The Tears of Clara Walton (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3

This chapter is dedicated to the wonderful Carli_Jean92 everyone go follow her! Thanks for the great cover!  :)                                                                                                                                 Carli_Jean92

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I jumped up to the sound of my mom walking in the front room. "Clara, why are you on the floor?" my mom questioned in confusion. I struggled to find a good excuse and blew air out of my cheeks.

"I fell," I state, although it sounds more like a question.

"Right, anyways, Cassidy is next door at Ms. Nergen's baking cookies or something like that. Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes can you go grab her and get her cleaned up?"

"Sure Mom," I stated as I jumped to my feet, swaying at the abrupt movement. I walked down to my room and placed my backpack on top of my bed. I took off my pants and pulled on a pair of plaid pajama pants. I threw on a tank top and proceeded to walk next door to Ms. Nergen's house. I knocked gently and heard Cass yelling at someone to grab the door. I giggled considering this wasn't even her house yet Ms. Nergen didn't even seem to care that Cass seemed to think it was.

"Well, hello there dear."

"Hi Ms. Nergen."

"Oh, dear, come on in, make yourself at home," she stated with a smile lighting her face. I smiled in reply and gracefully walked in.

"Toots, is that you?" I heard Cass scream from the kitchen.

"What an ill-mannered child, am I right Ms. Nergen?" I joked lightly.

"Oh heavens no, she is perfect," I giggled knowing Cass was practically perfect in every way except in her manners.

"Clara!" I felt little hands grab around my waist as I walked into the kitchen. 

"Hey there buttercup, what are you doing?"

"Baking cookies. Widow Nergen says I am almost as good as you, Toots," I smiled. When I had my first chemo therapy, in kindergarten, I lost all of my hair. One day after getting bullied by some other kids, I was crying on my front porch waiting for my dad to come home. He took longer than usual and Ms. Nergen happened to be looking out her window at the time. She came over and started telling me stories about Mr. Nergen and how he had set her turkey on fire one Christmas. I laughed and she went inside to talk to my mom. She later came out and offered to bake cookies with me. She took me to her house and taught me how to bake cookies. From kindergarten until eigth grade, I would go to her house every day after school and bake cookies with her. Once in a blue moon, her grandson Trenty would come visit  and we would all back cookies together. Trenty was five years older than me and always treated me like a little sister. 

"Wow Cass, you must be good," I stated with a low whistle escaping my mouth.

Cass smiled appreciatively and nodded vigourously.

"Well, Butternut, we better head home, momma threw on dinner and I have to draw you a bath."

"Ms. Nergen, can you please bring me cookies after dinner, please," Cassidy  questioned with the biggest puppy dog eyes.

"Of course, sugar," she said looking at Cass so lovingly.

Cassidy yipped in pleasure and ran home to tell our mom. I stayed behind to thank Ms. Nergen for being so kind to Cassidy.

"Clara, I am concerned," Ms. Nergen became serious.

"Why?"

Ms. Nergen gently touched my arm indicating the rapid forming, purple bruise on my arm. "Clara, look at your arm, that's why."