Life saviour

Chapter one - High school stress

Zoe's POV:

Hello, my name is Zoe. I'm eighteen years old. My biggest goal in life is to make my mom change. She is exhausting me. I don't know what is going on with her. My parents got divorced two years ago. Dad left my mom. I have no idea where he is. Since then, my mom hasn't been well. In the beginning, she looked fine. Now, she is depressed. She quit her job and doesn't cook anything. I visit her parents if I want something. I can't go out or bring someone home. I talk with people in high school because I don't have friends. A boy makes fun of me daily. I want to change this, but I have no idea how to do it. I guess he is enjoying it. The good thing is that I don't have to deal with him. Otherwise, we have to argue every day. My mom already took my energy. I won't let him finish me. The boy always has company, so I don't have to worry about that. I want my last year in high school to be different, but I don't see it happening. I keep taking care of my mom every day. She is the one who is supposed to be doing it. The woman sits on the couch, drinks alcohol, and watches romance movies. Then, she criticizes the actors. Real love doesn't exist. She needs help, but I'm not the one who should do it. Maybe a man can fix that. I hope that things won't get worse for her.

My senior year has started. I passed the initial tests. I try to keep having good grades, but it's hard. Mom is not helping me. She doesn't even take care of me. Grandma leaves me money to go grocery shopping. According to her, she is too young to retire. She is working part-time in a daycare center. As long as she feels good, I don't mind it. At least she and my grandpa pay attention to me. I don't need it all the time, but I appreciate it. I can't tell her what to do.

Currently, I'm making breakfast. Mom is still sleeping. I won't wake her up. She won't like it. I wonder if she will go out today. First, she has to take care of herself. A shower is a must. Her mouth smells like alcohol. I don't know what to do to change her. I have talked with her many times, but there was no result. Grandma has done the same. Nothing. I finished with my breakfast and went to school. I left food for my mom with a note. It's not like I expect her to read it. I went to my locker, and he came. Great.

- Hello, princess. - Zach said

- Really? I won't fall for that. You don't like me.

- But I can start.

- What do you want? I don't have time for you.

- Nice glasses over there. Do you read your book with them? - he asked, chuckling

- What I do is not your business.

- What if I want it to be?

- I'll go to class. Enjoy being alone.

- Not so fast, princess. - he said and grabbed my hand

- Let me go. I'm not your toy. You can play with someone else.

- But I want you.

- But I don't. Please, leave me alone. I have enough problems without you.

- Like what?

- You don't need to know everything.

- Why? I might help you.

- You are the last person I will ask for help. I better die.

- That was a bit cruel, princess.

- I'm leaving. You can't do anything to stop me.

- I don't think so. - he said and pulled me close

- What are you doing?

- I won't let you go. I leave people, not them me.

- You have to get used to the opposite.

- Why should I do that?

- Because if you don't, you will get another enemy.

- Another? I don't have any.

- Are you sure?

- Hundred percent. You are not my enemy. You don't like me.

- That is true. I don't like you.

- See? We have an agreement.

- F yourself.

- Oh. The good girl can swear. I like this.

- Get lost.

- I would love to do it. Maybe you can help me.

- What are you doing? - I asked as he moved closer

- Why are you nervous?

- I'm not.

- I can see it. You don't like being that close to me.

- Who else likes it? Your breath stinks.

- Like what?

- Like moldy bread.

- That's all you got? I think you are disappointing me, princess.

- I won't please you.

- We have enough time for it.

- Oh, the bell. I have to go. Bye. - I said and left

I'm glad that I left. He can be so annoying. I don't even know why he is doing this. At least we don't talk often. I went to my class and sat at the front. This is where my place is. I prefer to be closer to the teachers. She told us the grades from our assignment. I got another A. Honestly, I'm surprised. I didn't have much time for it. Also, it's not easy to focus on something with my mom at home. She wrote our grades in the register and continued with the lesson.

- This year, you will have a different essay to do. I will give everyone the requirements. It has to be at least three pages long. You have time until the end of the first half of the year. In the last week, I will tell you the results.

- What is the topic about it? - I asked

- Whatever you want related to my subject.

- It's our choice.

- Yes, it is. This will be twenty percent of your final grade.

- What? That is not fair. - Lizzy complained

- No one is doing anything in my classes. I should wake you up because I have been doing this for three years.

