• When my mom got home that night she came into my bedroom to see how I was.

    “Olivia,” she whispered. I looked up from my homework my eyes sore and tired. She smiled. “You should be in bed.” I smiled a little.

    “So should you,” she nodded her head and laughed.

    “I’m just about to,” I put my head back down in my books. “Olivia is something wrong?” mom came into the room and looked at me worry in her eyes. She could always tell when something was wrong. I pulled off my reading glasses and set them on the night stand.

    “Zane and I got into a fight.”

    “Aw honey,” she said and gave me a hug. I almost broke down but I decided to say strong. She pulled back and gave my shoulders a squeezed. “It’s ok. Things like this happen in a relationship. It happens every day. You just got to stick through and eventually things will work its way out.” I smiled. But it’s a fake relationship mom. Zane doesn’t really like me and I…..I’m still not sure. But he wouldn’t want me anyhow! And besides we can’t get along.

    “Yeah, thanks mom,” she smiled and kissed my forehead.

    “He’ll come around” she whispered. I sighed. Sure mom when pigs fly.

    “You’re probably right.” she smiled.

    “Night sweetie.” she left my room shutting my door. I looked out my window at the stars and smiled. I coughed which surprised me. Great I was probably getting a cold.

    “Ugh mommy!” I called my nose stuffed up. My mom rushed into the room.

    “Oh what’s wrong?” she asked. She put her hand to my head.

    “You have the flu I think. I’ll call the school.” I smiled.

    “Thanks,” she nodded.

    “Your father is coming home tomorrow.” She said shutting my curtains. Her voice was shaky but brave.

    “Why don’t you go take a hot bath I’ll come and get you when your soup is ready.” I smiled. She left the room but popped her head back in. “Oh and the meds are in the cupboard above the sink.” I stood up and got my clothes together then filled in the big tub with all sorts of bubbles and soaps to make your nose open up and laid in it.

    After I took my bath I forced a whole bunch of pills down my throat wanting to feel better again. Mom made chicken soup and I carried millions of blankets into the den and found a comfortable spot on the couch will a big bowl of hot soup. I turned on the TV to watch the Twilight Zone all day.

    A call came later and I thought maybe it was dad but mom came into the living room a smile on her lips.

    “It’s Zane.” she whispered. I narrowed my eyes at the phone held in her head. “Here/” she handed it over to me. I took the phone and turned it off. “Olivia!” she yelled. I rolled my eyes. “Mom Zane was a jerk to me. I’m not giving in that easily/” she sighed.

    “OK fine, your decisions.” she walked back out and into her office. He called 5 times that day. Every time I picked it up he tried to say he was sorry and not to hang up. The last time I almost talked to him but didn’t. I lay down on the couch and fell asleep.

    The next morning I was feeling a lot better! Mom still made me stay home though. I sat on the couch in my black and purple PJ's with my hair in a messy bun. I was watching Tom and Jerry eating a bowl of cereal. I usually did this on Sunday mornings but it had been busy for a while. The phone rang in mom’s office so I didn’t bother getting up.

    “Mom phone!” I yelled. I heard her answer it. I turned the TV up and sighed. My mom came out of her office a couple minutes later trying to hide a smile. “What are you grinning at?” I asked frowning at her. She just pursed her lips together.

    “Um. Can you go get the newspaper for me?” I put the TV on mute and stood up.

    “Sure.” I walked out the front door and saw the paper on the step.

    “Good morning.” I jumped and looked out at the driveway. Zane smiled his white teeth gleaming in the sun leaning against his car.