//------------------------------// // Chapter I // Story: Being A Parent Is Hard // by TheKing2001 //------------------------------// “Do we really have to do this Mom?” Sunset grumbled. She was sitting on the edge of the bed without a shirt as I examined her back injuries. Even though the Fall Formal had been about two months ago, I still checked on her injuries. “Yes we do. I’m making sure it’s healing Sunset,” I chided. “It’s important to make sure it is since you stopped taking care of it.” “Because it is what it is. I don’t care what happens with it,” Sunset groaned. I applied a band aid and she flinched. “That kinda hurt.” “Sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I apologized. “Are you still taking your anti depressants the doctor gave you?” Sunset gave a nervous chuckle and looked away, rubbing the back of her head and I narrowed my eyes. “Sunset. Are you taking your medication?” “No,” Sunset admitted. “I’m not.” I gave into the urge to facepalm and sighed, rubbing my face. “Sunset, you need to take your medicine. It’s there for a reason. Pills don’t solve everything don’t get me wrong, but they help. Mental health is important,” I explained. “I know. I’m sorry. It just doesn’t seem to work for me and I can’t take them. I can’t swallow pills no matter how hard I try,” Sunset sighed as I finished examining her back. “You should have told me from the beginning and I would have asked if they had it in liquid form. I can cut it into four small pieces and you can try to take it that way,” I suggested. “I know. I didn’t want to be a burden. It’s all I am,” Sunset sighed. I rolled my eyes and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re not a burden. If you have trouble with something, just say so and I’ll help you.” “Can I put my shirt back on please? It’s kinda awkward sitting here with only my jeans and bra on. It’s cold too,” Sunset avoided my request. I’ll get her to open up a bit more later. I never knew this would be so difficult, but I don’t regret it. Being a parent is hard is what I’m beginning to realize. It’s a pretty good learning experience so far. “Yeah I’m done,” I sighed. I caught her grateful look in the mirror as she slipped her shirt on, wincing as it slid over the cuts where her wings had been. “You okay?” “Yeah I’m fine. Back hurts a bit. I’ll take some Tylenol later,” Sunset mumbled. “I’ll get some adult extra strength when we go to the store next week. They’ll heal up soon don’t worry,” I hugged her gently. I really didn’t want to end up accidentally hurting her. At least school was almost out temporarily for winter break. Just got a few more days till two weeks off. Thank God. I loved my job, but I wanted to spend time with my daughter away from a bunch of chaotic, rude teens. “Sorry about your leather jacket being destroyed in the rainbow by the way. I know it meant a lot to you,” Sunset whispered. “I hope you’re not mad at me.” Sunset had been going through a really crazy depression. I could somewhat relate, losing my first daughter and everything. “It’s just a possession. I don’t care about it. You’re way more important than just a leather jacket,” I squeezed her from behind. Sure, I’ve had that jacket since like highschool or something, but still didn’t compare to a living breathing person. “I can always get you another one if you wanted.” “I don’t know. I don’t think I want another one to be honest. No offense.” I raised an eyebrow at that. I was really surprised, she loved that jacket. She took that literally everywhere. It really did complete her look. “Why not?” I asked curiously. Sunset shrugged and slipped out of the hug and laid down on her bed. “Reminds me of the Dark Ages and I’d rather not think about that. Time to try something new. After all, people who change often change their clothes right?” Sunset questioned me. The Dark Ages is what she and I called pre Fall Formal era. I was really shocked to find out all that she had did. Really went under my nose, but she’s a better person and I’m proud of who she’s become. Sure, working through the depression and self depreciation is hard but we’re getting there. “Uh I guess so? We can go before groceries and can go to my favorite clothing store,” I smiled at her. Sunset gave a rare faint smile that I adored. She rarely smiled, which really sucked. She has a very nice smile. Really brightens up a room whenever she does it. “I’d like that a lot. Can I skip school tomorrow?” Sunset asked hopefully. I sighed and stared at her. “You know how important school is to me, Sunset. I can’t let you skip unless you’re sick love. Are you having trouble with someone or something?” I asked suspiciously. I’m not a very violent person but if someone does anything to her I’ll fight a person. “No everything is fine. I just don’t want to go,” Sunset shrugged. “I like being at home. School is loud and home is quiet. Don’t tell Granny Smith this, but your cooking is better than hers. Oh and I don’t have to be forced to socialize with others. That’s the most important thing.” “Socializing is important Sunny. You shouldn’t let that go,” I reminded her. “I only had my sisters and four friends in school. Don’t be like me, please. Take full advantage of the rest of your high school life.” Sunset looked at me in surprise. “I didn’t know you had sisters,” she remarked. I gave her a mischievous wink. “You never asked but don’t worry, you’ll meet them soon. They have heard a lot about you. Only good things, I assure you.” “What are their names?” Sunset asked curiously. I was happy to see she was a bit curious. She mainly just moped around or watched TV or slept. “Cherry Berry and Berry Punch. Cherry runs a fruit stand in a farmer market and Berry runs a wine company. Buys all her grapes from Cherry. Gotta support family and all,” I smiled. “I love them a lot. And they love you too.” “They’ve never even met me. Why would they care about me?” Sunset asked with a startled expression. I tried my hardest to not laugh at it. She always managed to have the funniest facial expressions. And I mean that in a good way. At least she retained her curious nature. Might be the teacher in me speaking, but I loved that she still liked learning. Heck, I found her reading her chemistry and math book the other day. For fun. I didn’t even know you COULD read a math book but she found a way. She’s a very skilled girl. “Because I care about you. They have their issues but they support me in all my endeavors and I support them. It’s what my family does, you’ll see it soon enough. Because you’re part of this family and they’re very excited to meet you.” We fell into a comfortable quiet silence and I stared out the window at the starry sky. I loved the stars since I was a kid. The way they spread across the night sky just always blew away my eight year mind. “Hey mom?” Sunset broke me from my musing. I gave her a warm smile at her half asleep, hugging her pillow. “Yeah?” “Can I uh ask you a very weird question?” She asked, eyes flicking away from me. “Yeah of course,” I chuckled. “You don’t have to ask me if you can ask a question. What’s up?” “Can you uh sleep with me tonight? I don’t want to sleep alone tonight,” Sunset asked quietly. She quickly made eye contact with me and looked nervous. I laid down next to her, wrapping an arm around her carefully and pulled a blanket over us. “Yeah kid.”