Chasing Cali

"Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud."

~Maya Angelou

Prologue:

Cali shuddered as she looked at her mother; she had died only a week ago, three days before Cali's high school graduation. No one knew why she had done it, no one even knew about the life growing in her mothers belly, no on but Cali that is. She had found her mother crying the day before, and had promised to forever hold the secret in her heart. If her father had found out, it would destroy him, and she needed him more than ever right now. As they stood there staring down at the woman they both had the unfortune to love, Cali noticed that even in death her mothers face sagged with sadness. Her mother had once been full of life, but one day she changed. Cali had been eight at the time, and too young to understand, but as she grew she grew to hate her mother. She had a slight understanding as to what was going on, but she was embarrased. She couldn't have sleepovers, she couldn't even bring friends to her house. And for that he grew angry at the woman who was the cause of it all. But looking at the woman lying in the casket, she's forgiven her for all but the burden she now has. For the secret that is eating her up.

"Cali?" She turned around and came face to face with him. She balled her hands into fists to keep from lashing out at the sight of him.

"Go away," she growled as she looked into the eyes of the man who had ripped her life apart. But he stood his ground, and reached one hand towards her. Cali slapped his hand away. "Go away," she repeated unable to keep the anger out of her voice. And he had the nerve to look at her with sympathy, she only became angrier. "You don't belong here, leave now!" She yelled unable to stand the sight of him any longer. He gave her a curt nod and stormed away. She turned around towards her father, who was now down on his knees crying. He was in his own world now, and she knew there was no gettinf to him. So Cali turned away stiffly and made her way to the side door, and slipped out before anyone would notice. She had been craving a smoke since they arrived, and although she may gag everytime she smokes one, it was the only thing that could calm her down lately.

Cali had been there for fifteen minutes before someone came outside. She didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"You okay?" Lily asked with concern. Lily had been Cali's bestfriend for as long as they've known eachother. While Cali was constantly miserable, Lily was the only source of light Cali could make out. She was always ther for her, no matter what hour of the night. Although Lily had her own problems, she still put Cali before herself. Lily became a mother at the age of fourteen, but she has given her daughter the world. And for that Cali could not judge her.

"Perfect," Cali responded. She couldn't even bare to look at Lily lately afraid she might tell her friend about the secret she promised her dead mother she would keep. Luckily Lily didn't push.

"Well the service is starting." And with that Cali put away her ciggarete and forgot her guilt. It was time to say goodbye to the mother she had once loved.