Victim to Victor: The rise to Love

Chapter 5

The weekend passed, and true to her word, Helena had arranged for a cremation and nothing else.

What Helena failed to mention though, was that on Friday she was contacted regarding Scott's will. To Helena, Scott left enough money to fund household responsibilities, enough not to put pressure on anyone for at least two years. To Storm, Dearest Daddy had left his company and the profits turned annually, to be released when she turned 18.

Scott's company was left to be run by the same staff and a legal team.

Helena was furious! For hours Helena made countless calls, looking for loopholes. Storm was not worthy of such an inheritance. All her attempts failed miserably as her heart sank further into an icy darkness with each call.

A fresh surge of hatred rushed through Helena like a fast-acting venom, there was no way she could ditch the kid now. No, she would have to put up with Storm in hopes of getting in on her inheritance. The lousy child had done nothing to deserve it. Helena was sure to make the kid work harder from now on.

Deep in Helena's heart and soul, she mourned her husband's death, his passing had left her broken. Her hope for the future being a better place, that her husband would love her the same as before, all ripped away. It was a bitter pill to swallow indeed. All that was left was a hollow woman slowly filling with a wrath unknown to even herself.

The days passed by quickly, and Helena could not find it in herself to calm down. Instead, the rage grew, inch by inch taking over her life

Drinking had become her life. She made new friends who had the same views and the same perception of life. Every droplet of alcohol borrowed happiness from the next day, ending up in an endless cycle of going out and drinking life's problems away.

Her latest friend Angela, even hated children. The news of this fueled Helena's hatred for her child. She invited Angela over to her home many nights, and with this, they spent those many nights taunting and tormenting young Storm.

Eventually, Helena's leave days had run their course, and it was time to return to work. She had spent the weekend bar hopping with Angela and had slipped into the house in the wee hours of Monday morning. She set her alarm clock and fell into bed. It had been two weeks since her husband died. Two weeks since her life took a drastic turn, and she fell even deeper into the bottle. Her life was everything she wished it would never be, but here she was. Life had its way of chewing you up and spitting you out. Helena let out a frustrated grunt. This wasn't the time to dwell, besides she was wasted and couldn't begin to care. Her thoughts left her and soon consciousness too.

Helena's alarm going off sounded like a jackhammer pounding into her skull. Slowly Helena got up, her world twisted and turned. Yep, she was still drunk! Anger once again bubbled beneath the surface of her skin. Helena made her way towards her closet and pulled out the first dress suit her eyes fell on. It would have to do since she was struggling to keep her eyes open as is. Fighting the heavy flood of nausea that overcame her, Helena continued her once-normal morning routine. An hour had passed by now and Helena had managed to hide the darkness under her eyes with make-up, the stench of alcohol and cigarette that clung to her pores washed away. Helena cringed at the thought of returning to work. Her life had become so mundane without the help of alcohol. To think about going back to work so soon held no purpose in her heart. She was just going to have to make it through the day. Leaving her house she got into her car, it had fresh scrapes from one of her most recent drives back home from the bar. The engine still purred beautifully and that was all that mattered, in an instant she was gone.

All at once Storm sucked a deep breath in, her nightmares leaving her oxygen-deprived and anxiety-riddled. Every night she would close her eyes and wish for peaceful sleep, every night the devils danced like shadows on the walls of her young mind. This had become the new normal for the raven-haired child. It left her exhausted and broken in ways that stole her childhood. Forcing her to grow up faster and faster.

Though Storm's first thoughts were those of sadness and sorrow, traces of her nightmares left behind in her reality, she quickly realized that it was indeed Monday. Today she would get to see Izzy, the girl that chased away her darkness and brought back radiant light into Storm's gloomy days. Storm threw open her blanket and hopped out of bed. She raced to finish getting ready for school, taking just enough time to make sure she was presentable. Her morning run in pyjamas and wild hair were still burning bright in her memory and was not something she wanted to repeat. The embarrassment of another encounter like that would surely be the end of the young girl. No, today she had styled her long, silky, black hair into a French braid that hung over her right shoulder. Hazel eyes shone bright and clear and her scars were less obvious. She felt good about facing the world.

“Today is going to be a good day.” Storm whispered softly.

Convincing herself to stay positive was the only thing Storm had left. Grabbing her school bag and lunch, she left.

Outside, a house away, stood the radiant angel Izzy. Storm smiled as their eyes met.

