Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I have no idea what happened but I fixed the problem. If you have anymore problems let me know.

Chapter Five


Day Five





It was such a beautiful day that after Lanie left for school I changed into my swim suit and went out to get some sun. I forgot my beach towel and I didn't feel like going back into the house. I decided to lay in the flowerbeds since they were so soft and they petals felt cool against my skin. The flowers were so fragrant I almost forgot I was at home and not in some exotic paradise. It felt so good to relax with no worries. Leod was out of my life, Lanie and I were getting along, I had an actual best friend, and I'd been promoted to prep chef.




Later after I'd gotten enough sun I went inside and got dressed. I called Chris and asked her over to play chess. Even though I wasn't very good, I'd enjoyed playing ever since Lanie taught me. Chris sounded thrilled to hear from me and said she'd be right over. She arrived 10 minutes later and we wasted no time getting started.
"So I heard you got promoted. Congrats. I also heard you got rid of some unwanted baggage."
I smiled at Chris. "I see good news travels fast. I'm not sorry about getting rid of Leod. Lanie and I are getting along better than we ever have."
"Glad to hear it. And don't punish yourself about Leod. You're not the first woman to fall for his charm."
My jaw dropped. "You! Why didn't you tell me?"
"You didn't ask. One more thing."
"Whats that?"
"Checkmate."




I got home from school and hurried inside to change. Deacon was coming over and 6 and I was wicked nervous. Mom was at work so we'd have the house to ourselves. Deacon arrived right on time and I was so happy to see him that I jumped into his arms.
"Deke!" I squealed with excitement.
"Hey LaLa (His nickname for me. Cute huh?)! I take it your happy to see me."
I laughed as he set me down. "How'd ya guess. We have the house to ourselves. Mom's at work."
Deacon raised his eyebrows. "And what are you suggested we do?"
I gave him a coy smile as I walked into the house.




Once we were inside Deke and I watched some stupid horror movie on TV. I pretended to be more creeped out that I actually was. Afterwards we went into the kitchen to raid the fridge.
"This has been fun LaLa, but I should probably get going. I got early classes. Can I have a kiss before I go?"
I wasn't ready for him to leave just yet so I teased him and blew him a kiss.
"Thats all I get! I protected you from that fake horror movie monster and thats my reward!'
"So you want a reward?" Deke nodded his head. "Well give me five minutes and come into the bedroom."




I ran into my mom's room and stripped off my clothes. I did my best sexy pose on the bed in nothing but my underwear. I had no idea how Deke was going to react but I was hoping for the best. When he walked in the room his eyes practically bugged out of his head.
"Wow, LaLa. Are you sure this is what you want?"
"I'm not a virgin, Deke. And I'm very sure I want to do this."
Deke climbed onto the bed with me and we started kissing. Deke was being really sweet and going too slow for my liking. I had a lot of pent up frustration that I wanted to work out.




By the time we were done it was safe to say Deke was definately surprised by my skills. Even though I told him I wasn't a virgin I think he expected me to be a little more innocent that I actually was.
"LaLa," was all he said with a contented sigh.
I smiled and let him roll over and sleep for a half hour before I nudged him.
"Come on Sleeping Beauty. You gotta get up."
Deke groaned and tossed back the covers. We both reluctantly climbed out of the bed




I was so afraid of what Deke was going to say. I seriously hoped Deke wasn't going to be like the men my mom slept with. I'd given him what I thought he'd wanted and something I definately wanted. I wondered if this was what mom went through. I was beginning to have a new respect for her.
"Something on your mind LaLa?"
Deke came around the bed and lifted my chin so I was looking at him.
"I'm just wondering where things are going to go from here?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
"Where do you want it to go?"
I looked into his eyes and I knew he wasn't going to ditch me just because we slept together. I resisted the urge to do a cartwheel. Deke got dressed and kissed me goodbye.
"Keep in touch, beautiful."




