Snippet #1088540

Madeline, flashed Amelia one of her perfect smiles as relief flooded over her.
‘Thank you’ She said and walked past her proudly, into the open door of a small flat. Madeline refused the urge to wrinkle her nose at the sight of such a pokey flat. However, she guessed she should be grateful. It was warm and there would be a sofa or a bed for her to catch up on some sleep. What’s more there was food, and her stomach was now growling furiously. She was even sure she had heard Scarlett’s stomach rumble. Inside the small flat was a cosy looking living room with squashy sofas. It was not the luxury furniture that Madeline was used too, but it looked comfy and clean enough. She hesitated before laying Scarlett on the sofa. She was not sure if she was ready to let go of her, but this Amelia seemed nice enough. Madeline knew that if anything happened her astonishing new speed would ensure a quick getaway if necessary. Madeline took the bag off her back and retrieved the old jumper Scarlett had been carrying and gave it to her, and then retrieved the blanket and covered her over. Scarlett flashed Madeline one more grateful smile and then let sleep succumb her. Whilst Madeline helped herself to food, vivid dreams over came Scarlett...

‘Mummy!!!!’ Scarlett screamed as she saw her from across the playground, she ran as fast as she could to her mothers opened arms. Her mum had tears in her eyes, but a smile of pride was spread across her pretty face, the face which Scarlett loved so dearly. But before she reached her the dream changed... Her mother was crying hysterically and clinging to her, ‘Darling don’t ever leave me, I need you!’ The words scared Scarlett so she promised again and again that they would never be apart. Even at that age, Scarlett knew she had to play the mother. The dream changed again... more crying... but not coming from anywhere in particular, just endless sorrow. The odd scream, terrible, terrible sounds... A flash of bodies heaped on the floor. This was the hospital, where her mother had at first taken her. And then they were back home, cuddled together. It hurt ... everything hurt. Her mum was shaking beside her. Her voice growing weak. ‘See you in heaven.’ Then she went cold, and her life vanished...

Scarlett awoke screaming, but Madeline was at her side making it ok... but it wasn’t okay. How could it ever be ok again? She’d let her mum down! She wanted to go back to her home. Catching a glimpse of Amelia more tears sprung to her eyes, that lady was so much like her mum. But she wasn’t her mum. She needed her mum! Madeline was rocking her, but she only cried harder. She cried until she felt sick and exhaustion over came her once more. Perhaps if she died then she would see her mum in heaven like she promised? Slowly sleep brought her relief once more, this time there were no dreams or nightmares...