“Hey, kiddo! Someone's up early today.” Izzy said grinning playfully.

“Yeah, Mom left for work this morning and I decided I might as well get done too. Would you like to walk to school together again?” Storm said almost holding her breath.

“Sure thing, kiddo. I've been waiting for you. Hey! Where's my hug?” Izzy responded while stretching her arms out, welcoming Storm for their embrace.

Storm gave Izzy her sweetest smile before tackling Izzy and giving her the biggest bear hug she could muster.

“Well, good morning sunshine!” Izzy giggled.

“Just remember I still need air please” she teased further.

Storm gave a toothy smile before letting go, taking Izzy's hand and starting the journey forward.

A few laughs later the walk had come to a halt. They were standing in front of Storm's school and the sadness of saying goodbye crept back into Storm's heart. Izzy saw this and turned Storm to face her.

“ Chin up kiddo, I'll be back for you at the end of the day. Until then, fill that mind to the brim. Exercise that beautiful brain.” Izzy said in an almost motherly way that felt so alien to Storm.

“Thanks Iz, I'll do my best I promise.” Storm said as she gave Izzy's hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go and heading to her class.

Soon class began and although school wasn't the same as before, Storm was determined to keep her promise. Today she was going to learn and participate. The dull voice of Mrs Patterson echoed through the room.

“Good morning children, I can see you are all so excited to be here today.”

She scanned the jaded faces in her classroom and continued.

“Since we are in this excited mood I'd like to give you all a reward.”

Mrs Patterson gave an impish grin as she saw a few ears perk up and hope in the eyes of her students.

“Can anyone guess what that reward could be?”

She waited, tapping a finger on her chin in a thoughtful manner.

“A free period?” A hopeful Billy shouted from the back.

“ Why Billy, you've got me all figured out.”

Mrs Patterson said, once more scanning the faces of her classroom. What beautiful smiles had replaced those jaded ones just moments ago. She gave a chuckle and continued.

“Well Billy, when you go to bed tonight you may dream about all the free periods in the world. Today's reward is a POP QUIZ!”

A chorus of moans further echoed throughout the classroom. Then Mrs Patterson took it even further her excitement quite evident as her grin spread from ear to ear.

“You get a pop quiz! You get a pop quiz! YOU ALL GET A POP QUIZ!” She shouted joyfully.

More groans came from the children.

“Now, now children you should be happy that I took the time to challenge your minds.” Mrs Patterson said while handing out the pop quiz.

Even though her classmates felt defeated, Storm decided that this was her chance to step up. She gave Mrs Patterson a warm smile as a thank you and started on the work ahead.

The day ahead was slow, Mrs Patterson's little show being the highlight of it all. Storm kept her head low, took notes in all her classes and for the first time in what felt like forever she learned some things, she participated and somewhat enjoyed it all. Maybe there was hope for her after all. Maybe it was Izzy's words that gave her strength. One thing was for sure, Izzy had become a huge part of her life even though the time they shared wasn't much. Izzy held kindness and compassion in her heart that Storm could only dream of one day regaining. Even still Izzy was so much more. Storm truly idolized the cheerful blonde with those soulful amber eyes. Just like that the bell rang, bringing Storm back to earth. Another heartfelt smile swept across her face, Izzy would be just outside the gate waiting for her. In mere seconds Storm was all packed up and practically skipped out of the classroom and down the hall.

“Miss Haven!” A familiar voice called out.

Stormed turned, surprised to see Mrs Patterson peeking out the doorway of her classroom. She made her way towards the teacher wondering if she did something wrong. It must have shown on her face as Mrs Patterson smiled and said,

“ Calm down Miss Haven. You're in no trouble. I heard about the passing of your father and I wanted to give my condolences. He was indeed a good man and taken too soon. I wanted to let you know as well that I am proud of you. You have looked so empty and withdrawn, and today you showed interest once more. I do hope that whatever it is that motivated you, continues. You did good work today young lady. Now go and enjoy your day further.”

“Yes ma'am, thank you. I quite enjoyed your class today. The material was good, but the presentation was comical. I do hope you have a pleasant day as well ma'am.” Replied storm appreciatively.

Turning, she made her way to the exit once more. Putting some extra speed in her step, Storm finally got to the school gate. Izzy, today was about keeping her word to Izzy. It turned out to be a good day and hopefully more good would follow.

“Hey, kiddo!” Shouted Izzy from across the street.

Storm swiftly made her way through the crowd of school kids still idling around.

