"My brother once ate a spider. Yeah, we thought he was going to turn into something like Spiderman, but . . ."

I droned out Cat's voice.

It's not that I didn't want to hear her story (actually, I didn't), it's just that I'm too preoccupied.

I put on my tiger look to make it look like I'm annoyed.

But my mind is in a different place.

My mind is at home.

I worry.

I wonder how she's coping, being alone at home with nothing but the supervision of a babysitter (a.k.a. my mother) and toys.

Does she miss me?

Sometimes, I feel rather inadequate. Like I don't live up to her standards.

I'm a disappointment to all mothers worldwide.

I digress.

"Hey Jade, you alright?" Vega asked.

Cue eye roll.

"What's it to you, Vega?" I almost barked at her.

She was unmoved.

She's getting used to me.

I'm losing my touch.

Sikowitz class.

Strangely, I look forward to his class.

Maybe it's the fact that we rarely have written exercises. Just focus of acting and expression.

I prefer that.

"Now, I'm going to volunteer Jade, Cat," Sikowitz was searching around. "And Beck. Up front."

We made our way to the stage.

Beck was searching for my hand.

Warmth.

"Now, you two," Sickwitz grinned at both of us. "Parents."

Why is my chest constricting?

My vision became tunneled.

Hazy.

Breathe.

I close my eyes.

Breathe.

Relax.

Tugging.

I look down at our joined hands.

He was holding mine tight.

"You alright?" He asked with his eyes.

I swallow.

Then nod.

Sikowitz didn't notice.

Good.

"Cat, you'll play their daughter."

Sigh.

"Now, the scene is, you two are listening to your daughter talk about her dreams and thoughts, and you two are going to put in your input and thoughts to those. Much like real parents."

Alright.

"Start whenever you're ready."

"Hmm, where could she be?" I asked out loud, looking around for my hiding daughter.

Giggling.

As much as I hated it, I couldn't help but feel biased.

I loved to hear her giggling.

I saw tiny toes peeking out from behind the thick curtains.

"Could she be," I stalled, and then quickly yanked the curtain away, revealing my beautiful, smiling and giggling daughter. "here!"

I picked her up and spun her around.

More giggling.

Warmth.

"Momma, you found me!" she laughed, and then wrapped her arms around my neck.

Contentment.

"Of course I did. You know, you were so good at hiding, I thought I'd never be able to find you!" I dramatized.

She laughed.

But after a while, she looked at me, now serious.

"But momma, if ever I gets losted for real, will you give up?" She lisped.

I answered with no hesitation.

"Never."

"Jade, are you ready?" Beck asked, squeezing my hand once more.

"Um, yeah. Let's do this."

One more period, then I'll be able to go home.

God, I miss her.

How many more minutes?

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

" . . . And I'll see you guys next week. Bye, class."

And then . . .

RING!

I quickly stood up.

"Jade. Hey Jade!"

Vega.

"Hey Jade, wait up!" She was running after me.

I reached my locker, and then turned around to face her.

Glare.

"What?" I grumbled.

I was impatient.

"What do you think we could do for our project?"

What project?

I was zoned out.

"Which one?" I asked cautiously.

"The one given just a few moments ago. Weren't you listening?"

"If I was, then I would've known." I shot back.

She sighs.

I tap my foot.

"It's due the day after tomorrow. We have to write a fantasy skit, and I really need your help. Do you think you could come over today?"

"No." I deadpan.

I needed to come back to my daughter now.

"Please! I really need your help."

"What part of 'no' don't you understand?" I almost growl at her.

She was a persistent little bird.

"Please, please, please, Jade. I really need your help."

She attempted the puppy dog eyes.

"Momma?" she climbed (well, attempted to) on my lap.

I helped her up.

"Momma, can I has a coworin' book?" She asked me.

"No, you can't. I don't have money."

I hated denying her.

"But momma," Her eyes were looking up at me intently, sparking with unshed tears. "Pwease?"

"Baby, when I say no, I mean no, okay?"

I had to look away from her eyes.

She breathed in.

"Okay, mommy."

Guilt.

She stepped down from my lap and went into her room.

I spent hours replaying our conversation in my head.

And finally, I cracked.

I didn't sleep that night.

I was up, drawing animal and flower figures in marker, and then binding them together for my daughter.

"Fine." I gave in.

I'm just going to have to call mom and let me talk to her.

Vega owes me.

Big time.

Hey there! I hope you guys liked this new installment.

Please review. God bless!