ImPerfect

Chapter Two: The Not So Lonely Swing

               The memory still haunts me. I was there. I saw it happen. Yet I couldn't do anything to stop it. If only I knew. Her cries echo in my head. Her frown is etched in my mind. If only. If only I could've prevented it. But I couldn't. I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep, but I couldn't. And haven't been able to for 4 years. Crash, Clink! I stood up in bed quickly. I rushed to the door, breathing heavily. Where we being robbed? I swiftly moved through the halls to the front entrance. Stupidly enough, I didn't bring something to defend myself with. "Home on the range!" Squealed a rather familiar voice. Leaving all my fear behind, I walked into the living room. On the couch was my Mom, with her arms flailing wildly. I could tell she a tad bit too much to drink. "Once a upon a time-" My mom began but before she could finish, she passed out cold. I got a blanket and placed on her. Then I proceeded to go back to bed. I don't want to say this happens a lot, but this happens a lot. It took a while, but I managed to fall asleep again. I woke to the birds' morning melodies. I headed downstairs and as I walked by Andrew's room, I realized it remained untouched. Why wasn't he home? There wasn't any place he could go really. I brushed it off and went into the kitchen to fix myself a plain breakfast. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it earlier, but my parents weren't downstairs like normal. The house was quiet as can be. My parents always woke up early to go to their side jobs. I made myself cereal again since there wasn't anything else in the kitchen to really eat. After eating breakfast, I went outside in the brisk air to take a walk. I didn't bother leaving a note. No one cared any ways. 

The sun was still rising when I walked outside. Every Saturday, I walked to a nearby playground that was usually left alone. It was only a short stroll from my house, so why not? I walked to the nearby playground and sat on a bench. Calling it a playground was overstatement. There are three swings, a slide, a bench and small field to run in. I walked over to the slightly rusty swing and sat on it. I looked out into the sky and gazed up at the sunrise. It looked so beautiful. So perfect. The sky was clear, and the sunrise a beautiful ombre of fuchsia, magenta and royal blue. Days like these are perfect for thinking. You just feel so happy, the temperature is just right, and it gets your thoughts flowing. There is going to be a read-off next month. Not that it matters. I can't join anyway. If I did, I would be called a nerd and try-hard. But I wish I could. A read-off at my school is this event where you read the top 5 books of this year in a month and a half. Afterward you must answer a bunch of questions relating to the book. The top of this year is, "Flawed" by Veronica Georgina, "Out of my Mind" by Sharon Draper, "Always Abigail" by Nancy J. Cavanaugh, "Not-so-Smart Mess" by Mary Julip, and "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. I wish I could be myself. Why was I born into a wealthy family?

 "Hi, ne-neigh--person who lives across from me! Nice to meet you!" Said an unfamiliar voice. I peered down and looked at the person the voice belonged to. It was a little girl that looked around 7. Her hair was blonde and in a braid. She was wearing pink dress overalls with a white undershirt. She had light pink paint splotched all over her overalls. She looked at me with a broad smile and had the cutest rosy cheeks on her pale skin. "Aww, hello there." I said giving her a smile. "Do you want to be my friend? I can read a whole book and count to 50! I can also dance!" She said excitedly and quickly as she twirled around. "Sure, why no-" I began. Suddenly, what looked like a bigger version of the little girl, appeared. She had her blonde hair down, her green eyes looking at the younger kid and seemed around my age. She was wearing a pastel blue skirt and matching shirt with a sunflower on the front and a quote on the back that said, "Let your smile change the world, but don't let the world change your smile." "Kenzie, what did mom say about sneaking out?" The older girl said in a firm, yet animated voice. The girl I assume named Kenzie mumbled, "To not do it" "Just don't go anywhere without me. Okay?" "Yes" Kenzie finally replied after a brief second of hesitation. The older girl looked over and realized I was there. She smiled just like Kenzie and said, "Oh hello! Sorry about that but my sister often sneaks out. We just moved into this neighborhood. My name is Audrey Brookwood and this-" She motioned to Kenzie, "-is my sister Kenzie Brookwood." "Hello. It's okay. Your sister is very friendly. My name is Amanda Glace, and it is nice to meet you." "Amanda Glace? Isn't the Glace family, the founder of the Glace Advanced Technology and Learning thingy?" Kenzie said. "You're a smart cookie, aren't you?" I replied giggling. "I don't care about the business that much. Anyway, I'm more curious about you guys. Where did you guys live before?" I questioned. "We used to live in North Carolina in a city called Winterberg. We moved here for no particular reason other than for fun, I guess. There might be, I just don't know. Maybe for my dad's job." Audrey said as she made her way over to the swing next to me. "Amanda, why is the playground so empty? I was hoping I could find friends to play with." Kenzie pouted. "I don't know. Also, I'm a friend you could play with." I said. "But you probably can't jump rope with me and win against me in tic-tac-toe. Or dress up a barbie in nice clothing." Kenzie said grumpily. "HEY WAIT A SECOND!" Audrey exclaimed. "Oh really, bet." I said competitively. "Let's see, If Amanda wins, Kenzie will buy her something, if Kenzie wins, Amanda owes her an ice cream sundae." Audrey suggested. We agreed to do it next Saturday. 

We sat around and got to know each other better. I played tag with Kenzie and Concentration with Audrey. They were pretty good at those games. After a while I looked up and realized the sun was setting. I didn't realize how time flies. "Bye, I need to go. It's probably past my bedtime already." I said and we bade each other goodbye and I left while they stayed in the park for a little bit longer. I walked back home and immediately went to bed. They seemed very nice and fun to be around. The feeling reminds me of the times I played with Annabelle. I miss having Annabelle around so much. She filled this void in my heart. Maybe Audrey and I could become close friends. Someone to trust and tell all my woes to. I shouldn't get my hopes up. 

My happiness never lasts long.