Can We Change For Each Other?

Chapter 1

...All I see is light and I hear a loud crash, making my ears ring. All of a sudden my head begins to pound, I screw my eyes shut as glass comes towards my face. There is screaming behind me and tears immediately fall from my eyes, not allowing myself open up my eyes. I sit for a few minutes until I hear sirens then shouting. I dare to open my eyes and I couldn't hold back the screams of terror escaping my mouth...

I sit straight up as I scream with sweat pouring off my face. I feel like I just ran a marathon, my heart is beating out of my chest. I wipe the tears away from my cheeks with my sleeves as bury my face into my hands. When will these dreams stop?

"Mommy? Are you okay?" My four year old son asks me with his blue eyes staring into mine.

"Mommy is okay Avery." I tell him as I extend my arms out to him.

"Why are you crying? Why were you screaming?" He asks me as I pull him into my lap.

"Just a bad dream." I whisper and he kisses my nose.

"I'll sleep with you to keep you safe." He tells me and I give him a nod as a smile grows on my face.

I pull him into my arms as I lay down with him. He wraps his arms around my neck and rests his head on my chest.

"Love you mommy." He whispers as he's back to sleep again.

I look at the clock and its three in the morning. I honestly doubt that I will be able to go back to sleep. I stare at the ceiling for the next hour, reliving my nightmare. I look down at Avery and he is fast asleep with his brown hair draped over his forehead. I run my hands through his hair, the action he has become very fond with.

Before I knew it, it was eight and I have to get up to go to work. I crawl out of bed, leaving Avery to sleep until I'm ready. I put on my uniform and I straighten my hair, along with light makeup to cover up my bags under my eyes. I'm exhausted. I wish I got more sleep than I did.

Once I'm ready, I'm grab Avery off the bed and I dress him in comfortable clothes. I don't wake him as I carry him to the car. He sleeps the way over to my mom's house then I carry him inside, placing him on my mother's bed. I walk back into the kitchen and she's sitting while drinking a cup of coffee.

"I'll be back around six. I have to go grocery shopping after work." I tell her then I head towards the door.

"Skylar." She calls after me. I stop and I turn to face her.

"Yes mother?"

"Are you okay?" She asks me.

"Yes, I just didn't sleep good last night." I tell her.

"Did you have another dream?" She asks and I give her a nod.

"I'm here if you need to talk."

"I'm fine." I scoff, rolling my eyes.

"Do you need any help with groceries?" She asks me and I shake my head.

"Stop trying to give me money Mom! I don't want it, I can take care of Avery and myself without any help." I yell, stalking out to my car.

I hurry up and jump into my car before she could stop me. I don't understand why she's so pushy. Yes things are rough lately, but I don't need her help. I arrive to work ten minutes late from my discussion with my mother and traffic, so I rush inside before I get another strike.

My job as a cashier at a clothing store occupies most of my time during the week. The day goes slow as usually then at the end of the day I punch out. Before I make my way to the car, my boss stops me.

"Skylar, you were late again this morning." Evan says, crossing his arms.

"I'm sorry, it was ten minutes. Please don't give me another strike." I beg him.

"I'm sorry, but one more time I will have to fire you." He warns me then walks away.

Great, just great. The next thing I need is to get fired. I walk out to my car, heading towards the grocery store.