want to keep her safe. She entered the kitchen finding her mom busy making pies, oh I'm happy you home early Jenny her mom said, I need your help here a bit. Jenny looked at her mom and said, please let me get dressed and I will help you. They worked together until all the dough was gone and the pies were done. Jenny excused herself and went to her room, sitting down on her bed wondering what she can do to keep herself busy until dinner time...she picked up a magazine and started browsing through it, not really taking anything in, her mind somewhere else. Jenny was thinking about the new girl that started school with them today, she was a bit weird Jenny thought, but she looked like fun as well. And it crossed her mind that she would like to be friends with Sarah, the new girl, but because she is not allowed to have friends it will be difficult. She heard her mom calling her name and knew dinner was ready, so she washed her hands, brushed her hair and went to the dining room. Her father was already seated and her brother, James, took place next to him. They prayed and then had dinner together, her father asked her how her studies were going, and she told him that they were okay. Jenny told them about the new girl and her father said it was his new boss's daughter, but apparently, she was very feisty, hardheaded and likes to do her own thing. And that Jenny must stay away from her. Jenny just nodded and continued eating, deciding that she would befriend her but would tell her not to come to the house looking for her and the reasons, therefore. After dinner she and James cleaned the kitchen while her parents were drinking their coffee. James whispered, is she nice, this new girl? What does she look like? I have not seen her but would like to know what she looks like...well she is a bit weird and has red hair, not very tall and she is well built, Jenny replied. James smiled, his kind of girl, but even he is not allowed to have any friends over, this is strange that their parents are treating them like this, but he keeps quiet. Just finishing the dishes and wiping the counters, he turned around and said to Jenny, are you going to befriend her without letting our parents know? Jenny looked over her shoulder before answering, yes, I want she may be able to help me over my shyness and I think she is lots of fun. He nodded and they walked back to the lounge. Their parents were busy discussing the summer break coming up and how to keep the children busy. James looked at Jenny and rolled his eyes as if he wanted to say, here we go again. But he smiled and said to his father, can't I come and work with you again? Jenny can and will be helping mom here, they will be keeping themselves busy and I will just be a nuisance. His dad looked at him and said, "No sorry not with this new boss, he is not like old Jack. James didn't respond but said I'm going to bed, goodnight, everybody. Jenny followed him down the corridor and she whispered this suck hey. He nodded but didn't say anything, turning into his room he said, this is going to be a long boring summer holiday. Jenny nodded and continued to her own room, feeling drained and on the verge of another anxiety attack. She closed her door, took her tablet and lay down on the bed, with eyes closed she shut off every other noise in her head and around her. Drifting into sleep she covered herself with the sheet and just relaxed, tomorrow is another day she said to herself.

The next day Jenny awoke with a bad headache and her eyes were bloodshot, she knew that this was because of the dreams she had, and that the day was going to be long and hard. But she must go to school, she is writing Math's today and can't skip it. Taking her school bag and sweater she went to the kitchen, mom looked up and saw that Jenny was a bit pale. She sat her down, give her orange juice and a bowl of cereal. Jenny thanked her and started eating knowing that mom would give her some aspirin or something as soon as she had finished her breakfast. James entered and looked at her with a frown, what's wrong with you this morning sis? Mom said, James please leave your sister alone she has a terrible headache and eat your breakfast please. He looked at his mom, then at Jenny and smiled, one of those nights again? Yes, she said and kept on eating her breakfast.