"Hey Momma, look at me
I'm on my way to the promised land…"
ACDC (Lyrics from Highway to Hell)

Chapter Four

The bell was ringing I and woke up. I was sitting in third period Spanish. I glanced around. It was a dream? I was completely disoriented. Was everything that has just happened… a dream? I didn't have run out of the lunch room? I remember meeting his family or friends… but I didn't even have lunch yet. Why would I even dream about Edward and his family? This was just one of the Twilight Zone days. I shook it off and quickly headed out to lunch. It was pouring so I pulled my hood up as I trucked across campus to the lunch room. I bought my lunch and looked for a place to sit.

Every table seemed to be full. I headed towards the back but there wasn't an empty table. I finally decided to head back out into the rain. I was heading for the dumpsters when I heard a bell like voice.

"Hi Bella…" It sounded like Alice. I turned around and it was Edward's pixie like sister.

"Hi Alice." I muttered.

"Do you want to sit with us?" She asked. I glanced over at them all staring at me.

"Alice, I'm really not hungry… I was just heading out." I said. The smile fell off her face.

"You're sure?" She asked. I nodded. She just stared off at something. I used this as an escape. I hurried back out into the rain. I ran to my truck. I started the car and listen to my favorite CD. I closed my eyes and sat there. Maybe I should just duck out now and spend some time with Izzy… but I know she'd ask why I'm picking her up so early. I sighed. I saw kids walking outside and the rain died down so I turned off the car and hurried inside.

Mr. Banner had left the room muttering to himself and he looked pissed. I sighed. I took my seat next to Edward. I felt him staring at me. I shivered.

"Um, thanks again for helping me out." I said. I didn't want to seem ungrateful for the help he gave me.

"Don't worry about it." He said. There was another awkward pause and then he said, "How's Izzy?" I looked at him now. I stared at him trying to figure out what he wanted from me.

"She's good." I said. He nodded. Mr. Banner came in wheeling a giant TV behind him. The class cheered for we were having a movie day. I was sitting near the window and I shifted until I was laying on my books staring out the window. I closed my eyes. I just needed a few minutes of sleep. With work and school and Izzy, I just had no time to sleep or to myself. But Izzy was my life so if she was happy I was happy.

I felt a like tap on my shoulder. I slowly sat up and looked over. The lights were on and Mr. Banner was talking. Edward woke me up.

"Did I fell asleep again?" I asked myself out loud.

"Again?" he asked.

"I haven't been getting much sleep lately." I admitted. He didn't seem to like this. I could literally feel the bags under my eyes getting bigger. I shook my head and looked up at Mr. Banner. The bell rang and I gather my things and headed out to my truck. It was raining when I hit the big doors. I hesitated for a second, but that was long enough.

"Hey Bella!" I clenched my hands into fists. This family just wouldn't leave me alone and I had my own things to worry about. I started out the door but he caught up with me.

"Bella, is everything alright?" He asked.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't hear you." I lied. He nodded. I quickened my pace so I'd get to my truck faster.

"Um…" Edward started he wanted to say something. I stopped walking and stood in the middle of the parking lot.

"Just spit it out. What is it?" I asked letting my annoyance sparkle threw.

"Well, I was just wondering if you were okay?" He asked. I sighed.

"Um, yeah, I'm great." I said darkly. He looked annoyed.

"I'm only trying to help you." He said with an edge to his voice.

"I've got to get Izzy." I said. I glared at him and ran off to my truck. I got in and raced to the daycare place. I walked in and I saw Izzy and Lane playing I smiled. Izzy saw me and hugged Lane and came running over. She had her arms stretched out for me to hug her. I smiled and knelt down. She ran into my arms. I loved this. She was at this stage in her life when every time I came to get her she'd give me greeting as if we hadn't seen each other in years.

"How was school?" She asked.

"It was good. I got wet though." I laughed. "How was daycare?" I asked as I picked her up. I headed back out to the truck and drove home.

"It was good!" She smiled. We got home.

"Izzy are you hungry?" I asked her. She nodded. I cooked up a grill cheese sandwich. She ate that and watched TV as I got cleaned up for work.

"Izzy… mama's got to go to work… do you want to go by Mia?" I asked.

"Mama, can't I stay here?" She asked.

"I'm sleepy." She said. I sighed. I didn't want to leave her alone… but I knew she'd be careful...

"I'll put in a movie and I'll lock the door and you'll stay put… promise?" I asked she smiled and nodded. I stuck in a movie and locked the door as I headed out for work. Work was longer tonight that it should've been. I walked back to the potting shed and unlocked the door. Izzy was out on the floor. I picked her up and turned off the TV and I fell asleep.

The rest of the week went in the same fashion. Long. I was working my butt off and I was doing well at work and at school. It was tough. I felt like I needed something to motivate me to keep on going. Well, my motivation was Izzy. I couldn't send her back to the life I left but I couldn't let her suffer. She was going to have what I didn't have as a child. That was the promise I made myself.

Hit or Miss?

Songs I recommend:

Another Brick in the Wall part 1, 2, & 3 – Pink Floyd

The happiest days of our lives – Pink Floyd