A/N: I do not own any of the characters. Written in Jake's point-of-view unless otherwise noted.

Man Of The House

It was early. He didn't know how early but early. The seven-year-old rolled over in his race-car bed and pulled the sheets over his head. He knew he should turn the alarm off, but he liked his alarm. The beeping was soothing to him. But school wouldn't wait and he knew his mother was still sleeping. She hadn't been feeling well since his dad left two months ago. He felt sorry for his mom. He saw her cry alot. He saw her sit alone in her room alot. He saw her eat alone alot. She did alot of things alone now. But Jake wanted to help her out. He didn't mind doing his chores. He didn't mind cleaning his room or doing the dishes.

He sat up in bed, listened to his alarm for a few more minutes then switched it off. He had to get up or he'd be late for school. He loved school. It was an escape for him. A way to get away from everything at home. His sister, Kyra, wasn't being like she used to. She had a bad attitude all the time. Cheyenne was pregnant and never home. Always out with Van. And his mom, well, she was just tired all the time. He liked being away from home so he didn't have to think about all the bad stuff he had to go through. He loved learning new things, too.

He let his legs swing off the bed and hopped off. Pulling the covers over the pillow, he yawned. He heard his mom crying again last night and it had kept him up. But he'd never tell her. He'd just let her cry. Maybe if her heard her doing it again, he'd go in her room and try to help her not to be sad like she did for him. He sighed and left his room and walked across the hall to Kyra's room. He let the door creak open to find her already awake and looking in her closet. "Go away," Kyra growled without even turning around. Jake left quickly and walked to Cheyenne's room. He didn't go in there often because Van was living there now. He just knocked on the door and heard, "I'm up Jakey," from Cheyenne. She sounded tired. He left her doorway and made his way down-stairs.

His mom was on the couch asleep. He went over to her and shook her shoulder. "Mommy," He whispered. "Wake up. We have to go to school."

She stirred and opened her eyes. When she saw Jake's face, she smiled. "Good mornin', Darlin," She said and sat up. "Have a good night's sleep?"

Jake nodded and sat down by her. "I had a good dream last night."

"You did?"

"Yep! No bad dreams!"

"Didn't I tell you that sayin' your prayers every night would work?"

"Yes. You did." He hugged her around her middle. He held on for a while before he let go. "I'm hungry, Mom," He said when he let go.

"Well, okay. Go in the kitchen. I'll be right in there." Jake got up and pranced into the kitchen where he awaited his favorite cereal, Froot Loops.

Reba's POV

She tried not to start bawling. She tried not to lose it. Her little boy was just fine. He was just as happy as he could be. He was strong. He was just like his dad.

She put her head in her hands and thought about the day he was born. He was so beautiful. He was perfect. She shook her head and wondered where her life had gone.

Just as she was sobbing into her hands, the front door opened. She looked up, tears streaming down her face. She saw Brock standing there.

"We need to talk," He said solemnly.

This is my first fanfic. Did you like it? Please read and review!! Thanks!!