The Society of One

Part 7

I run, hoping not to much damage has been done to my poor mother. Hoping that in the end her sadness will be gone. She is just sitting there, heaving through her lungs, gasping for pure air that she will never receive.

I reach her and throw my arms around her collapsed body. I whisper quiet nothings while she whimpers. My words are enough to calm her down and I ever so gently ask her what's wrong. I have learned that to heal a hurting soul, you must treat it with care. She raises her hand and opens it, revealing the crumpled up note. I open it and am shocked by what it says.

Dear Jacobsen Residence,
I regret to inform you that Terrence Jacobsen is required to relocate for a three month time period. He is scheduled to leave in a days time. Please say your good byes tonight and be prepared to send Terrence off in the morning. We thank you for your understanding.

~ Shalom Yuki, Relocation Department

I turn to face my mother once more and find her piercing blue eyes staring into mine. I can't believe it. My father has been asked to leave before, but only for a week at most. How is my mother going to handle a family without my father or I? She has always been strong, but in doing they have exposed her most vulnerable side. I wrap my arms around her once more and I can't help feeling that the damage is done. At least my father will come back, I'm gone in a week.

I help my mother off the cold steps and lead her into our home. Because my schooling is done this is my temporary home until I head to Capitol. Holding her hand, we head up the stairs and to her and my father's room. I help her into the bed and close the curtains. By the time I am done she is already asleep. I pause for a moment, noticing how all the wrinkles smooth when my mother sleeps. She appears younger, newer. I hope that some of marks from the hardships she's endured will fade away with time. Maybe I won't have to be a hardship that leaves a mark.

I turn away from her and enter the hallway. I walk down the steps and take a right. Once in the family room, I sit down and take out the cell phone. Examining it, I realize that the phone is a simple two-way radio transmitter like the ones teachers used to call a nurse if a child had gotten sick. However, I see that it is programmed to record any of the conversations it carries. Wow, they already don't trust us. I set the phone down and pick up an old book my father liked to collect. I start reading, not caring about the title. I just want a little escape before I am forced to face the rest of my family.

I am fully absorbed in the novel by the time I hear a knock at the door. Sighing, I put down my book and tell the person to come in. The door opens and I see Rowan standing there. I stand up and he walks towards me. I collapse into his chest as he wraps his arms around me. We stay in this position as I sob, telling him my sorrows in great heaves. He just holds me, telling me it will all turn out all right even though I know it won't. It reminds me of when we were children and we were home for the holidays. I was scared that the monsters were going to come in the night. I ended up panicking and hiding in the closet. When I finally came out, Rowan came and held me like a protective big brother should. I fell asleep in his arms feeling safer there than anywhere else in the world. It is a pale comparison to how I feel now.

He is the only one keeping me from slipping into a hole I will never be able to get out of.

A/N

Hey guys!! How are you enjoying the book so far? The days of summer are starting to blend together. Sometimes I don't remember what day of the week it is. Lol. Hope you guys are having fun!!! (Remember to vote and comment. Thanks!)