Chapter Two - Mama
438 Words
I’m standing at my gate with my mom and step dad about to get on my plane. I’ve never been apart from my mom for this long and I can’t lie, I’m terrified.
My mom with the same bright red hair and green eyes, asks for the millionth time. “Are you sure you want to do this? We could homeschool you for your last year?”
Rolling my eyes, and laughing I say “not that that doesn’t sound thrilling. But I want to work on my relationship with dad. Not to mention this will be your first year of marriage to Bobby.”
With a deep sigh and a soft smile my mom pulls me into a tight hug. Whispering in my ear “I’m so proud of you baby, this will be good for you. I have a good feeling about it.”
There is no escaping the tears that begin to fall. For either of us.
We hug a few more minutes my mom rocking a little. It’s something she’s done since I was a kid.
She pulls back and makes eye contact. Searching my eyes, looking for any sign I don’t want to do this. I push away my fears and give her the best facade of bravery I can muster.
She smiles and whispers one more thing as softly as possible. So no one else can hear. Not even my stepfather.
“Make sure to be careful. Stay vigilant, don’t let anyone know your secret baby. I won’t be around to protect you, and I’ve never told your father. I know you can handle the responsibility but no one can know. People would try to harm you, or worse. Your gift is dangerous.”
I struggle to swallow nodding my head, knowing we’ve had this talk a hundred times before. But this time seems more, I don’t know. Dire. The only response I can get out is “I promise.”
My stepdad steps up in that moment to wish me luck and give me a quick hug. Telling me that he’ll make sure to take care of my mama.
I pull out the handle on my carry and head towards the gate. Looking back one last time to wave at my mom and step dad.
*
Finally seated, I pull out my phone and hook up my Bluetooth headphones. Music always helps calms my nerves. And right now I’m a bit on edge.
The seatbelt sign goes on, the flight attendant goes through protocol and about 30 minutes later we’re in the air.
Not long after I find myself drifting off.
- Writer
