My Bloody Juliet

By Sam Keyes

One cold dreary night, Sarah Mitchell, a regular everyday checkout girl in the local mini mart begins a remarkable journey, does something extraordinarily brave and saves a stranger. In doing so, her entire universe is altered forever, and thrown into the newly uncovered world of the night. As a wife and mother, Sarah is forced to make the most

• Language: English
• Publisher: Go To Publish
• Release date: Feb 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781647496845

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jimmie, What the effing hell are yeh doing? He’s getting away, we need to bash on. I bellow, ceasing my pursuit. I sprint back, did he see something? We’ve been tracking this bloke for days and now finally, have an opportunity to strike and he is bodging around. He is just staring oddly at me from the dark corner of a small car park.

Jimmie, Stop dossing and Come on! I command, showcasing my British accent slightly. His hesitation is really getting my goat up. This is why I work solo. Grr!

Derek, Wait, Come here. I need to show you something, first. Jimmie states while holding something behind his back.

What now? I reply as I mosey closer to him wondering what could he possibly have to show me right at this very moment. I observe his glare as I approach noticing his expression changes as I grow nearer. Crack! Jimmie swiftly strikes me across my piehole with a chain wrapped around his mit, completely catching me off guard and bunging me feet into the air backward. My head spins struggling to focus. My body rumbles as it strikes the ground, he leaps on me before I can even react and wraps the chains around my neck. I dazed and struggled to focus, I pulled all my strength, and heaved with both arms to flip him over. The raging struggle to be on top continues, as we roll over a few times holding him by the throat and him tighten the chains. I finally win straddling him and pulling the chains off my neck and tossing them aside.

Jimmie grabs the back of my head by my hair and drives my face into the pavement. My skull rings as it hits the blacktop. My eye loses focus and I strain to locate him. Then notice he’s dashing for the chains, and I sprint after. He wins grabbing them first and smacking the metal into my cheekbone. Grrr! My skull ferociously rattles slamming the ground, he immediately jumps on top. I kick him off soaring him through the air hitting a parked caravan. I instantly charge him as he attempts to stand. Like a bull storming, I ram my body into his against the vehicle pranging the hood. His body slams on the ground landing flat on his back but quickly he curls over. I sweep in closer about to strike again. Jimmie spins his legs around tripping mine, causing my body to fall back and my head bangs off the bumper. My eyes struggle to focus, blood drips down my face from the gash on my forehead and pain rumbles through my head. Jimmie pounces on my confusion and cuffs my hands together with chains.

What the effing hell is wrong with yeh? I screamed at him, realizing that he had me.

Derek, you’re such a fool. Jimmie grins slyly, as I yank on the chains attempting to get my mitts free.

But, why? I demand an answer to this bloody entrapment. He lifts me up, thrustin me along the car park.

We have plans, big plans and you will only be in our way. He replies, smirking and dragging me to the edge of the lot. I forcefully twist my arms, gaining freedom from his and turn to run. But Jimmie instantly grips the back of my neck and launches me into a motorcar on the other side of the park. He immediately charges and leaps on top. He rapidly begins pounding on my skull.

Hours earlier in a market just a few yards away….

Sarah, echoes Mr. Teller, from the back.

Sarah sighes upon hearing his voice but continues in her deep thought.

Everyone reaches a point in their life, we stop and think, How the hell did I get here?. What went wrong? This was definitely not in my life’s plan. I think back and look at all the lefts I made, that should have been right. Realizing pretty much every decision I’ve made has dictated my life up to this very moment. I stand here stacking the evaporated milk in a neat pile and wonder. Was I meant to do more? I could’ve gone to college and become a doctor or a lawyer or someone important. The choices I made led me here, working in a mini-mart, afternoon shift. I pile the cans in a perfect pyramid form. Does anyone really care, they are neatly arranged? Yet here I am getting paid minimum wage, to stack like a fool.

Sarah, Screams Mr. Teller, the owner of this wonderful little market, breaking my internal rant.

Yes, I responded frustrated, knowing the tone all too well. He wants a favor. Something I will probably say yes to and regret later. Mr. Teller is a nice man and a great boss. He is a short, fragile man with thinning, brown hair. He wears glasses, constantly resting on top of his balding head, which is brushed across to cover the empty space but is very unsuccessful. He blames it on Mrs. Teller, who seems to call here fifty times a day, driving him nuts.

