LOVE IN WAR

Chapter 1

It was raining and I wasn't in the mood for skating. Rollerblading is so much fun but too much fun for me right now. I couldn't handle all the activities going on in my life and nonetheless bundle in fun things too. My mother is going bankrupt, my father in is off in who knows where, and family members are scarce. What more could a single mother like mine want, right?

But I decided she needed me. The skating rink could wait. So I turned over in my seat, pulled out my Iphone from my backpack, I scrolled up to my best friend Tammie's number on speed-dial. Yes, this was the third time Id denied one of her exciting invites. And yes, my mom told me to stop worrying about for her...but I knew the right thing.

That right thing was deciding the choice that would better benefit my mother and me.

"Uh...hey Tam. Sorry, but the rink can wait right now. I've got to head home." I said into the phone. I was already in the school bus anyway so there was no heading back.

"Oh, but can't you even consider rethinking? Beg your mom, Bethany! She has to let you come! I miss you!"

I felt regretful for turning down Tammie the third time, but what other choice did I have? Tammie should understand the adult-like decisions I'm setting for myself right now. It's time to grow up.

'Tam, I feel bad about this already, please don't make it harder. I've got to go before the bus driver catches me talking. Bye."

Quietly, Tammie hangs up too and I begin wondering if this is the beginning to something new. From this point, am I a new Bethany Bridges? Have I grown premature wigs that my other age mates haven't even sprouted yet? Is it just me or has mom started treating me differently, too? Like some type of pre-adult?

I sigh. I didn't assume being grown would be hard. But hey, practice makes perfect.

The bus pulls over to my stop so I grab my backpack, pull over my head a hood, and then bring out my umbrella as everyone stares at me. I quickly scurry down the aisle and down the steps.

Oooh. It feels so good out here. I can think about life and come up with somewhat good solutions. I guess I plan better when I'm out in nature, alone, and worried. My house is around the corner, so I pull out my keys, ready to open the door. I may like the outdoors but I don't appreciate being drenching wet.

When I finally enter our brick home I head over to the kitchen. "Hey, Mom. How was your day?" I greeted her.

She replied with a thumbs-up, along with a quirky grin; I smile at her through the counter top window.

My mom is so beautiful in so many ways. Her eyes are a soft brown/green that seems to twinkle when she smiles. Her face is always warm, and sort of pale, but not in a sick looking type of way. She is slim figured and usually a calm person. At most times her brown and golden hair is flowing onto her back with a colorful scrunchy.

She asks me if I want a piece of fruit and I deny it. Instead I make a sandwich and climb the stairs to my room. No time to think and worry, for now at least. I grab a pencil, and search through my school binder for my history homework. Though, before I even write my name, my phone rings.

I answer. "Hello?"

"Hi, I'm Jessica Sanders. Is this Bethany L'Oreal Bridges?" she asks.

"Yes." I slowly reply.

"Well...I am so relieved to finally talk with you!" the woman screams gleefully. She continues, "I am an assistant of Global Educational Services, and we are very interested in you, ma'am. We hope you will be interested as well, in the opportunities G-E-S offers you, Ms. Bridges. This coo-"

"Wait- Ms. Bridges, you say?"

"Uh...yes. At Global Educations Services, we value our corporations on investing in the most worthy, intelligent disciples possible in our society. Around the world, we find bright minds; oh, we are very obligated both professionally and morally to call these young geniuses respectfully."

I was amazed at all the ...profoundness. I was getting jittery ad nervous. What if this is something big and important? It sure sounds business-like. Carefully, I decide to answer the G-E-S lady benevolently.

"Um, sorry for the disturbances. Please continue...Ms. Sanders?"

"Well, it is quite alright. Questions keep the world going! Anyway, I'm calling you in hopes of developing a meeting with you, my boss, and me. An appointment has been scheduled for seven o'clock, Sunday night. The date is November tenth. We do not accept anyone a minute late. Will this be appropriate for you, Ms. Bridges?"

This was going all too fast. I've been on the phone two minutes and already I've been set an appointment this weekend with a prestigious company. "Uh...I guess so. Yeah. I think-its fine. Perfect. Couldn't be better. I'll be there on time that day. No sweat- I mean worries." I rushed.

Afterwards she thanked me, and I hung up. I sighed. That was a very scary conversation, to say the least. I suppose I'm to be worked up about the special meeting I've set for myself but I wasn't.

I didn't have too much heart to think about the phone call, though. Therefore, I pulled the books closer to my sight and knocked the G-E-S out of my mind.