You Promised

3

(Jay)

I woke up the next morning to Annabelle pulling my blankets off my bed.

"Time to get up and get ready. You start school today and I don't want you to be late."

I groaned and rolled rolled over. I hated getting up early. "Do I have to?" I looked up at her bleary eyed.

"Yes. You have to."

I groaned again and slowly got up. Annabelle loved to pretend to be my mother, but I got it. Our mom left when I was really little. Since then Annabelle always acted like I was still that scared little kid crying as I got beaten by our father. He was like that before mom left, but she usually kept him from going to far. He abused Annabelle too, but not in a physical way. He bullied her emotionally. Every time she messed up he would yell at her and call her a failure. It got to the point where if anyone raised their voice even slightly at her she would have a anxiety attack.

I changed out of my pajamas and put on an old Harry Potter shirt and some jeans. I laced up my boots before walking out of my room and into the kitchen where Annabelle was already making breakfast. I sat down at the table and watched her for a few seconds. She's been so much happier without him around. She doesn't hold herself so tense and afraid anymore. She always thought she was protecting me but the truth was, physical stuff healed, emotional stuff didn't.

When she was done she handed me a plate and sat down across from me. She had made my favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches.

"I am so not ready for today," I say as I eat my sandwich.

"You'll be fine. Do you have money for lunch?"

"Yeah. Any news on you know who?"

"Still in jail. Still not coming to get us."

I sighed. I knew he would probably never find us, but the thought of him still didn't sit well with me. I finished eating and picked up my bookbag. Annabelle and I walked out to the truck and began driving. It wasn't to long of a drive from the house but I felt like eternity.

When we got there Annabelle and I walked through the front door and into the main office. The woman at the front desk smiled at us.

"How may I help you?"

Annabelle stepped up slowly. She was never good in social situations but I could see that she was really trying this time.

"I called over the phone yesterday. About enrollment."

The lady smiled again. "Of course. Is this Jay Grace?" She nodded her head towards me.

"Yes."

The lady began typing on her computer. "Relation to student?"

"Sister."

"And you are his legal guardian?"

"Yes m'am."

The lady nodded and handed me a sheet of paper. "This is your schedule. Just follow it and things should be fine."

I looked at Annabelle. "What if they make fun of my eyes?"

"Then they're just jealous. You've got this. Don't worry. I'll pick you up when I get off work."

She hugged me then walked out. I watched her leave for a minute then headed for class. I was not looking forward to this.