Deke was long gone by the time mom came home from work. I showered, got dressed, and was watching TV when she came in the house. I gave her a wave and a small smile.She didn't say anything, she just went into her room.
I came into the house and saw Lanie watching TV. I could tell by her nervous smile she was hiding something. I didn't press her on it. I went into my room and noticed immediately that the sheets had been changed. I shook my head sadly and changed out of my work clothes. I went back into the living room.
"I'm going to go outside to work in the garden. If your in the mood to help you can trim some of the branches off the trees."
Oh no! Mom knows. She didn't say anything but from the look on her face I can tell. After she goes out to the garden I shut off the TV and follow her out. She's already in the greenhouse when I get out there. She smiles at me then goes back to weeding the garden. I start to feel a little nausous as I make my way over to trim the trees.

Chapter Four


Day Four




I know I've been complaining that I don't have any friends but thats not entirely true. I met this gorgeous blue-haired punk rocker named Deacon. He had graduated early and came by St Katherine's to visit his friends before he started classes at Willow Brook College. At first I just smiled at him and when he smiled back I got courageous. I walked over to him.
"Hey there. I'm Lanie Williams, the new girl. I like your hair."
I practically fainted when he reached out and touched my hair. "You're hair is pretty awesome too."
His friends came over and started dragging him off, but he turned to me and said "I'll be here the day after tomorrow. I'll look forward to seeing you then."
Mom saw me fixing my make-up and gave me that all knowing smile.




After Lanie left for school I decided I had to prove to her and everyone else that I could just be friends with a man. So I called and invited Leod over. By the enthusiasm in his voice I could tell he thought we were going to sleep together again. I was feeling good since my bruises had faded enough so I could cover them with make-up. I hugged Leod when he arrived but when I saw him move in for a kiss I pulled away.
"Is something wrong, Maggie?"
"No. In fact things couldn't be better. Come on inside. I'll make us some coffee and we can watch some TV."




I could tell by Leod's expression and his body language that he wasn't happy about any of this. Everytime I'd try and start a conversation he'd quickly make a rude remark in a cold tone to end the conversation. I began to wonder why he was even staying if he was so angry. Then I realized he thought we still might sleep together. I was completely relieved when the phone rang. I excused myself and hurried into the kitchen to answer it.




I answered the phone and was surprised to hear Andrew's voice on the other end. I had met Andrew at the grocery store too but since he didn't seem at all interested in sleeping with me I didn't pay much attention to him.
"Hey, Maggie. Its Andrew. I hope I'm not interupting anything. I was just calling to see how you and Lanie are doing."
I was stunned that Andrew not only remembered Lanie's name but he was asking about her.
"She's fine. We both are. Its very sweet of you to call."
"Its no problem really. I'm just trying to be a good neighbor."
I wanted to keep talking to Andrew but Leod was standing the doorway glowering at me.
"Can I call you tomorrow? Its my first day at work and I need to get ready."
"Thats fine. Don't be a stranger."




I hung up the phone and followed Leod into the livingroom. He had his arms folded across his chest and his eyes narrowed.
"Who was that on the phone, Maggie?"
"Andrew. He called to see how Lanie and I were doing."
"Right. Exactly how many men are you seeing?"
At first I was surprised and then I got very angry.
"None. Now I think you should leave. And don't bother coming back!" I watched Leod storm out of my life and I couldn't have been happier.




I was a little annoyed that Lanie had to borrow my car since she missed the bus but I called Melissa who was also a waitress and worked the same shift as I did. I asked her if I could get a ride to work. I explained about Lanie missing the bus and she laughed. "I have one of those too. It won't be a problem. See you at 1" I jumped in the shower, threw on some make-up and put on my uniform. At 1:05 Melissa pulled up in front of the house. I was extremely nervous about my first day.



I couldn't believe it. I got promoted. Eddie, the owner of "Shiloh's Bar & Grill", said I was obviously an excellent waitress but he was interested in seeing my cooking skills. One of the prep chefs was out sick and he needed a replacement fast.
"Are you up to it Mags? If so go get changed."
I was more than ready. I put on the oversized uniform and got right to work. By the end of the night I could tell by Eddie's smile he was impressed.
"Congratualtions Mags! You're our new prep chef."
I couldn't wait to tell Lanie the good news.




I noticed the car was gone and when I went inside the house was silent. I saw a note on the fridge from Lanie. She had gone to dinner and the movies with some boy named Deacon. I'd have to ask her who Deacon was when she got home. I made myself a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch to relax. I started thinking about the past few days. We hadn't even been here for a week and things were already so hectic. Things had better settle down soon or I was going to be in a permanent state of exhaustion.