I need you to close up tonight, my wife just called and well, her sister is on the way to the hospital to have her baby. Blanche needs me to drive her. So I need to leave right away. He explains appearing nervous, wringing his hands and not happy about having to go. I can see he is seriously stressed out. He grabs his coat and keys as he tells me the news. Obviously, I can’t say no. I am not really given an option here.

Sure No problem, I sigh, annoyed by the situation. He is so anxious and a baby is an important event. But now I"ll be here alone until 10 at night. I feel so uncomfortable closing solo.

Oh thank you, thank you, Sarah, I know it is a lot to ask. I’ve tried calling Deidra and Shelly but neither of them can come in. I don’t like you closing alone, but I really have to go. His desperation showcased in the tone of his voice. His cell phone rings and swiftly he picks up.

Yes dear, I’m leaving right now, dear He angrily answers. Yes, Yes. I’m coming! He grumbles, snapping the phone shut, turning to me grinning fakely Sarah, thank you so much.

No problem. I can handle it. Good Luck! I reply, hiding my nervousness. Mr. Teller moves along, I follow him to the door, waving him goodbye.

I am Sarah Mitchell, never smoked, 29 years young, married with twins. I stand 5’5, slender with long wavy blonde hair and baby blue eyes, just like my mother’s. I was born and raised here in Piedmont, California. My parents both died in a freak car crash when I was ten, I married my high school sweetheart. I have one older sister, Dora who lives in Ohio, and never calls. I have worked at Joe’s Mini-Mart for five years now. Nothing much happens here in Piedmont. I’ll be fine. The rest of the night is pretty slow. It is Monday night with nothing big happening. It is a quiet suburb of Oakland, no harassing drunks, just the occasional old folks, mothers and fathers on their way home from work picking up a few odds and ends. The night goes on, I have the usual customers. I call Clara to let her know that I will be working late and there are TV dinners in the freezer. The shift drags on.

Closing time finally comes, Thank God! I quickly tally the register, take out the garbage, dump the cash in the safe, snatch my bag of odds and ends I needed and lock up the store. As I walk out to the car, the cool October breeze is blowing, it feels good on my face. I am tired, my feet ache from standing all day, the wind is actually soothing, even though it has a chill to it. I am only wearing my jeans and a uniform T-shirt. For a moment, I close my eyes and sense the coolness on my face. After a ten-hour shift, my thoughts are drifting to my cozy bed. I can’t wait to crawl into it. I raise up the trunk to my car, dropping my stuff inside.

BOOM!! The ground shakes. The whole vehicle ferociously rocks.

The loud crash comes from the front, shocking me as if something has fallen from the sky. The whole car is furiously rattling, throwing me back a step grabbing the bumper for balance. I froze, as it slowly rocks back still. Then I hear fighting. I sneakily peek my head over the hood until I can see a man on top of another beating the piss out of him. A strange rush suddenly comes over me. I instantly react, throwing my bags down and scooping up my son’s wooden baseball bat. I race up to the two men gripping the bat in my hands ready to swing. The guy on top is so focused on hitting, he doesn’t notice my approach. I feel compelled to help, this dude is taking one hell of a beating. He’s facing down and pressed into the pavement. I catch a glimpse of his expression, he is in serious agony. The other has his back to me. He’s swinging away fiercely without hesitation, both fists flailing, pounding away. I slowly creep up closer behind the guy. I then swung as hard as I could, aiming for his head to knock him out.

Crack! The bat snaps in half. Oh Shit! Shit. Shit Shit. I look at the splintered bat in my hand, knowing I am in big trouble now. I struck him square in the skull and he just stopped, still. The bat didn’t even phase him. But he has seized his attack, which is good, maybe? The worst is yet to come I fear. He didn’t even flinch. I stood in absolute terror. I should be running and screaming for help right now. My body refuses to move, this drama has prevented my muscles from reacting, I am in traumatizing awe. The man slowly rises up, cranking his head strategically around to face me. I immediately think he’s got to be on drugs, I mean. I whacked him with a wooden bat, breaking it and it didn’t phase him at all. He steadily approaches me, with a strange glare. He is about the same height as me. But I am a woman with no muscle mass to account for. My guess is, he’s definitely stronger than me and I’m no match for him. His long dirty blonde hair hangs past his shoulders a bit, and his face is flawless, young, and beautiful. Dressed all in black, looking puzzled, he’s probably wondering the same damn thing as I am. ‘What a stupid, stupid woman I was to hit him’. His expression changes sharply, looking at me even closer. It’s like he’s studying me. Coming literally inches from my face, I tremble inside, yet stand my ground, while clinching the broken bat with dear life. My body locks up even if I desire to run, my muscles will not respond. Weirdly, he sniffs me up and down. UH? Watching his actions, I concluded he has to be on something, no normal person does this. He crotches, strolling around me, like stalking his prey.

