Dark Realms by Kristen Middleton

volatile. And, really, he’s among the very few out there
like that. You know, Nikki, you can’t be afraid of the world
because your dad has some issues.”
    Yeah, but weren’t we
running because she was still very much afraid?
    Of course, I didn’t dare mention that.
Instead, I just changed the subject.
    “So, how much farther of a drive do we have,
mom?” I asked, noticing the mountains coming up in the
distance.
    “Oh, just a couple more
hours,” she replied, plugging in her iPod. Seconds later, Adele,
began to sing about Rumors.
    I stretched my arms and yawned.
    “Honey,” she said, lowering her sunglasses,
“you look beat; why don’t you try and get some rest? I’ll wake you
when we get there.”
    “Okay,” I said, closing my eyes. “Maybe I’ll
just take a little nap.”
     
    ~~~
     
    “Why not, mom? I just don’t understand,”
protested Nathan.
    She sighed. “Can we please talk about Deanna
later?”
    I woke up to the sound of mom and Nathan
arguing. We were parked by a small grocery store and he was
standing outside of her window, pouting.
    “Oh God, not now,” I mumbled. It was getting
dark and we’d missed dinner and my stomach was protesting. I was
cranky, and the last thing I needed was to hear any more drama
about Deanna.
    “Can’t she just come for a week before
school starts?” said Nathan. “She’s having a rough time with her
parents, and now that I’m gone, things have gotten even worse. It’s
not fair for her.”
    She shook her head. “No, we have too much to
do with unpacking and getting ready for school. Maybe she can come
and visit sometime after it starts for a weekend.”
    “This is all bullshit,” he snapped, backing
up from the window. He raised his hands in exasperation. “We could
have stayed home. I would’ve protected you. Now we’re forced to
move, and you didn’t even give me a chance.”
    “Nathan!” I gasped. “You are the one not
being fair. Mom’s been through so much and you’re just mad because
you can’t see Deanna whenever you want. God, you’re being an
asshole.”
    His face turned red and he opened up his
mouth to retaliate when mom quickly interrupted.
    “Okay, let’s all settle down. Quit pointing
fingers at each other, and Nikki, watch your mouth.”
    “Sorry,” I mumbled.
    “Listen, it isn’t either of your faults,
okay? And, Nathan,” she said, smiling sadly, “I’m grateful that you
want to protect me, but you can’t possibly follow me around
twenty-four hours a day, nor do I expect you to be my personal
bodyguard. Now, as far as Deanna goes, we’ll talk about it later.
Comprende?”
    He nodded but was still sulking and I could
tell that this conversation was far from over.
    She noticed it as well and rubbed her
forehead in frustration. “Okay, let’s get the things we need in the
grocery store before it gets dark. I don’t want to get lost while
searching for this cabin.”
    “Let’s go,” I said, opening my door.
    Nathan followed us into the store, still
moping.
    “Nathan, would you please cheer up?” she
pleaded when we were in the frozen pizza section and he refused to
pick out food.
    “Yeah,” I said. “Don’t ruin our first night
here because of a girl who’s probably lining up her next soul-mate
as we speak.”
    “Would you just shut - up ?” he snapped. “You’re just
jealous because you didn’t leave anyone behind that
mattered.”
    I took a step towards him. “Excuse me?
Jealous!?”
    “Stop it!” hissed mom, getting into both of
our faces. “We’re in public and you’re both acting… ridiculous.
Now, I’m sorry that we had to move, I really am. But we’re here now
and there’s no turning back. So get it together, or I swear to God,
I won’t buy any ice cream.”
    Nathan raised his hands in the air. “Okay,
mom, just settle down. We can talk about this, no need to bring ice
cream into the equation. That’s cruel.”
    She smirked. “That’s what I thought.” She
then turned to me.