“Hi, I hope I didn't keep you waiting. Mrs Patterson, our English teacher wanted to have a word as I was about to leave.” Storm noticed the change in Izzy's face and quickly added.

“Nothing bad, just a pat on the back and a push in the right direction, I suppose.”

“Good, you had me worried there for a second. So what did you learn today? Anything interesting?” The smiling blonde asked with a wink.

“No, but Mrs Patterson sure had me giggling in class today. Poor Billy had his hopes on a free period, but instead, she shattered those thoughts with a pop quiz.” Storm giggled, still seeing Billy's face as his smile fell.

“Well, I'm glad you had a good day, Storm. School gets harder as you get older, best enjoy it while you can. Let's get a move on!” Izzy said with another smile before linking arms with Storm and starting the walk home.

The two spoke and giggled like there was no age gap, no hardships and no cares. They only knew that their friendship felt true and came easy. As they came to their destination Izzy turned to Storm and started thinking, so much so that moments passed, and she remained lost in thought.

“Earth to Izzy,” Storm said waving her hands in front of Izzy's face.

Izzy looked at Storm suddenly brought back to reality by the waving hands of this crazy kid she was starting to love. It always intrigued her how easy it was to love others. It came so naturally and yet many people would rather practice hate. Smiling brightly at young Storm, she threw her arm around the youngster and pulled her closer.

“Take me to your leader.” Izzy whispered into Storm's ear before laughing hysterically.

Storm gave the blonde a playful nudge and joined in on the laughter.

“ I was wondering if you'd like to come over? Your mom's not home yet. We could do our homework and chat some more if you'd like?” Izzy asked when she finally regained her composure.

Storm did not hesitate before she shouted and excited “Yes!”

Grabbing Storm's hand, Izzy led the way to her home. Opening the door Izzy called out to her mother.

“Mom, I'm home!”

Her voice echoed off the walls of the house, but silence was all that answered.

“Guess mom's out. Are you hungry? I could order some pizza?” Izzy asked.

“Yes please, it would be nice to eat something other than my own handy work.” Storm's last words falling into a whisper.

Not completely lost to Izzy, she eyed the girl thoughtfully once more. She had to ask, all the questions in her mind were driving her crazy. She called for a pizza and made her way to the kitchen. Storm sat at the island taking in her surroundings. The kitchen was a girl's best dream, spacious and modern, sleek but inviting. It was almost as if the kitchen called out like a siren, daring you to come cook.

“Wow...” It was all that Storm could manage.

“Yeah, Mom says the kitchen is the heart of her home.” Izzy said joining Storm at the island and handing her a cherry cola.

“Thank you.” Came the faraway response as Storm was still enchanted by the whole layout and design of the kitchen.

“Storm, I hope I'm not too forward, but I really would like to know what you mean by your handy work, maybe even tell me about what's got you so down? I promise whatever you choose to say will stay between us. We're friends, right? I won't repeat anything you tell me.” Izzy pressed, hoping she hadn't pushed too hard.

Suddenly Storm's face fell, and she felt the walls of her heart contract. Slowly she breathed out trying to not only find but steady the voice she needed. She wanted to confide in Izzy, she trusted her.

“Well it's a long story, I'll try and make it short and to the point. It's not easy for me to speak about as yet.” Storm took another deep breath and felt Izzy's hand on her shoulder encouraging her to push forward. So she did exactly that and continued.

“I've never had the warmest of mothers, my dad has always been my everything. I think it was the same for my mother, he was her world too. Then dad fell one day in the backyard and the ambulance rushed over, and we ended up spending hours in the hospital. I heard bits and pieces as my mom couldn't quite understand how this all could've happened. Later a doctor took me to see my father, and he later explained that he had cancer. I still don't understand all of it, but I know he had a hard time accepting it. So there were treatments and therapy. Mom took him everywhere, leaving me at home. I took it upon myself to make dinner and clean as it was being neglected. Soon my father grew weaker and my mother more distant. I had all the household chores and my father to look after. Mom had locked herself in her room many nights. My father had moved to the spare room where he wouldn't keep up. I still don't understand that either. It was like as soon as my dad got sick, my mom started hating me. My dad passed about two weeks ago...” Storm had to pause, she was shaking. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Izzy's hand gave another gentle squeeze on her shoulder and Storm pressed on.

