Far Beyond Broken

August 1, 1984. Wednesday

“Wow, I would have never thought you had the guts in you to do something like that. I'm proud.” I gave Mad a small pat on the back.

“I got tired of her and her stupid boyfriend using me.”

She stopped the car on the side of the street in front of my house.

“Want to come in and hang for a bit?”

“I wish I could, I've got some stuff to do at home.”

“Oh, all right. Well, I'll catch you tomorrow then.”

I walked to my front door.

“Hey, Katie, wait, would you want me to drive you to school tomorrow?”

“Sure, see you at seven?”

“Yeah, see ya!”

My mom still wasn't home. I went to my room and put on the Heaven and Hell record. I picked up my bass and played along with the track.

After playing a few more songs, I took a nap till my mom got home.
A door slammed shut. I ran downstairs to see what was happening. My mom was looking into the fridge.
“Oh, hi honey, have you already ate dinner?”
“No, I've been asleep since about four o'clock. I thought maybe you would cook.” I glanced at a nearby clock. 10:30
“It's late, I guess you won't be cooking.”
“You realize you're more than old enough to cook for yourself.”
“I know but-”
“I'll just make you a sandwich. How was school?”
“Good. I met a girl named Mad.”
“Mad? that's an odd name.”
“Well her actual name is Maddie, but she just goes by Mad.”
“Maddie such a pretty name.”
“She's going to give me a ride to school tomorrow. She gave me a ride home today.”
“That was nice of her. Remember to be careful.” She placed a paper plate with a ham sandwich in front of me.
“I'm gonna go get a shower.” She gave me a kiss on the head and went to her room.
After I ate, I took a shower and tried to sleep. I wasn't tired. I put on a Zeppelin song and played bass. Stairway To Heaven came on. I sang along with it.
My door opened.
“Please be quiet. Your voice is lovely, but I'm trying to sleep. And you need too as well. Goodnight.” She shut my door and went downstairs.
That was enough for tonight.