THE MOMENT
"I ran away from home...," Monday admitted. Although, Deborah had already guessed that much by the time she mentioned it. The rainbow-haired teenager knocked on Deborah's door at 2 a.m. She hesitated at first. But, then, Deborah noticed a tall, lean stranger standing across the street. He stared at the teen girl intently enough to concern Deborah.
Monday gave her name as Deborah led her to a bathroom to wash off the blood and get a change of clothes. The girl seemed unnaturally calm for having gone through what Deborah assumed was a violent night. But, she didn't want to pry too much until Monday was settled. Finally, after a shower they sat down in the kitchen with some hot chocolate. Deborah noticed that the stranger was still standing across the street. He stood rigid, as if waiting at attention for something. Deborah wasn't sure he'd moved at all in the hour it took Monday to get comfortable.
"...your house is really nice," Monday said. Deborah's heart went out to the teenager; but, she'd already decided to involve the police in the morning. The compliment made Deborah want to change the subject.
"Monday's an interesting name...," she said. Monday shrugged but a flash of disdain shot across her face.
"My parents let my brother name me," she said sourly. "He was three and I was born on a Monday."
"Oh my...," Deborah giggled lightly not sure how to reply. "Aside from the name, it must be nice having an older brother to watch over you," Deborah said as she glanced out the window. The stranger was still there. He stood under a streetlamp not even trying to hide. She really hoped he was Monday's brother. She laughed at the idea.
"Watch over me? Ark's only interested in himself. And, my parents are only interested in him, that's why I'm here," she said. Deborah shook her head.
"Running away isn't the answer," she said. Then, she decided to bring the stranger to Monday's attention. If he wasn't her brother, Deborah's night had the potential to get much worse. "Besides, you've got someone watching over you," she said. Deborah moved the curtain aside and gestured at the man.
"OH! I almost forgot!" Monday said. "Be right back." She ran out of the house and Deborah watched the man leave his spot and head towards her house. She didn't know what was going on; but, she gathered that Monday invited another stranger into her house. Deborah grabbed the largest knife she could find and waited with her back to the wall. In moments, Monday returned to the kitchen followed by the man. He looked to be in his mid-30s, about Deborah's age. And, he was ruggedly handsome. If she met him under different, non-home-invasion circumstances, she might have been more than a little attracted to him. Instead, she raised the knife at them.
"What's going on? What do you want?" Deborah asked.
"Calm down, Debbie," Monday said. "This is my dad, Clyde," she added. Deborah tilted her head, and tightened her grip on the handle.
"I thought your dad only cared about your brother?" she asked. Monday nodded.
"That was my old dad; this is my new dad," she said. Then, she patted Clyde on the shoulder. "Go start bringing my stuff in," she said. He nodded, then turned around.
"WAIT!" Deborah yelled. "This is my house an you've both just worn out your welcome. Please leave before I call the police," she said as she held the knife point raised at them.
"You know, my brother can make anyone do anything he wants," Monday said. "He grew up so spoiled, my parents gave him all their attention. But, yesterday, I found out I have the same ability." Deborah narrowed her eyes and wondered where this was going. She had to be trying to bluff Deborah out somehow. If Monday could make her do anything she wanted; why wasn't she yet?
"I was so happy because I thought, finally. FINALLY, I can make my parents love me," Monday shook her head as a small grin took shape. "But, I was missing the point. I can make my parents love me, or, I can make anyone love me. Isn't that right, dad?" She asked Clyde. The man nodded at her.
"You're always right, pumpkin," he said.
"I know he's a good dad," Monday smiled. "I gave his other family a fighting chance to keep him. They tried really hard; but, all they did was ruin my outfit," she sighed. Then, Monday focused on Deborah. A rainbow crown of light glowed above her head as she smiled at the woman.
"Mom, go help dad bring my stuff in," she said. Deborah was instantly filled with white hot anger; she could not believe she made Monday ask for help. She vowed to do better in the future. Deborah placed the knife on the counter, and nodded at Monday as she flew past her.
"Right away, pumpkin."