“My mother didn't feel that anyone was worthy of saying goodbye and so there was no funeral. I met you just after my father passed, you remind me so much of him. He was so kind and loving, he would do anything for the people he cared about. Anyway, that's most of it.” Storm finally lifted her gaze from her fiddling hands and sought out Izzy. Amber eyes filled with tears and sadness was what her own finally met.

“I'm so sorry, Storm. I had no idea, I thought maybe things at school were bad. I mean, kids can be cruel to one another, but... Who would have ever guessed. Come here.” Izzy whispered through tears, pulling Storm into the biggest hug she could muster. Kissing the top of Storm's head.

It was At that moment that Storm had a funny feeling in her stomach that she did not recognize. It was like she had become light, her world had become brighter, and somehow it was all because of Izzy. However, it didn't last long as another pair of arms embraced the duo of crying girls. Storm's body drew stiff at the intrusion and quickly drew away.

“I'm sorry, don't be frightened please.” said the intruder.

Storm shook herself free from her thoughts and finally took a good look. It was a woman, the splitting image of Izzy, only older. The woman continued to speak.

“I've been so busy in the garden that I lost track of time. I came in to see if Izzy was hungry and found the two of you here in a babbling mess. My heart just broke. I'm Izzy's mother, please call me Cassandra. No Mrs or ma'am's, it makes me feel much too old.”

Storm wiped her eyes and smiled politely.

“This is Storm, Mom. She's our neighbour, the one I told you about. I thought we could do our homework and then hang out a bit, and I ordered pizza. It should be delivered soon. I thought you were out, so I didn't want to ruin your kitchen by trying to make something myself.” Izzy giggled.

Truth be told, Izzy could burn water. She had no talents in the kitchen but strived in many other areas.

“And we wouldn't want that ma'am, I mean Cassandra. You have such a beautiful home.” Storm chipped in, feeling herself again.

“Ooh, I like this new friend of yours. You're welcome to come over anytime.” Cassandra said truthfully.

Just then the doorbell rang.

“I'll get it, you two set the table. It will give me time to get to know Storm a little better.” Cassandra instructed and didn't wait for a response.

“Well that's new, normally she avoids hanging around my friends. They're too loud she says. You made a good first impression.” Izzy teased.

“ Obviously it was my tear-streaked face and snotty nose that did the trick, mom's love that sort of thing.” Storm teased back.

The girls had done as Cassandra had asked and set the table and soon enough Cassandra appeared with the pizza.

The trio sat around the table for about an hour, talking about sweet nothing. In that time, Cassandra had learned a lot about young Storm. The kid had far outgrown her age, and yet she was filled with a deep sadness. Storm on the other hand had learned what mothers were supposed to be like, warm and caring, like Cassandra was towards Izzy. It made Storm wonder once more why her mother's emotions had always been so icy.

“Mom, Storm and I are going to do our homework before it gets too late. Thank you very much for everything. I'll clean up once we're done if you don't mind?” Izzy announced cheerfully.

“That's quite alright, I'll sort the dishes out. You girls get to work and make sure Storm gets home on time, okay Izzy?” Cassandra said as she collected the plates and made her exit.

With that, the girls collected their books required for homework and went to Izzy's room. They sat on the floor, crossed legs, facing each other. Storm had noticed Izzy's room was big and bright and beautifully decorated. Much like her father had put thought into decorating her room.

She shook the thoughts from her head, this wasn't the time to yearn for her father, to mourn him. Though to some extent she would never stop mourning her father.

Izzy had already started doing her homework. To Storm's surprise, Izzy was wearing thick-rimmed reading glasses. She wondered when Izzy had put them on, but it was so strange to see Izzy like that, that she burst out laughing. Distracted by the laughter Izzy looked up, adjusting her glasses. Which was enough to make Storm's laughter grow deeper.

"What?" Izzy asked, very confused.

"Nothing, you look great!" Storm bellowed in laughter.

"You laughing at me glasses?" Izzy asked poking the laughing Storm with her pencil.

"You look like Deedee and Dexter all in one!" Storm could barely breathe now she was laughing so hard.

"So you comparing me to cartoons now?" Izzy pushed, still poking the hysterical youngster.

"I'm sorry! Stop! Oh, please stop!" Storm pleaded. She was laughing so hard that her stomach began to ache.

" I thought as much. Best do your homework, kiddo. It's not nice making fun of your elders, you know." Izzy teased, adjusting her glasses again for more effect.

"Yes, you're right ma'am. I'm terribly sorry for being so impolite!"Storm teased once more before starting on her homework.

