Doogle One Shots

The Deal

Sept. 25, 2047

"So we aren't allowed to tell him?"
"That's right, Mrs. Cavat. However, if he happens to find out, notify us immediately."

Sept. 26, 2052

For as long as I can remember, I've had the best moms in the whole world. And I can remember a lot! I hardly ever get lost because I remember my Mommy Averria, with her dark brown skin and doctor coat, leaf green eyes and black, curly, shoulder-length, bouncy hair! And Mama Vanessa, with her long, straight, brown hair with blonde underneath it, her tan skin lighter than Mommy's but just as pretty with face and body scars and eyes like the chocolate I get on Halloween!

Another thing I remember is feeling a strange presence with me in the house, almost always. Occasionally, I'd point up at the corner of the ceiling, my right thumb in my mouth, as I said excitedly, "Look! Mama, Mommy, it's the shadow again!" But when they turn it goes away in the blink of an eye, then they giggle and say I must've imagined it.

Even so, I'd say it every time I see it, "Look, the shadow's back!" And every time they check it's never there. By the 13th time, they've resorted to calling him "Shade", my imaginary friend. Thankfully it didn't bother them, or the cats, Mochi and Mocha, so it wasn't a big deal whenever I spoke about him.

Although, today on this chilly September Thursday, I felt rather uneasy. It's been a few days since I had seen Shade. Aside from the random single days he didn't show up, he never failed to appear in the corner of my room, watching as I read my books or played with my toys or the cats. But lately he hadn't shown up for the past three days and I was really worried about him. He wasn't exactly a friend, but his company was nice, even if he was a weirdo. And I mean weird in the sense that he wouldn't play with me, no matter how many times I offered to share my stuffed animals.

"Mommy, do you think Shade will make it for my birthday?" Tomorrow I was turning five and I specifically didn't invite anyone from school because I wanted to share my cake with him.

She paused, removing one hand from the steering wheel to adjust her glasses. She was really pretty with them on that it made me want my own. Usually she'd be working at the hospital, but this time she had a rare day off and let Mama sleep in. "Of course he'll be there, Neptune." It always made me happy when Mommy called me that. She always said my eyes were big, blue and beautiful, just like the planet. "I'm sure he's talking about your big day to his parents as we speak." Mama pulled up to the school and parked, giving me a look of full blown seriousness. "Are you sure you don't want me to walk with you to the entrance?"

Making sure to keep my confidence, I grinned and gave a big nod. "Mhm, I got this. I love you, bye!" And with that, I snatched my backpack, lunch bag and took off. Unfortunately, the day had different plans for me. When I stepped up to the school's entrance, I had some company waiting for me.

"Hey there, monster!" Sneered a slightly older kid. A first grader who obviously had parents who didn't bother to correct his behavior. "Turns out you're a mutant 'cause my mom says people with blue eyes have a mutation when they're babies! So you really are a freak!" I wasn't the only blue eyed kid here, but I think he picked on me because I'm smart for my age, I'm young, and my eyes are the brightest ones in this tiny school.

Just because my morning is unexpectedly unpleasant, doesn't mean today won't be good. I beam at the older child. "Wow, your mom must be really intelligent then!" I stand my ground cheerfully, but I'm desperately hoping he doesn't notice the way I'm clutching onto my bags. He glares at me with confusion, not sure what to say next. Probably because I just used a word that is normally too big for kids as old as us. Luckily, I'm saved by the bell. The kid scoffs at me, "Whatever, loser. Next time I'll hit you." Him and the rest of the tiny figures around the school scatter across the grounds, moving to their classrooms at even paces to avoid being late.