Before the Factor

Change

After helping Harry with his algebra, bio, and English, I'm beat.

I lay my head back on the pillow, while Harry grabs the remote for the TV and sits next to me.

He puts his arm around my shoulder, and we lean our heads together.

We sit like that for a while. Watching Funniest Home Videos and laughing when people fall or dance when they're drunk.

At some point I fall asleep. Peace surrounding me and pulling me under.

*************

Harsh whispers surround me, flying across the room. As if careful not to wake us.

Harry lays next to me, arm still around my should while I lean on him. I feel his chest rise and fall. He is asleep. And unaware of what going on.

"We can't just leave, James." It's my mom. Talking to my dad.

"I have no choice, Teresa. The office says there's a great opportunity for us, and it'll only come once." He says back.

"Look at your daughter. Look how happy she is here. And your just going to rip it away from her!" Not bothering to whisper anymore.

"I have no choice!" My dad yells back. I open my eyes and see them standing in front of my bed.

They don't seem to notice me, they are to caught up in their conversation.

"Everyone has a choice, James." My mother says, lowering her voice.

"You're just making ours for us."

"There's a huge opportunity waiting for us back at the states. To make a better living. I'm trying to do what's best for us!" He motions towards Harry and I,

"Just because she has a crush does not mean that we have to stay here!"

My mother looks over to me and sees me watching, her eyes immediately soften as she looks from me to my dad.

My dad looks over and walks towards me,

"I'm sorry." He says "We didn't know you were listening."

I keep my face guarded. Not knowing what to do about the situation.

"Are we going back?" Is all I say, my voice heavy with sleep.

My dad looks at my mom, and she nods.

He looks back at me,

"Yea, we are." He tries to take my hand, but I draw it back and shrink closer to Harry. Wanting this so bad to just be a nightmare.

Harry stirs, but doesn't wake. What would it take to wake this kid up? Music blasting through a speaker?

I shake my head and look back at my parents,

"I'm not going." I say

My parents both shake their heads, but my mom is the first to speak,

"You have to, Amelia." She says.

You know she's serious when she says my full name.

"You have family that you haven't seen since you were a child, and your grandmother might not make it another year and..."

She goes on but I stop listening, I start shaking my head again and curl closer to Harry, leaving my left leg where it is because of the stupid cast.

My parents see me lose interest, they look at each other and start walking out the door.

My mother turns back before she leaves,

"We'll start packing your things tonight. Don't worry, Mia. It'll be a good change."

And then she's gone.

I hum to Harry and twist his curls.

"Change." I snort, I've had enough change for this week. Let alone today.

I told myself I wouldn't cry anymore. So I don't. Instead I sing to Harry. I sing until my throat is raw and the sun starts peeking through the curtains.

Change.

It is the last word I think before I fall asleep. Giving in to the darkness that surrounds me.