Another hour had passed and they had finally finished. Izzy looked at Storm for a long while before she spoke.

"You know, I've never met my father. He's some rich guy who thinks I was just a trick to get him to settle down. My mother loved him dearly, but I suppose the feeling was not mutual."

"I'm sorry to hear that Izzy, you have an amazing mother though. I can tell by the way she fussed over you." Storm whispered taking Izzy's hand into her own and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I guess, what I'm getting at is, don't be so hard on yourself. As short as it was, you got to know your father. He loved you with all of his heart. That is a gift not all of us have." Izzy smiled, though a stray tear fell down her cheek.

Storm understood what Izzy meant, and to be honest she was right. Izzy always seemed to be right. Seeing the sadness in those amber eyes was too much for young Storm. She leaped into Izzy's arms making Izzy fall on her back.

" Don't be sad, Izzy. I don't know what to do to make things better, but you have me. You'll always have me." Storm spoke softly, silently hoping that for now she was enough.

Izzy hugged the young girl hard and thanked her, then pushed her up and spoke.

"We got to get you home kiddo, it's getting late and I don't want you getting into any trouble."

Storm knew exactly what that meant for her. She shuddered at the mere thought of it.

“Yeah, thank you for inviting me over. I had a really great time. Please thank your mother for me as well.” Storm said with much less enthusiasm.

“I'll still see you tomorrow, kiddo. Don't look so glum.” Izzy whispered taking Storm into her arms.

The girls sat like that for a few more minutes before parting ways. Storm thought it would be better to let herself out. She was getting so close to Izzy that saying goodbye only became harder each time. As Storm neared her own home she saw her mother's car in the driveway. Panic immediately set in, but then she noticed another car.

Slowly and quietly she opened the door, her mother was clearly there. Her voice filled the room. This time though, her voice never carried an ounce of anger but something new to Storm. She was begging. Begging for what? Storm listened closer.

“I know I messed up, Dave. I'm sorry! I'll do anything! Anything at all!” There was a tremble in Helena's voice as she continued to plead.

Was she crying? And who was Dave? Storm couldn't imagine why her mother was begging. It had never occurred to her that her mother had anything but hate and anger inside her.

“Please, I'll do anything for another chance! You have to help me.” Helena's last words barely audible.

“Helena, you have me in a pretty tight spot. Those were very important clients, and I know it's your first day back but even if they weren't one of our biggest contracts that simply doesn't excuse the way you spoke to them.” Dave sighed deeply and there was a long pause. Finally, he spoke once more.

“ You know if I have to put my neck on the line I expected some favours. You're a very beautiful woman, I'm sure you can think of ways to get me in your corner. Keep me happy at least.”

“Anything! I'll do all your admin first and bring you coffee and lunch and take care of your dry cleaning...” There was a sudden break of silence as it dawned on Helena.

That was certainly not what Dave was implying.

“Oh...” Helena said again in a voice that was barely audible.

Storm's sudden urge to use the bathroom finally got the better of her as she entered her home. She tried to sneak past but as she looked up, she looked straight into her mother's eyes. Helena had indeed been crying.

“Storm! Dear! I was getting worried. Did practice end up being longer than usual? Come over here and say hello to Mr Clark.”

'What the heck? Practice? Why is mom being so nice?' Storm thought to herself.

“Yes Mother, practice took a bit longer than usual. Good Afternoon Mr Clark.” Storm played along very confused about these new developments.

The man smiled and nodded his head.

“Mr Clark is my Boss, I invited him over for dinner. I think I'll order in. Go get changed my darling, you look exhausted.” Helena said with the biggest smile she could muster.

“I've got homework, nice meeting you Mr Clark.” Storm said quickly, the calls of nature urging her on.

“Very nice to meet you too, young lady” Said the man smiling still.

With that Storm was gone, leaving the grown-ups to sort through their indifference.

With nature's calling tended to storm went to her room. She lay on her bed, puzzled. What was the deal with her mother acting all warm and cosy? Ages seemed to pass before she heard a car engine roar into life. She looked out the window to see Mr Clark pulling out of the driveway followed by the slamming of the door.

“f*****g pig!” Helena's voice carried through the walls. Her harsh tone had returned.

There it is. The Helena that Storm knew. Storm heard things crashing downstairs. Helena was once more filled with rage and then fear struck once more. Hearing the loud thuds of footsteps coming up the stairs towards her room.