Of Fire and Ice

I don't own anything from W.I.T.C.H but I do own minor character.

Chapter 9

I wake up from that night seeing chains on my momma's ankles. I feel tears weld up in my eyes, 'Why does my mommy need chains and why can't she hold me like before?' I just walk in the kitchen avoiding looking at my mom and I hear sobs behind me. I really want to hug my mommy but the police man looks really mean at me. I just eat breakfast and go to school. I am all alone again my own brother looks really distant. I sit in the corner listening to Mrs. Roberts talk about the book a little bit. I just look out the window after I am done with my work. I don't even notice my classmates or Mrs. Roberts looking at me. A tear sneaks out of my eyes and I close my eyes tight. I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder and a gentle voice asking, "Are you ok Taranee?"

'No, my mommy can't hug me and now my daddy works later. My own brother hasn't talked to me. I'm nothing but trouble.' "I'm ok Mrs. Roberts just imagining something."

Mrs. Roberts gives me the I-don't-buy-that-excuse look. I give a covering smile and pretend to be really interested in the Secret of Nim. Mrs. Roberts ask, "Who are the main characters of this novel Taranee?"

I answer, "Mrs. Frisby, Teresa, Martin, Aunty Shrew, and the Rats of Nim."

Mrs. Roberts looks a little defeated but has a glint of determination. She says, "Ok class recess will begin in a few minuets. It's raining outside you know the rules."

Most of my classmates groan while I sit in the corner with an indifferent look on my face. Usually I'd be interested in reading something complicated but today I don't even feel like going to the library. Mrs. Roberts approaches me and asks, "Taranee don't you want to read Island of the Dolphins?" I just shake my head and look down on the floor trying to head my injured eyes.

She sighs and asks, "Taranee is something wrong with your parents or brother? You know you can tell me anything even though I'm white." I didn't want to react but I did, tears fall quickly as she mentions my parents and brother. I try so hard to hide my pain but now it's too unbearable to hold back.

I hug her and say, "My mommy has chains on her ankle, my dad works later and my brother doesn't talk to me at all. Something bad happened to mommy and now she has to be guarded all the time." I look outside as if on cue the rain turns to snow. Yes, Christmas is sneaking up on us. I don't feel too much in the spirit with mom having to avoid me. Mrs. Roberts just hugs me as if not knowing what to say but I'm glad she's showing she cares.

She clears her throat and says, "I'm sure you're parents will get through this. Give your brother time and he'll talk to you again Taranee I'm sure he will."

I ask in a teary voice, "How can you be sure?"

She gives a warm smile and says, "You're parents raised a smart daughter and I know brothers can't avoid their little sisters' for too long. Don't worry Taranee things will work out but it may take awhile."

I finally begin to smile and ask, "Can I read the Island of the Dolphin's?"

She smiles and hands it to me. I begin to listen more and participate better. After school was over for the day, I put on my pink coat and walk home. I realize Christmas break is getting closer and I walk home more willing to face my parents. When I get home I see the hurt look on my mommy's face. 'Is mommy sad that I didn't say good-morning to her?' I walk up to mommy and ask, "Doing ok mommy?"

She begins to smile and say, "As good as I can be in my situation. I'm sorry that I can't hug you Taranee. It's really hard for me too; please don't think I love you any less. Mommy did something really bad Taranee and now she has to pay for it."

I ask, "But do they have to be so mean?"

My brother walks in and scolds, "TARANEE YOU SHOULDN'T BE SAYING STUFF LIKE THAT! MOM COULD BE IN JAIL THEN SEEING US EVERYDAY!"

Tears weld in my eyes and Mom scolds, "PETER DON'T SCOLD YOUR SISTER LIKE THAT! SHE'S TRYING TO UNDERSTAND!"

He cringes as he sees me about to cry and hugs me out of no where. He says, "I'm sorry for yelling at you Taranee this whole thing has all of us on edge."

I smile and say, "That's ok brother I'm glad you don't hate me." I notice something in my brothers' eyes. He looks like he is mad at something but he tries to hide it. He just walks away and slams the door. I ask, "Mommy when can we hug you again?"

She sighs and says, "I don't know but I hope very soon." I just give a sad nod and head into my room for a little bit and then I hear my brother shout words that send a chill down my spine.

"HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN!"

Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I hope you like this chapter. THANKS REVIEWERS YOU'RE SO AWESOME! I'M REALLY ANXIOUS TO GET THE CHAPTER UP! Please feel free to point out mistakes I may have made.