Invisible

Chapter 8 Terror

I awaken with a pounding headache and a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach that just won't go away. I glance at the clock and do a double take. It's almost 10! I fall out of bed reaching for my phone which I left charging on my nightstand. I pick myself up and turn on my phone, automaticlly hitting Maggie's speed dial.

"Hi, where are you? I've been calling all morning, I was getting worried!"

"Sorry, I overslept. I'll be over in an hour." I say goodbye and run for the shower.

Since I don't have time to blow dry my hair I braid it as I hurry to pack a bag. I'm staying with the twins tonight because Al needs to go in for an overnight observation at the hospital, something about a sleeping disorder.

I pop some ibuprofen into my mouth with a swallow of water and then I run out the door clutching a granola bar. I barely had time to leave food and water for Jade and make sure my windows and door were latched tightly.

"See you Sunday." I tell Jade.

I open the front door to their house a mere 17 minutes after I closed my own. I might have broken a few speed limits... just a little.

Maggie runs out as I run in, Al sits in the car, motor running. She accepts my apology and gives me quick instructions. Al honks the horn and she runs to get in.

The kids are still in their pajamas, watching cartoons. I leave them be, listening to the episode of Phinnias and Ferb as I tidy up the kitchen and living room. As I am loading the dishwasher I get a text from Tiffany.

T- 'I'm sorry about last night. Hope you're okay.'

I put my hand to my pounding head and sigh. I am so done dealing with her and her matchmaking. I am happy alone, why can't she see that?

L- 'I'm fine, will you quit now please?'

T- 'Of course.

T- 'But maybe you could tell Hunter, he's really worried.'

L- 'Tell him yourself.'

I put my phone back in my pocket and ignore the next text.

"Okay guys, who wants to go to the park?" I ask at noon, shutting off the television and herding them up to their rooms to change.

By the time we get to the kid's favorite park, it's nearly one. I unpack the basket of food and hand out the pb+j's; with the crusts cut off for Blake, who is picky, and butter under the peanut butter for Gordi, he's got weird tastes.

Within minutes they are both sticky and full. They ask if they can go play at the playground and I give in, packing in and moving to a bench so I can eat and watch them. I eat an apple and open my book, checking every so often to make sure the kids are okay.

After about 30 minutes I hear a sharp cry. I look up, recognizing the sound. I don't see either Blake or Gordi. In a second I am up and over to the swing set, looking, in a panic. Gordi lays on the ground by the slide, Blake standing over him.

"He fawwed down." She explains as I pick Gordi up and examine him. He's got a scrape on his arm and forehead.

"It's okay, come on." I lead Blake back to the bench, clutching Gordi in my arms. "Wow, you're getting really big!" I tell him. "Soon I won't be able to pick you up anymore!"

He smiles through his tears. "Den I can pick you up!"

"We'll see." I set him down and clean up his scrapes.

When everything is cleaned and bandaged I let them go play again. I tell them they have 30 more minutes and I settle back onto the bench. My hands are shaking a bit, I try to breathe evenly and calm myself down. I try to focus on my book but my eyes keep straying back to where the kids run and play. After 20 minutes I can't take it anymore. I call out that it's time to go. They don't protest.