JazminaPashmina; I enjoy feedback on my work, but I was ironically endearingly annoyed with your blatant rudeness. I am writing from the personal experience of domestic abuse from family members, and I understand some people who have not suffered from that find it distasteful. However, you're lack of wanting to follow through is amusing, as I write in short bursts. As per your review, I assume you are of high intelligence, however, you didn't take the time to think that although Irene was indeed a bit overbearing and rude in the beginning, the last paragraph was quite out of place. If you ever do find yourself reading this, I hope you understand now that I intend to have dynamic characters who, however flawed, are human and act as such. Her behaviour is far from pointless, and is helping to precedent future chapters. And for my final point, I apologize if my spelling, grammar and punctuation bothers you, and is off point. This is something I do in my free time, for people like you, so give me a slight break when things aren't perfect. :)
"Sarah!" A voice called to her, "Sarah!" She felt her body jolt and she found herself shaking like a leaf, draped in the darkness of the early morning. Sarah could feel her heart racing, hands clammy and hair plastered to her face by way of sweat and tears.
"A nightmare," The voice spoke again, and Sarah found herself in her stepmother's arms. "Your father and I could hear you crying in your sleep." Irene pulled back for a moment to look at Sarah, face pale and free from makeup, hair up in curlers.
The dream started to fade, and the memory of the previous night came crashing back. She had come home a bit late for dinner, Irene was all flustered per usual, and she was sent to bed early; yet here was the woman holding her like a child. She had always seen the soft, motherly side of her when she doted on Toby, but she had only been an older, somewhat overbearing and sharp, womanly figure in her life.
"I'm sorry Sarah," Irene shook her head, "I've been monstrous this past week. I know full well you've grown up and started to pursue your dreams, and having me pushing you to be like me is, well, not exactly the best for you." Sarah sat silent, never one to see this side of her stepmother.
"It's fine, really." Sarah tried to interject, feeling awkward in the abrupt situation, "I know that money is tight nowadays, and I shouldn't have let dad give me money."
"No, no." Irene cut her off softly, "After you came up to bed, your father and I sat down for a chat. He isn't as oblivious as you might think. I want to apologize for what I said about Linda, your mother, and I just worry you might fall into her footsteps. She was talented once, but frivolous, running off with that man to Hollywood and leaving you behind.
You see, my own mother was rarely in the picture, and I find myself pushing my own ideals on you out of habit. I know we've never seen eye to eye, and I know I can be horrid at times. You're young Sarah, and I don't expect you to understand the stress of marriage, money and parenting. I was you to know that I care about you, I want you to be a cute little doll, all clean and tiny, and well . . . it's something I know you can never live up to.
You're beautiful child, and you carry yourself with a unique charm. You have an amazing talent when it comes to designing clothes, especially renaissance-esque types, and I regret being so mean last night. I won't try to excuse it, but with the bills piling up, your father and I can hardly keep up with money."
"Irene," Sarah finally said, giving her stepmother a tight hug, "It's alright, you don't have to worry about me. I know things have been shaky this past few years, and I'm starting to figure my life out as well. I might even try to move out and live on my own." Irene hugged back, a little more endearing than Sarah expected, and then she pulled away with a soft yawn, placing a kiss on her head and walking back to the door.
"Get some sleep," Irene said quietly, closing the door slowly. "I'll have a special breakfast for you in the morning to help you feel better. My type of diet seems to be putting a lot of stress on you."
"Thanks," Sarah replied, getting comfortable once again wanting to fall back asleep soon, as to start the day afresh in the morning.
"And Sarah?" She hummed in response. Irene whispered softly as she closed the door completely, "You've never been a burden. Your father and I love you very much."
Don't forget to favorite or review if you have any thoughts, comments or criticism for this chapter.
Thank you, and happy reading.