My Turn

Chapter 1

        "Jo! JO!  JOEY!! JOHANNA!!!" Screaming and giggles were the first thing I woke up to. "Jo, you have to wake up now. It's already 7 and I know how long you take to get ready." The small voice seemed to get closer as I felt my bed shaking

        "Get ready for what?" I mumbled in my pillow, my mind too tired to function properly.

        "School of course. It's my first day for preschool and I do NOT want to be late." The little girl sassed me. I could just imagine the adorable pout on her lips and her arms crossed on her chest.

        "That's right, we don't want you to be late right?" I turn to lay on my back and gather Aimee in my arms. "Good morning Aimee."

        "Morning Jo, now hurry up so you can drive me!" She demanded, trying to escape my arms and push me out of bed.

        "Alright alright, I'm going." Walking towards my closet, my mind was clearing up from my deep sleep. "Where's Mom and Dad, Ams?" I asked worriedly.

        "They already left for work. I woke up when I heard the garage doors close, they didn't see me. Don't worry about it Jo." she said in a small voice.

        My head whipped back to meet her soft blue eyes glossing up. I went to kneel in front of her as she cuddled her head into my neck. "Of course I should be worried Ams. You are and always will be my most important person. I can't bear to see you hurt." My hand stroked her brown hair to calm her  speeding heart beat and soft sobs.

        "I hate to see you hurting too Jo," she cried in my neck. Her tiny hand rose to touch the fading bruise hidden under my sleeve.

        I kissed her temple and wiped the fallen tears with my thumbs. "I'd rather it be me then you anytime" I whispered. "Come on, I'll get dressed and we can have breakfast. I'll even make your favorite!"

        Her eyes immediately shone brighter, "Your famous PB&J pancakes?" she asked with a smile on her face. I nodded and the smile turned to a huge grin which I can't help but return. She scurried out of the room and giggled her way towards the kitchen.

        Not wanting to take to much time on my wardrobe, I hurriedly pulled on a white V-neck and dark wash skinny jeans. With just eyeliner and mascara, I outlined my grey eyes. I put on my torn Chucks and grabbed my backpack, already filled with the essential from the night before. After brushing my hair, I deemed myself presentable for school.

        I jogged to the kitchen and smiled at the scene in front of me. Aimee had already set the table with glasses of milk for the both us, patiently waiting.The ingredients were soon made into batter and placed onto the pan, sizzling noises filling up the room along with quiet singing coming from my mouth. In record breaking time, I placed the freshly made peanut butter pancakes on our plates and spread jelly on top, Aimee having a little bit more. Aimee immediately dug in as soon as I finished with the jelly. I softly laughed as I wiped jelly from the corners of her mouth and ate my breakfast.

        "Thanks for the breakfast Jo!" Aimee thanked me and kissed my cheek before she went upstairs to get ready.

        "Your welcome Ams." I grabbed our dishes and washed them. Lunch was soon made for the both of us in our designated lunch bags when Aimee came back to the kitchen. "Teeth brushed?" I asked as I bent down to fix her hair.

        She nodded and breathed in my face, letting out a giggle as I scrunched up my face. "Does it smell minty fresh?"

        "Yes Ams," I chuckled. I finished the waterfall braid on her hair with a matching white bow to go with her navy blue frilly dress and white flats.