- Can we write it in groups? - Jordan asked

- No, this is individual. Don't think of copying someone. I know everyone's writing skills, and I can tell which essay is the original.

- What if I pay someone to write one for me? - Zach asked, chuckling

- I will fail you. Mister Morrison, your writing skills are terrible. If you pay someone to write it, I will recognize that.

- Can't you close your eyes on that one?

- No, I can't. Instead of wasting money, write it on your own.

- Then you ask why I don't pay attention.

- You don't pay attention in any class. Anyway. Let's continue.

After school, I went home. Mom was sleeping again. At least she ate the food I left her. I made myself something for lunch. I decided to eat at home. That way, I will save some money. I did my homework and studied for two hours. Later, I went out. I walked to a park and saw the devil with some friends. He moved to my school last year. I wish he had never done that. I was about to pass by him, but he saw me. Sadly, he is not blind.

- If this is not my favorite girl. What are you doing here?

- It doesn't matter. That has nothing to do with you.

- Are you stalking me?

- The only thing I will stalk is the food store.

- It doesn't look like that, skinny jeans.

- At least I don't have a fat belly.

- Be careful with the words.

- Or what? You can't do anything. I'm not scared of you.

- But you should be. - Zach said and got up

- What now? You will try on me. No, thanks. I have seen better. You can't offer me anything.

- You have no idea what type of person I can be.

- I don't need to know. I see it. You are trying to be someone or something that you're not.

- Shut up!

- Oh, the devil is mad. That's new.

- It's not like you are an angel.

- Did I say I was? Clean your ears. The mold inside of them won't let you hear. - I said, and one of his friends laughed

- I can find you wherever you are.

- You mean at home.

- One day, you will wish you didn't mess with me, but it will be too late.

- I don't have regrets.

- I doubt it. Everyone has.

- Then what are yours? Do you regret moving to my school?

- This is not your business.

- Correct. Once you stop messing with me, I'll stop messing with you.

- I will become your worst nightmare.

- You can't. Someone beat you.

- Who?

- Not your business, buddy.

- I hate you.

- It's not like I love you.

- If you don't go away, I will slap you.

- Do it.

- Don't mess with me. - he said and did it

- Is this what you have? Loser. - I said and left

I didn't expect him to do it. Well, I'm not surprised. He is out of control. The fact that his friends only watched this says enough. I called my grandma to make sure she was at home. I will have dinner with her. Mom won't cook anything. I bought a box of biscuits and went to see her. Grandpa was reading the newspaper. He likes to solve the crosswords at the back.

- How many of these did you solve?

- Zoe, hey. I solved many.

- You should become a teacher.

- Do you think someone will accept me?

- Why not? People older than you teach online with courses.

- I prefer to go out with my friends and play cards.

- Is this the only thing you live for?

- I lived long enough. Let me enjoy the rest of my life.

- As you can see, I haven't stopped you.

- Dinner is ready. - my grandma said

- This smells so good.

- It's chicken.

- It looks perfect.

- Thanks. Is your mom at home?

- She should be. When I came home from school, she was sleeping.

- Did she even wake up?

- Yes. The food I left her was gone.

- I will go to see her tomorrow. We have to talk. Again.

- I don't think it's worth it. How many times did you try? Nothing works.

- Maybe, but I will try.

- We might need a man to fix the job.

- What? Your dad won't come back.

- I never said anything about him. She believes life ended because he left her. That is not true.

- I don't think this will help her. It might do the opposite.

- Someone has to fix her. I can't do anything.

- I will take care of her. I think you should focus on your school. Do you have much work?

- Not really. I'm doing great. Well, for now.

- If you need a place to study, you can always come here. We won't disturb you.

- Thank you, but there is no need for that. I'm fine.

- I'm only saying it.

- I appreciate the help, but I should deal with this alone. No offense.

- Take care of yourself. I know you need it.

I stayed with my grandparents until midnight. Mom was watching a show. She started staying up late in the night and sleeping until lunchtime. I don't mind, but what she does is not healthy for her. I have no idea what to do to help her. Talking is not working. My grandma tried multiple times. I know why she doesn't want to give up. We talk about her daughter. It hurts, but she has other work to do. Mom is not the only thing in her head. She is worried about me. I mean, even if I can take care of myself daily. I appreciate the help from her. I hope that my mom will get better with time.