UUGH! I feel like a mouse cornered by the cat waiting for him to pounce. My panic increases, wondering what the hell he is about to do to me. He marches around me once, halting in front of me. That’s when I notice his eyes, they’re black as coal, no white in eyes at all. It is pure black, looking deeply, I see the evil in his soul. I am dead meat for sure. Ugh! why did I hit him, pondering how stupid I am. Awkwardly his expressions switch to a devilish smile and come in even closer.

Ahh, What do we have here? He speaks smoothly, brushing his fingers through my hair above, and sniffing again. His voice is chilling, driving my little back hairs to stand on end.

My mind screams to itself what an idiot I am. Why the hell did I strike this crazed person? My heart soars acknowledging I am going to die. My body vigorously shakes and trembles. My palms sweat. I should have minded my own business and drove home.

Your scent is so lusciously delightful, He grins, continuing to smell my hair. He backs away a few steps, never straying focus, my eyes don’t either. I have no idea what this psycho is considering doing next.

I seek to elope, but my body is not listening. My stare holds, never losing sight of him. This guy is truly nuts, cranked out on some serious shit. My mind attempts to formulate a plan, but there is no way I can outrun him. People on TV that are demented have shown unbelievable strength and speed. Granted he isn’t large but obviously deranged. His face baffles me by doing the strangest thing. His demeanor alters to a sweet smile and waves his fingers in a seductive way, curling upwards.

Come here, my precious lamb. He requests grinning ear to ear.

What? Is he attempting to seduce me now? This is nuts! Realizing more than ever the need to escape. Even though I know he will outrun me, I have to try something. I begin to creep back slowly, but instantly he snaps. The smile is gone, becoming enraged. My stride back triggers something serious. Oh Shit! Without any hesitation, he lunges on top so quickly. Having no time to react, he drives me back slamming onto the blacktop. My head strikes the ground hard, jarring my skull yet sensing him still on top. I tighten my eyes, I can’t bear to watch. But shockingly, there is no attack instead he twitches and shakes over me. My mind ponders, why isn’t he assaulting me? My eyes open slowly to peer at his face, literally inches from mine. His emotions have switched from anger to severe pain. AWWW! He cries out with eyes displaying deep agony. I gasp down between us, my hands still clutching the broken bat but now lounged into his chest. Things start to click in perspective, my senses slowly realize what happened. His leaping caused his own despise. Feeling drenched in blood, tackling his weight I slowly rolled him off. His body twitching, at a much slower pace now and weakly groaning. It appears he is dying. I sit up, glaring at this man lying next to me. My mind claims relief, thinking so lucky to be alive. My head throbs, I rub it feeling a lump growing. Staring at the scene, I determine that the broken bat was driven right into his heart, a direct result of him leaping on me. The realization snaps into my heart, oh shit I just killed him. My muscles fight to move, I continue to stare. I have never seen so much blood in my life, it’s all over me. My hands are trembling from the rush. I look at him shaking, and then at myself. His blood is all over my shirt and hands. My god, I just killed…

Yeh! the other man yells interrupting me mid-thought.

My head jerks over to the voice, completely forgetting all about him. In a seated position, he raises his hands towards me, bound together with chains. My thoughts are not registering it completely just yet. My emotions are still rattled.

Me Lady, Can ye remove these bloody chains orf my mits please? He yells, pressing his tied hands higher up in the air.

My legs lack the strength to balance, too shaken by drama and muscles too frail to stand. My only option is to crawl gently over to him. As I inch over on my hands and knees, my senses tremble still absorbing the situation at hand. My thoughts continue to ramble on, that guy was going to kill me and I didn’t mean to stab him. I creep slowly across the pavement justifying my actions. When I finally reach him, I pause to examine his hands, and start to unravel the chains while my own shook.

Ugh! the man cried out in pain as I freed one hand.

