CHAPTER 01

"Earth to Skylar... helllllo." Flora asked while waving her hand in front of his glazed over chocolate eyes.

"Oh... um the yellow one." Skylar Replied as he focused. Back on helping Flora pick a top.

SkylarRose's mind was going a mile a minute as he thought about his life. His mother's death always brought out somber feelings for him. His mother died when he was fourteen years old and the hurt still lingered.

Especially today since it was today.

"Hey, look babe; don't cry." Flora said while throwing the two tops on her bed and reaching over for Skylar.

Taking a shuddering breath he tried to stop himself from crying. But tears started to blur his vision. Leaning his head against her shoulder his brown curls settled on his forehead. Her arms came around him in a tight embrace.

Running her fingers through his hair and rubbing small circles of comfort on his back.

"It's okay to cry Skylar, I'm here for you. You can cry all you want here." She whispered to him.

Sobbing lightly he clung onto her tighter and nodded his head. After crying he felt lighter. Sitting up he whipped his checks and took a deep calming breath.

"I just got so emotional today. It's been four years since mom's been gone. I just miss her so much. It seems like it hurts more and more every year."

"Of course Skylar, she was your mother, you're always going to miss her. She was a part of you. I wouldn't know I would do without my father."

Flora's mother had left her and her father William when she had remarried. Her father loved her dearly and was hurt when she cheated on him with another man. Her mother didn't let the fact that she had a one year old child at home affect her decision to leave her behind. But her father didn't let him stop him from loving his daughter unconditionally.

Skylarand Flora had been best friends since daycare. She had pushed Billy Matthews when he had snatched a flames painted car out of his hands.

Florence Dayy , Flora for short was fierce and protective and loyal. While Skylar Was shy and caring. They were inseparable.

Skylar Was teased in school for having the Last name Rose and was called 'flower boy' and it didn't help that Skylaractually adored Flowers. His mother and him would go to a huge field of wildflowers and create flower crowns that he would wear to class.

Billy from day care was still a bully and taunted Skylar. And called him 'sissy and faggot' But Flora always defended him and never let him go to far.

He needed to get home.

"I have to get home now Flora. I'll see you later, I'll text when I get in the house." He said while tying his laces and grabbing his jacket.

"Yeah you better." She yawned while giving him a side hug and walking him to the door.

"Bye Mr. Dayy." Skylars called over his shoulder.

"Alright kiddos get home safely." Mr.Day called from the kitchen.

Walking up the driveway , he noticed that a bunch of large U- haul trucks were headed towards the newly constructed gated community up the street. The community had been built a year ago and had taken a large portion of land and wooded area. Basically half the town.

But it was of little concern to him. Nothing would really change, they would just get new residents, that's all.

Unlocking the front door and walking inside past the dining room. He made his way towards the back , past the dinning room to the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of Poland Spring and a bottle of aspirin from the cabinet he went into the living room.

His father was sprawled out on the brown loveseat. His black hair was matted and oily. While his face was covered in a shaggy beard. Empty liquor bottles littered the floor. While a picture of his mother was clutched to his heart.

The sight was sad and heartbreaking. But sadly Skylar Was used to coming home to drunk father. His father was either at work or laying in the dark with a bottle in his hand.

Shaking his shoulder.

"Dad wake up."

"Hmm. God my head." He whines while clutching his head.

"What time is it?" He asked while leaning back.

"It's about three dad, here." He said while handing him the water and two pills.

"Thanks bud." He said while drinking the water and swallowing the pills.

Skylar Wanted to ask if he would come with him to see mom. But he knew that an excuse would be his answer.

"Um ... dad." He asked while playing with his fingers.

"Yeah."

"Do you think we could go see mom together today?" His brown eyes looked away and his shoulders slumped.

"Maybe next time. But you should go and see her son." He said while standing, his fingers never letting go of the picture frame.

He walked past him and headed up the stairs. Skylar Heard the slam of his door and sighed.

Heading up towards his room in the attic he shut his door and slipped off his dirty sneakers. Walking to his shelf he pulled out his black nike hooded and slipped it over his head. Then he put on his blue vans and grabbed a 20 from his saving jar and headed back outside.

Stopping at the florist he picked up a bouquet of wildflowers, her favorite and walked towards the cemetery. Walking over towards her burial.

" Hey mom" He said while placing the flowers and sitting crossed legs on the damp grass.

"I've missed you a lot... dad is um.. he misses you too."

Skylar Said while sipping his eyes. His curls getting in his face.

Skylar Sat there until the sun started to set and decided to head back home.

Shoving his hands into his pocket he said his goodbyes and left.