I got home a little later than I had planned and I hoped mom wasn't angry. I walked inside and she got off the couch and walked into the kitchen with her empty coffee cup.
Lanie looked worried about coming home so late so I decided to ease her mind. "How was your date? Are you hungry?"
I looked at mom for a minute before smiling. She seemed really happy "Yeah actually I'm starving. How'd you know?"
I gave Lanie that knowing smile. "No girl eats alot on the first date. Come on. I brought home some lamp chops from Shiloh's"
I started eatting and then looked at my mom. "So mom, did something good happen to you today? You seem really happy."
"Yeah actually. Leod is out of my life, our life forever and Eddie promoted me to prep chef today."
"Wow mom! That great. I guess things are looking up for both of us."
"I guess so. So Lanie, whose Deacon?"
I nearly choked on my lamp chop. "Just this boy I met at school."

Chapter Three


Day Three




When I woke up I was exhausted and I didn't really feel like going to school. I almost rolled over and went back to sleep, but I didn't want to risk ticking my mom off again. After the two fights we had yesterday I wasn't in the mood for another one. I really hated prep school, and I wasn't about to give mom a reason to send me to boarding school. After 15 minutes I finally dragged myself out of bed and got ready for school.




Here I go off to school, and as you can tell I'm not very happy about it. I skipped breakfast again this morning. I didn't feel like dealing with mom so I hid in my room until the bus came. I didn't really have to though since mom stayed in her room until I left for school. She must be still mad about yesterday.




After Lanie left for school I got out of bed and got dressed. I was about to get breakfast when Leod called.
"Maggie? Its Leod. How are you?"
"I'm good Leod. Did you want something?"
"I wanted to apologize about the other day. Its just things got complicated for me. I felt something for you that I haven't felt about any woman before and I had to go home and sort out my feelings. Is it ok if I come over so we can talk?"
"No I don't think thats such a good idea."
"Ok. I completely understand."
When I looked at the clock again it was almost 4. I couldn't believe we'd been on the phone all day.



I am going to be in so much trouble. I got a detention and Headmaster O'Bryan sent home a note for my mom to sign. Maybe someday I'll learn to keep my mouth shut. A bunch of popular girls were giving me a hard time about my mom. They said it couldn't be easy being the daughter of the town tramp. I know I'd said the same thing to her yesterday but this was different. I spewed out a bunch of four letter words that Headmaster O'Bryan overheard.



I gave mom the note from Headmaster O'Bryan hoping that she'd go easy on me. Wishful thinking.
Lanie gave me a piece of paper and I knew from her face it wasn't going to be good news. I read the note and looked at her. "What in the world were you thinking, Lanie?"
"I was defending you AGAIN!. A bunch of girls were calling you the town tramp. I had to say something."
"The town tramp huh? Isn't that what you called me? Besides thats no excuse. Are you trying to get kicked out of school?"
"No! But I'm having a hard time making friends and maybe I don't want the whole school thinking my mom is the town tramp!"
I was quiet for a minute while I was thinking. "Go outside and weed the flowerbeds. Don't argue with me or you'll be going to Cresthill Academy."




Boarding school. There was no way I was taking any chances. I changed into my workout clothes and headed outside. I started by weeding the flowerbeds, then I watered them for good measure. I decided to go to the greenhouse and weed the vegetable garden too. I hoped mom was noticing that I was making an effort. Ok maybe it was a small effort but I was trying.





While Lanie was out taking care of the gardening I met this really nice woman named Chris. We became instant friends and I decided to invite her in for tea. I'd never had a friend like this before mainly because of my reputation. Chris mentioned she knew about Leod but she didn't seem bothered by it. Before I knew it we were gossiping like a couple of teenagers. It felt nice to be this happy without a man being involved.




I finally finished gardening and then decided to do something I hadn't done in a long time. I got some clay and started sculpting a vase. For some reason its always relaxed me and I'm very good at it. I kept working on it even though it was dark. I wanted to finish the vase before I went to bed. I also wanted to finish it so I could have more time to think things over.