Sorry I express, seeing with every yank, he shrieks in more agony. His skin peels off with each link as if the flesh is glued to it. Puzzling, the metal isn’t hot? But apparently, it melted to him somehow? Upon releasing the other hand, he quickly rises up, lending out his to lift me. I allow him to help me up. Hissss! A large sizzling comes from behind us as he lifts me, like bacon first striking a hot pan. Startled, I jumped into him turning, catching the last few seconds of the dude I stabbed melting away. White smoke rises and slowly disappears into the breeze. Just like that he is gone.

What the hell is going on here? I demand, twisting my head back to the man I rescued, realizing he was now holding on to me.

My dear, cheers. Your one, Uh, brave mortal. He articulates carefully with a slight broken English accent, purposely avoiding my question. Seriously, yer bloody nuts coming out with that bat? Grafted splendid results though He compliments while I stare with baffled expression

Uh I guess. It was just kind of a reaction and that was the only thing in my trunk. I nervously replied pulling myself free from his embrace, still rattled. I am still absorbing the fact. That guy just melted over there. What the hell is going on here? Obviously, he is not on drugs and people don’t just melt away. And who is this person? Yet noticing he has the most beautiful light green eyes. They gleamed like emeralds with his flawless appearance, carved from stone. His complexion doesn’t display any marks from getting beaten, though. His face is gorgeous, yet pale as I observe him wipe blood off. His hair is black as night, hanging partially in front brushing the bridge of his nose. His features are hypnotizing.

Madame? He gently asks, interrupting my internal admiration by waving his hand and snapping his fingers twice. Are you Ok? Still in shock, aren’t ye?

I jerked myself out of my dreamy trance responding Oh sorry, maybe just a little confused. I’ve never killed a man before, and watched him melt. I blow it off so he doesn’t notice my adoring fascination with him.

Didn’t kill a man. Ye slayed a vampire. Brill feet for a simple human, eternity of debt, though. He bluntly retorts letting me go and bows at me.

The word ‘vampire’ strikes a chord in my heart. Wait, did you say Vampire? I state in disbelief.

Correct he sharply replies without hesitation.

Wait a minute, If he was a vampire, Then What are... I ask, hoping he is not one too.

Vampire He declares smirking before I finish.

No, you’re not serious, vampires are not real. I pause contemplating the situation. This is really freaking me out. I continued to inquire, There’s no such thing as vampires. I began pacing back and forth, with one hand on my forehead and waving the other. My thoughts generate all the facts about vampires from movies. And now they are real? My brain struggles to process. I mean, this cannot be really happening. It’s a dream and I’m gonna wake up at any moment. The debate rages through my head. Well, He did die with a wooden bat in his heart and did melt away. No No This couldn’t be real. It just can’t, can it?

Please, Miss, No worries. I will glamor ye and you won’t remember a thing that happened this eve He calmly replies, his slight English accent has a sexy tone.

What do you mean, you’ll glamour me? I question, puzzled by what he can do. My eyes will never forget this night. I will probably have night terrors weeks.

I must make ye forget everything witnessed here. It’s our law. Humans mustn’t know of our world He explains stopping my pacing by grabbing my arms, his accent grew thicker and more serious.

Okay? I stammer confused about the whole glamour business. He smirks at me with a sexy smile, like the other man, oops Vampire attempted this. But this time I couldn’t help myself returning the gaze, I was severely attracted to him. He’s not just cute, his appearance is captivating. The desire for him is overwhelming. I could probably stare at his face for hours and never get bored. I wanted him to kiss me. Oh shit! Snap out of it, telling myself I am a married woman with two kids and it’s crazy to think this way. He brushes his fingers through my hair just like the other one did, getting real close to my face. He leans in to kiss. Those green eyes are hypnotizing, but reality kicks in.

Hey! What do you think you’re doing? I scream shoving him away. I know he’s probably thankful for saving him but really coming on to me. You’re crossing a line here.

He replies puzzled Yeh able to pull away, but how?

Yeah so? I answer, rationalizing maybe he’s not used to women saying no. A creepy stalker feeling evolves, I start to take a step back. Is this the glamouring thing he is attempting to do? Maybe this is why I feel so attracted to him? The other vampire tried the same thing and got angered when it didn’t work either. I hope this doesn’t piss him off.

So sorry ma’am. If you can’t be glamored. I must... He states causally in a regretful tone, eyes sadden.

You must do what? Kill me. I finish his statement, seeing where this bullshit is leading. I holler, I just saved you My heart is pounding and pissed. My mind is confused, one minute he tries to kiss me then flips to kill mode. The panic kicks in, sending my pulse into hyper drive. I scan around to find a place to sprint. There’s nowhere to escape and this man or should I say vampire is bigger than the other. And most importantly, I am fresh out of baseball bats.

