1 Nightmare

Does trust always end with betrayal? If not, then why me? Why does mine have to end that way? Fate seems to really hate me. The woman who gave birth to me just as much.

I used to love her, but now, I realize how wrong I was. Someone like that does not deserve my love, I am sure. I doubt she's even thinking about me. Odds are she forgot she has a daughter.

My insides ache every time I think of her. Of how she promised me eleven years ago that she'd pick me up after school, of how I thought it was like any other day, of how lost I--no, I'm not going to give her my time of day acknowledging her. Not happening.

But I can't help but remember how disorientated I felt that day, how I cried stronger than any gale, my tears pouring on to the ground as I ran around, looking for *her*, creating a pool on the blocks of floor my feet stepped on.

But I didn't care, I kept on searching and seeking, certain that I would find her, that she was just late because of some stupid traffic jam or a miniature car defect, but I have never been more wrong in my life. I waited for hours, but no luck.

She never came.

A teacher was checking if the parking lot was clear, and when she saw me, she flinched. What the heck was a little kid doing at school when it ended three hours ago? And crying too?

She tried calling my mom, after looking up the system for her number, but the phone kept ringing with no answer. The teacher tried for about five times before she gave up. Asking me about my dad didn't get her any answers. She gave me an apologetic look, then called the police, who came to pick me up. My memories of it all are hazy.

Afraid that something might have happened to mom, I was worried. I waited for weeks and weeks, never losing hope, but any news of her never arrived.

She left me, it was that clear after too many weeks to keep count of passed. Maybe I *am* a mistake after all.

"Sorra!" calls a familiar voice. "Come on, Sorrs, wake up, please," the voice cries out desperately.

It's like I was drowning seconds ago, but now I'm swimming to the surface again because of that voice.

My eyes flutter open to the sight of sky blue eyes, worry painted all over them.

The girl hovering over me possesses big, round eyes so deep, the ocean would get jealous. Her smooth, luminous waves dance over her shoulder, reaching her waist. Each strand of caramel glazes, reflecting the light seeping into it.

"May!" I cry out and all but bounce off the bed to hug her. She cuddles me back after taking a seat on my bed indicating for me to do the same all the while. I follow.

"It was all a dream, all just a bad dream..." she repeats as she strokes my hair, her voice soft.

Her smell whiffs of sweetness; neither uncomfortably strong nor hollowly faint; just perfect. When I inhale, strawberry reaches my nose, flowing in the air.

It was more a nightmare than a dream, I want to tell her, but I don't have the ability to move my lips right now. I pull back from her grasp instead.

I try for a smile, but it doesn't form. I can see her trying too, and she succeeds with one, but it's isn't full, and is clearly sad.

"Every time I open my eyes, the dream gets misty at first and then poof!" I gesture the movement with my hands, "I can't remember a thing." I laugh. What is so funny, I don't know, but I still laugh.

"I'm so sorry, Sorrs."

"It's not your fault." The ghost of a smile forms on my lips.

"I'm not too sure about that." She bites her lower lip as she diverts her gaze. I roll my eyes. She always blames herself for *everything.*

We sit there in silence for a short while, staring out the window to the sight of the colorful sky, the light of dawn seeping into my room.

"Don't worry, I'm alright, let--let's get ready for school." I wipe at my eyes hastily.

"Sorra," she glares at me, "you are so not fine." She knows me to hella well.

"Ice cream could help me feel better," I offer.

"Coming right up. My lady," she finishes. I giggle. We have a thing for playing royalty, calling each other 'your highness' and 'my lady'. May is the lord and I am the princess in need of saving from her brutal father.

The two of us enjoy novels of such content. As well as other kinds of books and genres, but it's the most sort we read.

Whilst waiting for May's return, I fiddle with the blank piece of paper lying on my bedside table, forming preternatural origami which I am not sure can be called as much.

She comes back holding two plastic 'London' ice cream cups, bows her head when stopping in front of me, then holds one out. "Cookies 'n' cream ice cream for you, my lady." I grin. My fav.

My eyes are sore, the marks of tears still remaining underneath my eyes, glued unto my features.

"I offer my thanks to you, my lord." It's her turn to grin. She occupies the mid-century couch that's next to the armchair I am sitting on and opens up her vanilla ice cream; she likes simple. "Just a little remark, my lord."

"Of course, my lady. Anything my lady wishes is my command."

"Thank you, your highness, for this wonderful breakfast consisting of the best kind of ice cream ever created," I pause to organize my thoughts 'royally', "but isn't this specific brand too costly, especially for us."

Since I have nowhere to stay--or any family to live with--and May has parental issues, we're staying together. We're old enough to be living alone, but being in school, and having a part-time job, we are short on money to pay our bills and buy our needs.

"Not to worry, my lady, this one is on me." She plays with her earlobe.

"But May--"

"I know, I know, we're barely paying our invoices, but since my job's income is higher, and you've been you, you know, helpful, caring, kind. . .," she counts on her fingers while listing, "I thought I could treat my best friend to something special." I give her the look.

"Oh, c'mon, it's only this time," she says, giving me those puppy-dog eyes I cannot resist. Damn. An advantage she has to convince my stubborn-self to do things that my ego prevents me from performing.

"Fine." I roll my eyes. She simpers. "I am very thankful to you for bringing the absolute best, your highness." Her smile widens.

"Anything for my one and only lady."

"If I recall correctly, you were aiming to diet? Is eating ice cream in the morning a part of it, my lord?" She giggles. I join her seconds later.

We eat in silence, everything going back to its normal, boring self.

At least our giggles that burst every once in a while break the boredom.

***

I stare at my own reflection in the long, reflective mirror standing next to my make-up counter. Keen hazel eyes stare back at me, glinting with mischief. They can be kind, though only when the person they land on is tender.

My auburn hair isn't as combed as May's caramel; the complete opposite actually. Messy is too innocent a word to describe it. I'm sure hers wasn't this messed up, even when she woke up.

Waves seem to have liked my hair most, earning me more of them than May.

I brush through my tousled hair with my fingers, then grab my brush and endure the ripples of pain every time I brush through a knot. Once it's silky enough to look alright, I tie it into a messy but natural-looking bun.

Way easier to work with than hair that is worn down. Guys can steal glances somewhere else, at the more popular squad. Won't prevent them from secretly looking here and there though.

Once I'm all dressed up and ready to go, I grab my bag and head downstairs.

I may not be a popular chick, but late I am never.

--

Please vote by clicking the vote button in the bottom right of the end of this chapter if you're liking this story! xo