Bullied

‘tough times don’t last

But tough people do ‘

I BELIEVE – DJ KHALED FT DEMI LOVATO.

I was back at the reception area sitting quietly with hopes of waking up any moment from this nightmare.

Mom helped me walk out of the room as the doctor began removing appliances and connections attached to Jan’s body. And I was in no mood to argue.

Dad was sitting by my side all this while as I held onto him for comfort.

I had already asked him quite a number of times if I was dreaming but I received a negative reply. Then I changed my course.

I asked if he was dreaming instead.

Trying hard not to laugh, he also gratified me with a negative answer.

So I accepted my fate and maintained silence.

Except if this is Mom’s dream though.

Megan said Clement couldn’t make it cause his dad and uncle had a business meeting to attend so they needed him and his cousin to take care of the little ones and his uncles wife.

Majorly cause his uncle doesn’t trust the competence of his own son.

Meredith collected June from me a while ago and she’s still asleep on her shoulders.

I couldn’t help but watch the little baby like she’s gonna give up on life soon.

Like her brother did.

Like i almost did.

” Dad?”

” Yes darling?” Sounding bewildered that I could actually speak.

” How did you guys get to know?”

” Know?” Raising his left brow in emphasis.

” Know about the babies, you know… The problem ”

” Well, I was out with Meredith and Megan cause I had no idea what teenage girls would want for a ‘decent’ party so I called them to help me out.

We were at the mall getting some stuffs when a call came in from the hospital saying it’s an emergency. So I called your mom and explained to her on phone about my whereabouts. That’s how we all ended up here”

His explanation was suitable enough so I went back to my silence.

Megan just walked in from outside where I believe she was making a call.

” Hey you, put a smile on that shimmy face” And she stretches her lips apart with her fingers.

I for one decided to smile a little but her action caused everyone around to laugh.

” I’m gonna go back to bridge waters tomorrow” She piped up and I responded with a smile.

She’s been here for far too long for my sake, the least I can do is to let her go. It’s not like she takes her online schooling seriously.

Seeing my reaction was one she was looking for, she smiled back.

I heard shuffling coming out from the backroom before my mom appeared with the doctor.

Believe me when I say mom looks worse than I do. And I’m the bereaved.

” All cleaned up and taken abat” The doctor said in a professional tone while avoiding my eyes.

I think that abat is a code for buried.

Every one gave a response of thanks, thank you and alright but I still kept shut.

” Miss Shawn ” The doctor addressed me as I hummed indicating he’s got my attention.

” You’ll be alright ” He gave me a small smile and a brief nod to my mom before walking out.

Mom still stood a far distance from where I was, afraid of coming close or something.

” Honey?” Dad called to her maybe realizing the fragile mood she’s in.

” Iris has suffered too much for such a young age ” Was her reply to the call.

You can say that again.

” Come sit first ” Dad is still trying to persuade her to calm down but she was in no mood for it. She wants to speak and she will.

” I ain’t sitting, listen to me. Ever since we’ve moved here everything has been going bad for our baby, you and I know it”

” What are you trying to say?” Dad asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

” What I’m saying is, it’s time she left this place to another to start a new life. A place where she’ll experience more love than she has ever seen. This town will hold nothing more than terrible memories of the past ”

We’re moving?

We didn’t even have enough at hand to buy a new house talk less leaving.

Ever since they quit their jobs, the new ones they got paid slightly less than half of what they earned before. It wasn’t enough at the mean time to settle somewhere else.

Dad joined a car dealing organization whereas mom began working at a mall. Not the best places to earn much in this town.

From the silence Dad gave it was pretty obvious he was considering the options too.

” Please darling. Let’s do this for iris and the little baby” Mom wasn’t making saying no an easy option.

” But mom, how do you intend to go about the funds?”

” Exactly the same thing I was thinking ” Dad finally popped his silence.

” I have an idea”

That was Megan speaking, after she was sure she had all our focus she continued.

” What if Iris goes with me back to Bridgewaters? I mean she always loved the place before she left am I right?”

Bridgewaters!! How could I not think of that!

” My heavens Megan you’re brilliant!!” Guess mom also found the idea spectacular.

” Well, I think the new plan is for Iris to move back with Megan and after we get enough cash we join in and get settled ” Dad’s plan rounded the circle all up.

But there is only one problem.

Two actually.

Meredith and Clement.

I turned to look at Meredith to show how sorry I am to really leave but her reaction slowed me down.

” No, don’t give me that ‘I’m sorry , I can stay if you want eyes’ you’re going and it’s final. I got Clement to kick his butt by the way, just keep in touch okay?”

I couldn’t help it. I ran to give her a hug. Well a side hug so I won’t crush the baby.

” Yeah yeah, you love me. I know ”

“Jeez, Meredith. Cocky much” That was coming from me and honestly I surprised myself too.

I never expected to smile again tonight but these people proved me wrong.

” Lets go home shall we?”

_____

” Okay, soooo…… Happy birthday baby” Dad said as he opened the front door to reveal a slightly decorated living room.

” And farewell to the pug town ” Added Megan.

” Hey, people live here” Meredith counters Megan but her being who she is only stuck out her tongue.

To which Meredith mimicked.

We laughed at their little bickering and stepped in.

Some balloons and shimmers were spread every where like a five year old princess themed party.

That explains a lot to why Dad had to call in for help.

” Wow Tom, when I said this party will make her want to relive the moment I didn’t mean literally relive age six” Mom mocked as she observed the environment.

” This is not my thing okay. I tried so be grateful ” Dad pouted and earned a pat on the head from mom.

After giggling at the movie unfolding before me I took a brief excuse to keep June on a bed. A sleeping baby isn’t really the lightest thing to carry.

Up the stairs were a trail of rose petals and chocolate candy leading to my room.

So dad has a romantic side too.

I chuckled quietly to myself at the silly thought and opened my bedroom door.

Exactly as I left it this morning, except for a box sitting on my bed.

I walked over gently to the other side of the bed and laid June down softly and covered her with the baby blanket I got for them.

I turned to the box and guessed it was a present from someone so I opened it up.

There were a few things inside of it . A really oversized looking gray cardigan, a sundress, a locket, a picture frame of my family and I, a bedtime story book for kids, then a photo album that says babies on the front cover. No doubt these are all gifts from all the people I care about.

A smile came to my face once again as I packed up the box and went back down the stairs.

Everyone was holding a glas of wine and when I got there Meredith handed me one too.

” I would like to make a toast ” Dad’s voice coated with pride.

” To my baby Iris, for clocking another year and for being the strongest and sweetest lady I know ”

That toast earned a ‘hey’ from mom but no one paid attention. All I could hear afterwards was the chattering of ‘to Iris’ and the clicking of glasses.

So moving away is finally the end of it all.

Really it’s true. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.