It was mid day, nearing twilight.
Pale hands slipped down the glass windows. Green eyes peering towards the garage, where her mother was still getting things out and inside the house.
A sigh slipped passed, echoing exasperatedly. Slim legs making steady 'thuds' on the floorboards, carrying the slender figure to her bed.
She sprawled atop the medium sized mattress. Relishing the feel, and reliving the sensation her previous one gave her.
This one wasn't quite as big, but it was comfortable. And she was content.
"Shannon?"
Tiny, pert lips parted, releasing yet another sigh. Before,
"Yes, Mom?" despite the deep resistance she felt, she however replied.
She turned, facing the open exit of her room. The soft footfalls of her mother resounding clearly as it grew louder upon her approach.
When she appeared, hands folded, and leaning a shoulder on the side. A small smile filled with warmth, apparent on her middle-aged face.
Shannon looked at her.
Blond hair—an obvious distinct feature—a little bit passed her shoulder, swept completely to one side.
She knew too well, what that smile meant.
She could it read it just as clear. 'We've talked about this,'
For the umpteenth time today; apparently, she couldn't keep count, Shannon sighed, loudly this time. So much so, her chest heaved along.
"I know." she mumbled. A response to her mother's unspoken reminder.
Pushing herself from the door side, her mother, Claire, immediately strolled in.
Shannon sat up right, dreading the idea of having a repetition of the same conversation. Again!
"I know, I know." she cut in before her mother could say a word. "I get it. You did it for me, but I didn't ask for any of this." Her eyes swept across the white painted walls in indication. The spacious room containing a little cabinet and a full size wardrobe that ate up one corner of the wall.
Shannon then turned, looking at her mother as she said, "We shouldn't have left, Mom." her words soaked in masked sadness.
Quietly, Claire sauntered forward. Lowering herself next to Shannon, grabbing her hands in hers.
She let the atmosphere soak in silence for a while.
Only the rustling of the trees and the sound of wind filling up the quiet.
"I'm sorry once again, dear." she coo'ed. Her voice soft. Her fingers running little circles on the back of Shannon's smooth hand. Knowing fully well over the years, the effect it has on her.
And as expected, the crease between her brows, mellowed evenly.
"You might not see it now, but a change of environment would help."
"Is that what Mrs Meyer said?" Shannon asked. One beautiful eyebrow arched.
Her mother's silence was response enough. Of course! That crude therapist would be the reason.
Adjusting comfortably on the mattress, Shannon's green gaze locked sharply unto her mother's blue ones—another distinct feature she'd noted, years ago the moment she could speak and think.
"Mom, I've told you. Over and over not to listen to her." The woman thinks her case was beyond normal and can not be rectified. Thinks, she's a lost cause; As she had so kindly told her once before.
Shannon could never forget the sharp words of the woman during one of their sessions.
"Shannon Tyre, you cannot be fixed. The earlier you realize that, the better for you, your mother…" she had drawn nearer, her voice turning serpentine as her gaze bore right straight into hers. "All of us."
She could feel the hint of a flinch trying to flee her body upon the memory. But she held tight. Masking her features with adept indifference. So fast, her mother's keen eyes didn't catch a thing.
"Look, Shannon. I know you don't like her—"
"Mom, you don't get it!" She was about posing an argument, but one stern look from her mother got her sealing her lips.
"I'm still talking." she warned.
Noticing her obedience, Claire went on. More grounded. All smiles lost.
"I know you're not very fond of her, but all she does is so you get better."
Shannon wanted to highly object to that. The defiance was bold in her eyes, but she held still.
"She suggested a change of environment, hoping the weirds things you see and the terrible nightmares will come to an end." Her mother explained, hoping Shannon will see the bright side of this decision.
A thick blanket of silence draped over them for a while.
"You think I'm weird." she spout. Tone low.
Claire's lips pressed tightly. In annoyance, but a hint of regret layered over those gaze.
"Is that the only thing you could get from what I just said?"
She sighed, scooting closer. Drawing those same lines she was so used to.
"I don't think you're weird, Honey."
Shannon's eyes softened. Her lower lip habitually going between her teeth.
Unable to hold her mother's gaze, she lowered hers to the joining of their hands.
"I just want you to get better." she murmured. "For me," her hands tightened in a squeeze. "For Dain." she whispered trying to hold back a smile.
Shannon abruptly looked up at her mother. Surprise dancing in the flecks of her eyes.
She knew?
"Yes, Honey. I see the little eye contacts going on between you two." Claire confessed with a laugh.
Feeling embarrassed, Shannon instantly lowered her head. She couldn't believe her mom noticed all this while.
As if reading the thoughts swirling in her mind, Claire stated. "I'm your mother, am I not?"
Indeed she was.
Choosing to change the topic, Shannon juggled for words. But finally said, "How do you plan to tackle work, then?" As much as it was a distraction, it was a genuine concern.
But her mother didn't look fazed. Instead she inhaled and exhaled loudly. A mischievous expression edging her face.
"That should not worry you, My love. I've got that under control."
Confused. "How? You mean?" she asked.
Her mother gave her the side eyes, her smile faltering, almost on the edge of disappearing.
"Well, umm, sorry to break it to you like this, but I've enrolled you into a new school."
"Okay?" It didn't come as much surprise, Shannon knew that was inevitable.
"I'll return to Armstery Town tomorrow, but I'll come visiting on the weekends." she said.
"What?!" Shannon yelled. "That wasn't part of the plan." She protested.
"We didn't have a plan, Honey. Remember, you were against everything from the start." Claire so kindly reminded her.
And it was true. Shannon went mute.
Fair point.
Her mother went on, "But not to worry, I've gotten everything ready. I've spoken to the school, they'll be receiving you tomorrow, and oh, the Dorm Master—"
What did she just hear?!
"Dorm M-master?" Shannon reiterated. Shocked.
"Well, yes." her mother plainly stated as if she hadn't just dropped a bombshell.
And that, Shannon didn't see coming.