Where The Rainbow Ends

Chapter 16

POV: Anita Johnson

"Mama I'm home." I called pushing her door open.

"Sweetie!" She replied frightened and wiped off tears from her face.

"You okay?!" I asked.

"Yep." She sighed and played with her fingers.

"Um hello Mrs. Johnson!" I called. She faked a smile and placed her hand on top of mine

"I can't do this anymore, baby I'm tired." She smiled and covered her eyes.

"Remember when I was six years old and I couldn't ride the bike that you and dad bought for Nick. You said that I shouldn't give up! You said that maybe when the time is right I'll be able to ride the bike and you said that I should keep trying and trying and trying, eventually I will succeed and yes I really did succeed. Please don't give up on yourself." I said ad she rocked back and forth on her bed.

"I've been trying. It's not a secret that our pantry is empty and your dad gets his stomach filled elsewhere. I never thought I'll admit but yes the crown doesn't fit anymore. Your dad's needs I cannot fulfil anymore." She said hopelessly.

I could hear moms words echo in my head. I fell quiet, trying to figure out what mom just said. I felt my own tears threatening to fall out.

"That's not true!" I mumbled.

"You know it's all not true." I said.

"You never failed us. It's not your fault that dad acts the way he does. You are by far the best mother. Maybe I don't get enough time to tell you but now that I have the chance lemme pour my heart out. The title we've given you is not because you had Nick and I but it's because your heart is the warmest. You are rare and perfect!"

"Mother you deserve the world in exchange of your love. Certain things you do are out of our range. You soften the sharpened ends of this world. You are like a lifetime lamp, you lighten every corner. I don't know how to break it down to you. Dad is just an asshole..." I said making her laugh yet give me a death glance.

I never thought these kind of days would come. Guess everyone needs that soul uplift every now and then.

"I never pictured myself crying on my daughter's arms. I just never saw this coming." She laughed and wiped off her tears.

"You'll never know what's coming." I smiled.

"I can't agree less to anything you said, especially the asshole part." She laughed kissing my forehead.

"Oh Baby can we please postpone our ice cream date. I am not financially stable at the time." She said.

"It's okay." I kissed her palm.

"Dinner is served!" Nick called from down stairs.

Mom and I looked at each other and laughed.

"Nick cooked?" I asked and we laughed even more.

Everything has been different in the house, it's like there is a thick fog that we can all see yet not fit enough to discuss or blow it out. The sound of cutlery and sighs made everything twice as hard.

"I am leaving again tonight." Dad spoke.

"Oh where to?" I asked earning a death glance from him.

"It's a business trip..." He said forcing a smile. "

I'll only be back next Sunday." He added drinking his orange juice.

"So honey what's the plan with the groceries this month?" Mom asked in a calm tone.