Till Death

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October, 24 - One week till Halloween

It was the start of the week, a regular Monday morning in good ole Little Rock, Arkansas. A small city, which was just perfect for Jessica Barkley, or Jessie as most of her crew and close friends called her, is a 24 year old new recruit in training.

Being a local detective is not always the high life, although it is interesting, was just a starter and was not as...experienced, as most on her force.

Meeting new people, helping others, solving crimes, dodging bullets, dealing with psychos, may not be your dream job, but it definitely fits Jessica as well as pays the bills for her and her daughter, Rose, in their two flat apartment located downtown and a few blocks away from the office.

"Rose! baby girl, come downstairs, I have breakfast ready"

Rose was only 12 years old in 7th grade attending Tristons Private School a couple roads past the office. Rose was a sweet and smart girl, all Jessie needed in her life was her.

Jessie's baby daddy left just last year unexpectedly. Jessie thought he was kidnapped or dead, for since that day there has been no word from him. The cops said they had no leads on where to even start the search, much less even give a clue whether he was alive and well or gone for good.

Rose remembers the day he left quite clearly as well, and Jessie knew she would never forget it. It was hard for the next couple of weeks after he left. Rose started to rebel, Jessie couldn't think straight which effected her grades in college immensely.

But after long talks and long nights up with each other they pulled through together.

Maybe that's why Jessie felt such a strong connection to being a detective, trying to solve the one case that's been in the back of her mind everyday since then.

Jessie had just finished buttering the toast and scrambling the eggs, just the way Rose liked it.

As for Jessie, she was perfectly satisfied with a hot cup of coffee and an energy bar. She wasn't too fixed on having a full breakfast every morning like she does for her daughter.

Soon enough Jessie hears Rose stampeding down the stairs rushing to the dining room table ready to be served her meal before school.

Seeing her all ready dressed in her brown pleaded skirt along to match with the assigned brown and white button up blouse. she was adorable.

Jessie brews her coffee and sits down next to Rose.

"you excited for school today? is Anabell going to be there?" Jessie quizzed as she took another sip from her to-go mug.

"yeah! me and her are studying together after school today, her mom is picking us up and taking us to her house" she jumps up from her chair and cleans up her mess. shes a child, yes, but Jessie made sure she was being raised right with proper manners.

"oh okay! then I'll probably stay late at the office hun. I'll come and get you around 5, alright?"

"okay momma, come on! we have to go!"

After Rose finishes the dishes she grabs her bag sitting in front of the door, unlocks the door and heads out to the car to impatiently wait for her mother.

Jessie stands up and pushes in her chair as well as her daughters who forgot to. grabbing an energy bar out of the cabinet in the kitchen and refilling her mug with the rest of the warm coffee, she heads out locking the door behind her.

"finally! lets go!" Rose complains as she crawls into the passenger seat after Jessie unlocks it.

"you need to calm your attitude missy! or else someone isn't going to have a play date with their friend"

"ew mom! don't call it a "play date" its a study session!"

Jessie just laughs at her daughters complaint and continues to drive to the school in silence the rest of the way.

........

Shortly arriving at the school, Jessie kisses her baby on the head and waves her off to the school. Private school is definitely different from public school, with the uniforms and the rules, it was an adjustment but worth it. Frankly, Jessie didn't trust public schools. The bullies, the horrible food, the free will. As much as she wanted her child to have fun and enjoy life, Jessie saw public schools as a target for an unhealthy living and development for a child's life.

"Move it!"

Jessie quickly snaps back into reality as she hears several horns from other mothers behind her honk.

"Sorry!"

Jessie shouts even though she knew none of them could hear her. Pulling away slowly from the car line, she makes her way to the office down the road.