I was dreading it but I knew I had to aplogize to my mom. I went inside to find her while I still had the courage.
Lanie came inside and tried to talk to me but I ignored her. She was very persistant and she finally wore me down. "Lanie, what is it? You should be getting to bed. You have school in the morning."
"I know mom but there's something I have to say to you. I'm sorry for how I've been acting. Things have been rough for me. I love you  but you don't make things easy. I'll try harder, but you have to try too. I saw Leod leaving the other day after you promised it would be different. I know the Broken Heart routine by now."





Mom didn't say anything for a while and I started to get worried. I waited for more screaming and fighting but all that came was two teardrops running down her cheeks.
I couldn't stop myself from crying. I grabbed Lanie and hugged her tight. "I know I said things would change before but this time I mean it." I just hoped she believed me this time.

Chapter Two


Day Two




I guess mom was feeling bad about last night because she made breakfast. She never makes breakfast. I wasn't really hungry and I told her.
I got up early to make Lanie breakfast. I don't usually but I figured after last night I owed it to her. "Lanie, hurry up. I made you breakfast."
"Thanks mom, but I'm not hungry."
"You need to eat breakfast."
"Not hungry!"
"When did you become such an ungrateful little brat?!"
"Probably about the same time you became the town tramp!"



After my town tramp comment mom stormed off to her room. I went into the bathroom to take a long bubble bath before school. I was feeling so angry and sad. I had a brief moment where I thought about cutting myself like I used to, but I managed to ignore it. I hoped school would be better today. Maybe I'd even manage to make a friend.




I came home from school late and mom was waiting for me. Boy was she angry. OK so it was 11:30 and she had every right to be ticked. I'd come home from school, climbed in my bedroom window to change my clothes, and then climbed back out.
I couldn't believe it. Lanie didn't come home from school at 5. I was a little worried, but I figured after our fight she was avoiding me. She finally came in at 11:30 like nothing was wrong. I yelled at her for a half hour but she never said a word. She knew exactly how to push my buttons.




After Lanie went to bed I went into my room and changed into my favorite outfit. I decided I was going to go out and check out the night life. I got out to my car and had second thoughts. So I stomped back into the house and took the new cookbook off the bookshelf to study. Lanie thought we'd moved here on a whim but,  I had a job as a waitress at a trendy new restaraunt. The owner told me if all went well he'd promote me to prep chef.

Chapter One


                                         Day One




Remember when I said things couldn't get any worse? I was wrong. So very wrong. Mom came into my room with a hideous blue uniform and a huge grin and said "Congratulations Lanie! You've been accepted to St Katherine's Prep School." Like thats something I'm going to be excited about. And if that wasn't bad enough she made me put the uniform on so she could take pictures. I can't begin to tell you how much I hate wearing uniforms. After she took my picture mom started acting really weird. She went from being all proud mom to paranoid mom. She was watching the clock and hurrying me along. I sense another disaster.



Oh god I feel so guilty. I promised Lanie when we moved that things would be different. I was going to give up dating for a bit while I worked on getting us settled in and finding a job. I meant it all until i met Leod at the grocery store, we hit it off right away. And even after I found out he was married to a former model and had a toddler and another one due any day I still planned on inviting him over. After I told Lanie she was going to St Katherine's, I hurried her out of the house to school so I could call him. I have to keep telling myself I can just be friends with him.



Ok so I couldn't help myself. He's so smart, so handsome, and so charming. He smells so good and after my beating my self esteem is very low. Its been so long since a man has made me feel this special. He knows just what I need to hear and deep down I know he's only saying it to get me into bed. And I let him. It sickens me to think I'm never going to change. I know the routine by heart and unfortunately so does Lanie.



I must have fallen asleep because when I wake up I'm completely alone. No note or anything. He's not the first married man I slept with and they all usually end the same way. When Lanie finds out she'll probably say the same thing she said the past couple of times. "No note, mom? So there's nothing to prove he was even here except your stained sheets! You look so surprised. Did you really expect him to leave his perfect family for US?!" No I don't but it doesn't stop me.



What have I done? I lied to myself and even worse I lied to Lanie. I can't believe I'm really that pathetic. The guilt overwhelms me and I drop to my knees to pray and plead to who ever to give me some self control. I can't stop the tears from pouring down my cheeks and spilling onto the carpet.



