Dead In The Middle (Rewritting)

Chapter 1

My ears filled with music as I jerked awake.

I turned my head to see five AM in bright and bold red font. I let out a groan as I reached for the clock, having my finger search for the off button, and my eyes focused on the ceiling.

Do I really have to go? Givas die everyday, no one would notice if I skipped a day. Anyone can go and get their souls.

When I finally found the switch and turned off the alarm, I breathed out in relief.

Maybe heading back to sleep won't hurt?

I turned my body over in the bed, now facing the alarm clock from hell, to see the picture frame placed next to it. In the frame was a picture of my two beautiful kids at the age of sixteen in a park, smiling at me everytime I woke up.

"God, I love you guys," I kissed my index and middle finger and pressed it onto the cold glass. "Hope to never see you again."

I'm a good mom, I swear. Out of all the memories I could've chosen that day, I chose them. I hated thinking this way but what kind of parent would want to see their children in purgatory with them?

It's been fifty-eight years since I last saw them and I miss them with all my heart but I knew what I was doing when I made my deal and put myself into debt, there's no need to drag them into this. Sadly, they might feel the same heartache I feel when I remember that I'm not there with them everyday but it was a sacrifice I made for them, I think. It would be better if I could remember the terms of the deal but that memory is gone along with the rest of them. In my gut, I could feel that they're living a great life because of what I did.

I'm not even sure how this picture got here. When I woke up in this apartment, there it was! I didn't even complain because I got to see them outside of my memories and whenever I wanted.

Glancing at the clock, I groaned as it read five-fifteen AM. I slowly dragged my body off of the bed and shedded my pajamas off once I reached the bathroom. Hopping into the shower, the warm water trickled down my golden brown skin as I stretched my body, hearing each crack and feeling every pop.

I really need to stop sleeping all bunched up. Waking up to pain every morning is so annoying. I remember the twins used to wake up with pain every morning too. I wonder if they still sleep the same way or if they even live together? They used to cram into the same small bed and refused to sleep on their own beds despite the pain. I eventually caved and bought them a bigger mattress. Maybe I should buy myself a new mattress? Maybe that would help me sleep better.

After I took my relaxing shower, I began to get ready for work. Shifting through my closet, I found nothing that I actually wanted to wear, like always. All my work clothes were the same color and the same concept, black blouses with black slacks. I couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

At least it works out for the loophole I found for the dress code. These black clothes plus my red afro equals less things to worry about.

When I finally found something worth wearing, I slipped them on along with black heels and headed back to the bathroom to moisturize and fix my hair into a high puff. Once I was ready I went back into the bedroom, gathered my things, and I took one last glance at the clock before leaving.

Six-thirty, great. I'm not late.

As I exited the apartment, the cold harsh air rushed me to put on my scarf and long jacket. After making my way down the many flights of stairs and reaching my car, I pulled out my phone along with the car keys quickly searching through my contacts. Once I got into the car, I found the name I was looking for and pressed on it. As the phone continued to ring, I turned on the car and began to drive toward the office.