Marked By Fate

There's No Place Like Home

I got home to find my mom still in bed, with a bottle of whiskey in her hand. 

Its been four years since my step dad died. She still hasn’t gotten over it. 

I called my dad.

“Hey, dad” I said 

“Hey sweetie.” He could tell I was upset, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s mom.” I said holding trying to hold back the tears that were flooding my eye’s.

“I’m coming to get you.” He said hanging up.

“What the hell was that about?” My mom screamed from across the hallway.

Her brown hair was matted and stuck to her face, her blue eye’s were bloodshot, she was stumbling in a pathetic attempt to walk.

“Dad’s coming to get me. I’m moving in with him and Lenny.” 

“To hell you are!” She screamed. “I’m your mother!”

“No!” I screamed. “My mother died when Jake did. You loved him more than you ever loved me, you think I never noticed that? The night he died so did you.” I felt tears stream down my face.

She came at me and sung her firsts in my direction causing her to fall on to the floor. By now I was in tears. Mom wasn’t moving. The door bell rang. I ran to the door and let dad in. 

Seeing him with that look brought back all the memories. All the frustration. Everytime I came home it was like this and sometimes even worse.

I knew it wasnt just her drinking. She had went to A.A every since Jake died and she started drinking. I think maybe its the medicine she has been on mixed with the alchahol. I knew something had to be done. I thought of every possible thing but only one was realistic.

I went in the kitchen and grabbed a phone and phone book.

I found St. Albert’s number. I called and had my mother admitted. She needs help. A few hours later they came to pick her up. She fought they had to sedate her. 

"Ma'a.  I'll have to have you and your dad come down tomorrow to fill out some paperwork. I have to tell you it is a long emotional process, but we will do what we can for your mom."

St. Alberts was a mental institution. It almost killed me, but I knew it was the only way to help her. After she was gone dad and I packed my things and left for his house. My dad is tall, he has dark brown hair and green eyes. His name is Charlie. My friends and I call him dad, most refer to him as Mr. Summers. He’s a lawyer.

We pulled up to his house. It was huge. It was two story and had a beautiful garden. We carried my things to my room which..was on the second floor. It was pink. Along with the rest of my stuff. We unpacked and I crashed on the couch in the living room. 

“Are you okay honey?” Lenny asked bringing me a cookie.

“Yeah I’m fine.” I replied.

She saw the pain in my eyes. 

“Come on. Wanna help me make dinner?” she smiled.

I love to cook and she knew it. 

“Yes please” I smiled and ate my cookie.

We walked to the kitchen. 

“What would you like for dinner?” she asked.

“Chicken spaghetti and baked potato salad.” I smiled.

“Your dads favorite.” she smiled.

“Mine too!” 

As we cooked I went over the events of the day in my head. 

My life doesn’t make sense…

“Can I make coconut meringue pie?” I asked.

“Yeah sure.” she smiled knowing it was dad’s favorite.

After dinner it was about eleven. I did my homework then decided it was time for a swim.

I put on my swimsuit and headed out to the pool. I went to the end with the diving board and dove in. I swam around for hours. It was like the whole day was washing away. I was floating on my back just staring at the sky. I noticed a figure standing by the back door and let out a scream. 

It was Damitri, Kalen’s best friend. Kalen is Lenny’s son. Damitri lives here too because his parents died when he was young. So Lenny took him in.

He was tall, had brown hair, and blue eyes. He was really nice. He was smart and funny. He was handsome. Although because he doesn’t show much emotion, some say he’s dark, just because he doesn’t talk much. 

“What the hell are you doing out here? It’s passed midnight! You scared me half to death!” I yelled.

“Hey, you’re the one who decided to take a swim at three forty in the morning. And I heard something so I decided to come check it out.” he defended. 

I swam over to him. 

Hand me my robe?” I asked.

He walked over to the chair and grabbed it.

I stepped out of the pool and he threw it to me.

“You know, you should be getting some sleep. You do have school tomorrow.” he said.

“Yeah. So do you.” I smiled.

“Come on.” he smiled. “I’ll walk you to your room.” 

“Ahw… What a gentleman.” I teased.

“Oh shut up.” he joked. “So how was school? I didn’t see you.”

“It was complicated.” I said with a sigh.

“Wanna talk about it?” he offered.

“Not really. Thanks though.” 

“No problem.” he said as we reached my room. 

“Well, goodnight, Zoey.” he smiled.

“Goodnight, Dami.” I opened my door as he walked off.

Time to sleep.