The Demon I Created

FOR MOM

POV: IDA

I walked to my room feeling devastated. I couldn't believe this was really happening to me.

My family went from perfect to broken in a few moments, and I didn't even get an explanation.

I took off the black jacket I wore over my strapless dress and lay on the bed.

I... I... I didn't know what to do anymore.

Mom had gone silently into her room, and I knew she was the one suffering the most. She was the one most affected by this, and I needed to be strong for her.

Tomorrow's hearing would decide who I stayed with. That thought scared me.

I'd never imagined living with just one parent. Would I even be allowed to visit the other one?

I'd seen it in movies-parents fighting, especially when another woman was involved.

I didn't think Mom would like the fact that another woman could become my mom. That would crush her already shattered heart.

I lay there, drifting off in thought, and then I saw him.

A man 6'4", with red eyes and an insanely bulky build. He looked like a beast.

But... I loved this beast.

I stretched my hand toward him, and he took it. Heat spread through my arm like I was on fire.

"Argh!" I screamed as a hot sensation ran through my body.

I felt my bones crush with every wave that hit me. My own agonizing scream scared me as I heard Mom burst through the door.

"Ida?! What's wrong, my child?" she said, pulling me into a tight embrace.

Her warmth soothed my aching bones and skin. I held her tightly, wanting that comfort to last.

I had no idea what was happening to me, or why I'd reached for the beast. All of this scared me. I didn't know if I should tell Mom what was wrong, not with everything else going on at home.

"Don't worry, my child. Mommy's here," she said, cuddling me in her arms.

It felt so good to be in her arms.

"Mom, please stay here tonight. I don't want to be alone," I said, looking up at her.

She nodded and kissed my forehead. For the first time in a week, I slept without seeing those red eyes.

My comfort and my fear.

I woke up feeling refreshed. I stretched until my bones cracked, then I was okay.

I reached for the other side of the bed and realized Mom wasn't there. Maybe she'd already woken up.

I went to the bathroom, freshened up, and went downstairs to find her in the kitchen. She was on a call, and she looked happy.

"Sure, I'll do that," she said. "Thank you, Victor. Ida is our only child, and I love her more than everything... and I love you too, Victor. Even after everything that's happened, you're my first love, and you'll be my last."

There was a pause. I wondered what Dad said to make her smile widen like that. She played with her foot against the table like a little kid, and I couldn't help but blush at how cute she looked whenever Dad was on the line.

"Okay, I'll tell her," she said. "And yes, I've been transferred, so I'll be out of town for a couple of months. I'll take Ida with me so she can school there. Thank you, Vic. Bye."

She hung up and turned to me.

"So, what's that about? Professing love again like a teenager, Cassandra?"

I giggled at how flustered she looked from blushing so hard.

It was hard to understand them now. Were they divorced, or falling in love again?

"Uhm, Ida, you need to start packing now," she said, not looking at me.

"We're moving to Swandvile. That's where you'll be schooling for a while."

"What?!" I screamed.

"But Mom, Swandvile is in another country! I thought you told Dad it was just out of town?

And why were you being lovey-dovey with Dad after knowing there's another woman?

Has anyone even asked how I feel about this? Now you're telling me I have to leave-leave my friends, my school, my whole life-for how long?!"

I didn't even pause to breathe. The words just spilled out, like I wasn't in control.

I looked at Mom and saw the hurt in her eyes. I couldn't believe I'd just thrown the 'other woman' thing in her face. She just looked at me and smiled sadly.

"I know you're going through a lot," she said softly. "But believe me, we both need to get away from this place for a while.

Yes, I know there's another woman. Heck, I know we're divorced. But I love him.

I swore before man and God to love your father until death do us part, and that's exactly what I'll do."

Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face.

I was just a child. How could she expect me to understand all these emotions? My whole life was here. Even if we'd come back soon, the fear of leaving wouldn't stop creeping in.

"Ida, I know this is hard for you," Mom said, cupping my cheeks. "But please understand me, okay? This is for a few weeks, and we'll be back soon.

There's a medical emergency in Swandvile, and I need to be there. Consider this a vacation. And while we're there... can you help me forget that I'm divorced, please?"

I hugged her tight.

This was her coping mechanism. She was pretending nothing had happened so she could stay strong. I wondered how much trauma it took for her to convince herself none of this was real.

"I love him so much, Ida," she cried. "And I can't handle this pain in my chest again. If I can live in my imagination with him as my husband in another country, or even another state, then I'll accept it gladly. That's how much I love him."

I pulled back and wiped her tears, making sure mine didn't fall.

"Let's go to Swandvile, Mom. And I'll make sure you forget everything," I said, smiling at her.

"Have you forgotten you have the world's best daughter with you, huh?"

"Thank you, Ida," she said. "You're the world's best friend too. I love you so much." She gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

"I love you too, Mom. Now let's pack for Swandvile," I said, making her smile as she went to her room.

I didn't know why, but I had a bad feeling about this town.

It felt like a mistake we were about to make. Swandvile has records of many weird incidents happening there.

It was once said, that explorers don't make it out alive!...

A chill run down my spine, but I pushed it away.

For Mom, I'd do anything