I get off the bus of my first hellish day at school and I can see my mom on her knees in her bedroom, pleading and crying. I know what this means. And sure enough I see Leod, the married man I'm not supposed to know about hurrying off down the street. I run into my room to read my Tarot cards. They say life is going to be very difficult. Obviously. Mom is crying her eyes out in the bathtub which is part one of the Broken Heart routine. Part two is to cook us a family meal. And the finale is mom crying on my shoulder about how she doesn't understand what happened.



Spaghetti. Mom's favorite Broken Heart food. Don't get me wrong I like it but mom makes it everytime she gets a broken heart. You see where I'm going with this? I'm not really in the mood for a family meal but I put on a fake smile for mom. I guess talking about the weather is safe.
The moment she sits down across me I know she knows. I don't give her enough credit. She's been through all this enough times to know the signs. Part of me hopes she'll yell at me about lying but she plasters that fake smile on her face. And when she starts lamely talking about the weather I have to struggle to hold back the tears.



After our horribly long family meal I changed out of my uniform so I could relax. I decided to read the book my new English teacher gave me. It wasn't required reading but it beat listening to my mom's pity party. She banged this around in the kitchen for a while then gave up when I ignored her Maybe she's starting to get the hint.



I finally got tired and went to bed. I have no idea what mom did. I felt a little guilty for ignoring my mom. I woke up a little later and heard the familiar sound of my mom's breathing and I knew she was laying on my floor. It may seem strange but when I was younger I had really bad nightmares. No matter how many times I'd wake up screaming my mom would come comfort me. After a while she started laying on my floor to make me feel safe.
My guilt was overwhelming. Lanie didn't listen to me tonight and I knew she was really mad. I tried to find something to do but I just couldn't concentrate. After Lanie fell asleep I went into her room to lay on her floor like I did when she was younger. Except this time it was to comfort  me.

This is my first time posting a story so I hope it comes out okay. Let me know what you think. Its about a week in the life of Maggie Williams and her daughter Lanie.  When Maggie talks it will be regular. When Lanie talks it will bold. This is kind of an introduction. The first chapter will be up soon.





My name is Lanie Williams. "Tough as nails" Don't mess with me" Lanie.  Don't I look sweet? You should have seen me as a little girl in pigtails and a dirty dress. I'd show you pictures but thanks to my mom and her disasterous love life I have nothing from my old life. Mom says I get my attitude from my dad. I never met him so I have no idea. I have no real goals in life. At least thats what everyone tells me. My only real interests are reading my tarot cards and making clay pots. So I don't know what I want to be. Like I'm the only teenager who doesn't. Its finally my senior year and of course my mom moves me to some tiny town so I get to be the new girl.



My name is Maggie Williams and this is what I looked like two weeks ago. I look a little different now. People have told me all my life I'm beautiful and talented. For some reason I have trouble believing them so my self esteem is low. I guess thats the reason I've been with so many Mr Wrongs. At least I hope thats the reason. All I ever wanted was to give Lanie a stable home life but as you'll soon see I've failed miserably. My last boyfriend was abusive and one night after a brutal beating I decided I'd had enough. I drained my bank accounts and Lanie and I snuck away in the middle of the night. We had to move to a small town so I could afford a house. Lanie is upset with me but I'm sure she'll get over it.



This is our new house?! This house is so tiny, my first thought was my mom has got to be insane. Our last house was huge. It had a pool, a hot tub, a gym, and my bedroom was massive. My new room is the size of my old closet. No joke. I have room for a bed, a bookcase, and maybe a desk. No pool! No hot tub! This was so unfair. I live in a tiny town with no friends, in a house the size of a shack. Can this possibly get any worse?
Even though Lanie didn't say anything I could tell by looking into her eyes she wan't happy about the new house. Sure its alot smaller than our old house but I'm sure once she gives it a chance she'll grow to love it. Not that she's got much of a choice. This house was the best I could afford. The realtor said the neighbors were very friendly and there were some really great schools nearby. To me those are the important things.

So beautiful. It looks just like the necklace my Grams gave to me.

Another awesome set!  :wave:

These are great! I really love the striped pants.

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you!