I normally contest killing a lady. But I can’t just bloody leave yeh alive, knowing all this, It’s our law! he explains, approaching calmly closer, reaching for my hand.

Fuck your law, I just freakened saved you. Doesn’t that count for anything! I scream backing up but he quickly matches my step. I quickly changed tones as he got closer. Please. Wait a minute!! I beg, noticing my anger was not working. I place my hands out, halting his approach. I increase my pleading, What if I promise. I won’t tell. You said you owe me and I did save you, Please you can really trust me. I can keep a secret. I will never tell a soul. I swear. I cry fighting for my life. My petition is not convincing enough. He proceeds closer to me. I accelerate my claims, I have two kids, Please don’t. I promise really, I won’t tell anyone. my eyes fill with tears realizing this is my end.

My sobbing ceases him, and he displays a contemplating expression. Mmm, I do suppose I owe ye my life. he retorts, pausing again, rubbing his chin and pacing. His character displays deep deliberation. I wait praying his decision goes my way. His reflection on the situation feels like an eternity. My heart is racing more and more as I wait. I close my eyes, praying to myself to please trust me. I push this idea even harder through my mind.

Aye, I do owe you my life, But do I bloody warn yeh. If you do tell the tale to a soul, and I mean anyone! I will return an’ kill yeh and all ye have told. He declares glaring directly into my weeping eyes.

Thank you. I promise, I won’t tell a soul I pledge gazing into his eyes with tears rolling down my face. In that instant he vanishes.

As fast as these two vampires materialize into my life, he is gone. I collapse onto the ground and bursting in relief. The rush of the events just hits me. I weep for a while. When I wipe my tears off with my shirt and I realize how much blood is all over me. My entire

Mini-mart shirt is soaked in blood and I have a huge knot on the back of my head. I walked slowly over to my car thanking God I am still alive. Ugh! My jaw drops, noticing my front bumper is smashed. It must have happened during the fighting. Great! Now, how the hell am I going to explain that. I gently get in the front seat and head home. I drive a dark blue two door car, it is not in the best shape but it is all I had. The mangled frontend makes it look even worse.

As I steer homebound, searching my mind for excuses. I have to explain somehow why there’s blood on my shirt, my head and the bumper is dented. Rob’s going to be pissed about that. Then BAMM, an idea strikes me. I know!! A Deer! I hit a deer and had to pull it off the road. That could work. Yeah that will clarify it all. Okay! My story is formulated and all I have to do is stick to it. No vampires and I will never tell anyone.

I pull into our driveway, lay in the driver’s seat, staring at my house for a moment. Our place is the same as everyone else’s pretty much. Our block is a solemn community of single family one story ranch style homes slightly run down. Ours is green with black shutters, in desperate need of a paint job. We rent, no point of throwing money into something not yours. That’s what Rob always says. We really don’t have the cash anyway. I gather my thoughts, repeating the tale to myself. I am trying to convince my brain, this will work. It has to. Everything will be fine, I repeatedly say to myself. If Rob senses any hesitation in my report, he will know I am lying. I stroll up to the door, taking a deep breath. Clara opens it before I can even reach the doorway.

Mom, I was so worried, Oh my, you’re bleeding She cries in a panicked voice.

Oh No, No, I’m not bleeding. I answer by putting my hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

Then why do you have blood all over you? She asks, calmer but still quite upset.

I hit a deer on the way home. I pause holding my story straight. I explained calmly and I had to drag it off the road . I recited this statement many times, during the ride home.

What! Rob yells, leaping up out of his chair, and rushing the door.

You stupid woman!He hollers pushing pass me and storming out to the car. I can smell the beer on his breath. He’s drunk again. He’s wasted most of the time these days. I follow and stand next to him as he glares at the destroyed bumper.

How fast were you driving the frontend is mutilated He hollers, jerking his head towards me with hateful eyes. These eyes blame me for everything he’s missed in life, and gone wrong. His demeanor wasn’t always this way. We were once a very happy couple. Granted, we both had to drop out of school at age 14 because I was pregnant with Clara and Brett. Life was hard enough with one kid but when we had twins it made for double the trouble. His job in the factory for 10 years, was excellent and made us very happy. Five years ago it closed, he is now not qualified to work anywhere. He slowly drank himself into the self pity of a man that he is today. His depression has taken a toll on his body. He was once a six foot tall strong good looking man. Now, his dirty blonde hair has been buzzed off, hairline receding, the muscles hang low in his waist, giving him a different kind of six pack. He’s maybe only 29, but his appearance demonstrates much older features.

