Miss Margie's Mansion

1:Dreaming

Twigs snapped under my feet as I ran. I couldn't stop or turn to see what was chasing me,but I heard it's heavy footfall in pursuit of me...how much farther could I run without passing out? It was getting closer,and I couldn't run fast enough. I felt it's hand grab my leg,knocking me off my feet,then dragging me into the darkness.

I awoke with a start,my body drenched in sweat. I looked around the room,just to make sure I was still in my mom's tiny,cramped apartment instead of the darkness of my nightmares. I glanced over at the clock,which read one a.m,and wondered why mom wasn't home yet. Probably out with another bum I thought to myself. I tried to go back to sleep,but to no avail. Every time I closed my eyes,the nightmare would always come back to haunt me. Instead of trying aimlessly to sleep,I got up and started surfing the webb. I click on random sites,trying to satisfy my need to be entertained,until I hear my mom finally open the door to our apartment. When she walks into our crowded living room,the stench of alcohol,cologne and cigarettes fills my nose. She collapses on the couch and sighs. "Another long shift mom?" I ask her trying to figure out where on earth she has been. "No. I got fired tonight for spitting in some idiots drink. The manager caught me and well,it is what it is. I was actually out with a friend." She drawled,her drunkenness evident.
Ahh so I was right. She was out with a bum. I briefly thought to myself. My mom works as a barmaid,how hard can it be? Yet my mom has a nasty temper,so it's hard for her to keep a job with the way she reacts to rudeness. My guess is that we will be moving again soon,looking for another job. I'm only sixteen now,and I work at the local gas station,trying to help support us,but it won't be enough if mom isn't helping out. I'm not doing too great in school,and people tend to avoid me,mostly because of my greasy appearance. The water got shut off as well,so now i give off quite an odor on top of that. It's ok though,I don't really mind,and I never did have much time for friends anyway.
"Amanda listen to me when I'm talking!"my mom shouted at me,snapping me out of my thoughts. When she saw I was listening,she continued,"I've had a word with your aunt over the phone today,and I think it would be best if you stay with her for awhile. Now,before you start to argue,hear me out. Your aunt lives out in the country in Tennessee,in a very big house. She is a...well,she is...quite an interesting woman,but she is a sweet lady,and I think you may like her. You would only be staying until I can get back on my feet with work,and maybe a little better off with living space than this crappy apartment we have now."
I stared at her open mouthed. Go live with my aunt? I don't even know her!
"You want me to go live with my aunt?" I asked dumbly
"Yes,but only until I get out of this dump. It won't take that long,and when I'm done, I will be able to give you the life you deserve. You don't have to worry about school at least,since its summer,and this will give you some time to take off from work." She offered.
"When am I going?" I asked her while contemplating my options.
"Tomorrow. It will be fun,trust me." She got up from where she was sitting,and gave me a hug before saying
"Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to head to bed,and you had better pack your stuff." Then she stumbled down the hall to her bedroom,before I heard her thump on her bed.
Well I guess that's that,I thought to myself,I had better go pack. I'm going to my aunt's house.