Slowly Falling For The School Bully

Chapter II

(Hazel's Point Of View)

The rest of the day went by very slowly. Seconds felt like years. Eventually the bell rang for dismissal, and I was free.

I ran to the bus, and watched out of the bus window, of the blurred scenery as the bus was moving 40 mph. Ten minutes later, we were pulling into the neighborhood and slowing to a stop. The bus driver opened the doors, and five kids, including me, exited the bus, and walked to our houses. 

"Hey mom! I'm home." I yelled as I closed the front door, throwing my book sack by the wall.

"I'm in here honey." 

I followed her voice, and found her in the office with several boxes. The office was a square like room, with a fireplace on one end, with bookcases on each side of the fireplace, and on the opposite wall was a desk. Boxes that marked, "Office", were scattered on the floor. A pile of books were in front of my mom.

"What's going on?"

"Come on. Let's go to the living room. We need to have a little chat."

"Yes ma'am." I followed her to the living room. The living room is a small area. A couch, and two arm chairs diagonal, facing the TV. A fireplace below the TV and a coffee table in the middle, with a rug under it.

She sat down, and motioned for me to sit as well. 

"I can't afford this house anymore. We're behind on bills, and ever since my divorce with your father...well, things have been rough."

 "Rough? How?"

"I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer..and I can't afford this house anymore. You're going to go live with your father."

"But what about you mom?!"

"Hazel. Baby. I'll be fine."

"You promise?" Hot tears were pouring out of my eye sockets.

Mother wiped the tears off of me, and whispered, "Yes", as she pulled me in for a hug. "You're not going to school tomorrow. I'll drop you off at your dad's tomorrow."

I nodded. I couldn't focus. I couldn't think. Mom has cancer. Mom has cancer. Mom has cancer. I couldn't think of anything else. 

The rest of the week is a blur. I couldn't tell you what happened honestly. I barely slept, and have lost my appetite. I walked into the kitchen Saturday night though, and overheard the conversation dad was having.

"I told you, Ellen. She isn't eating. She stays in her room and cries. She has lied on the bathroom floor all day last night. She's broken. She has barely spoken to me."

Silence followed as dad was listening to the person on the other end of the phone. 

"Ellen. I can't take care of her. I'm going to have to send her to my brother."

More silence follows.

"Yes. Yes. I know that you don't like him. I know what he has done before. He changed though."

"Thank you. I'll send her there Monday, after school."

As dad got off of the phone, I walked into the dining room.

"Hey kiddo. Get your things ready."

I nodded. "Dad?"

"Yes?" He tilted his head slightly. 

"Why can't you take care of me?" My voice squeaked, and tears started to come to my eyes. I did my best to fight them, but the battle was lost. 

"I..uh. Go pack your things Hazel." He turned around and walked to his study. I retreated to my room, flung myself to the bed, and cried the rest of the night.