Do you realize how much your stupidity is now going to cost me! He glares at me, shaking his head, walking back into the house. I hope that will be all I would hear about the bumper and he’ll just climb back in his chair to pass out.

OH Mom! Thank God you’re OK Clara grabs my hand staring at the damage. I smile at her, my sweet daughter. She is very caring. She looks so much like me when I was her age. She is as tall as me, with long wavy hair and the same baby blue eyes.

Come on, let’s go in, I pull on her hand, I need to get out of these clothes and take a nice hot shower, it’s been one hell of a night. I am glad to be home and safe. We walk side by side back into the house.

Clara goes straight to bed, thank goodness. I don’t want to repeat the story anymore. Luckily, Brett is already asleep. I get out of those bloody clothes, throw them into the washer. I put some extra detergent right on the blood stain, hoping it comes out. I need to take a minute and a nice long hot shower will give me just that. My head is throbbing and I grab some pills and take two before I get in. I stood under running hot water, and just let it run down my head for a while. Many thoughts rush through, but the one fact I can not shake is that ‘vampires really do exist and I just killed one tonight’. It is a hard thing to swallow but I saw them with my own two eyes. He just melted away. His blood was all over me. I can’t get that vampire’s black eyes off my mind. They were so black and evil, his face will be burned into my memory forever. When I get out I am a bit more refreshed, my mood is slightly better. Rob is passed out in his usual place, his throne, I thank god for that one. I shut off the TV so it doesn’t play all night. I walk back to my bedroom, cuddle under the blankets with my favorite book. I open it, staring at the pages, with only one thing coming to my mind. ‘Vampires do exist. I killed one.’ I replay the events occurring that night over and over again in my mind. Until I slowly fall asleep.

Chapter 2

Morning comes quickly, I feel like I didn’t sleep at all. I had nightmares all night about what happened. His face is in my thoughts constantly. That vampire will haunt my dreams for a long time. I drag myself out into the kitchen. Clara is there as usual. She is already awake.

Hey Mom Clara smiles, she is much more cheerful than I am this morning, eating a bowl of cereal.

Hey sweetheart, I reply, kissing on her forehead. Brett is still asleep?

Yep, she answers

I’ll go wake him, I say, as I shuffle back down the hall to the room next to mine. Brett is snoring away with his feet half hanging off the bed. This boy can sleep through a tornado. Brett is a typical fifteen year old boy. Brett and Clara are twins but are very different. He looks just like his dad with dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes that suckers me in every time he gets in trouble.

Where Clara has blonde hair, blue eyes and compassion for others I have never seen before. I shake him.

MOM ! Give me five more minutes. Please he moans half sleep.

Come on Brett, Time to get up! I demand shaking him again.

Ugh Mom Pleeeaaase he groans again begging.

Okay, You got five minutes and I’m coming back I reply, giving in.

I walk back out to the kitchen, Clara already has the coffee done. She’s grown up so much this past year, I think it has to do with me working at night more. Rob leaves her to make dinner and take care of Brett. I remember when I was fifteen all too well, I had twins and my childhood slipped away. I must make sure it doesn’t happen to her.

Hey Sweetie, thanks for the coffee. I say smiling as she hands me a cup just the way I like it.

No problem Mom. Is Brett up? She questions me.

I gave him five more minutes. I answer

MOM! You are always given in. He needs to get up now or we will be late, she glares back at me.

OK, OK, I will go get him I reply knowing she’s right, I walk back down the hallway. I hear Rob in the shower. Huh, He must have gotten some work today. Ever since the factory closed, he’s been working odd jobs for cash, nothing steady. I do feel bad for him. I think he’s going through some emotional depression and just can’t get through it. We haven’t slept in the same bed in two years. He passes out on his throne every night, and lately he doesn’t come home until after I’ve gone to bed.

Let’s go Brett, Times up!! I command him, yet surprisingly he is getting dressed all ready, when I get to their room. It is a shame Clara and Brett do have to share the same room, but we can’t afford a bigger place. Which does remind me, I have to bring the car to the shop to see how much this bumper is going to cost me. UUGH! I hope it’s not going to