Chapter 5: I'm Stuck

"Scrrratch.  Scrrrratch" Scanning the room, I try to decipher where the scratching noise is coming from, but I can't tell till I get off the bed and walk around.  I discover the closer I get to the closet, the louder it gets.  Opening the door, I scan the empty space and then hear it again. I'm satisfied for the moment that nothing is going to burst through the wall when I take a few seconds further to inspect it and ultimately decide that it's safe.  Just to make sure, I put my ear to the wall and jump back startled when it sounds like something impacts with the other side and I feel the wall shake. Right at that very moment my mom walks in, 'Where are you?" I hear her rummaging in my drawers and it makes me start to get aggravated. I'm in here.  Did you find my sweater? I put it in the laundry too."  Stepping out of the closet.  I watch as she insists to put away my clothes in the drawers. 'No, I looked. Are you sure you didn't leave it anywhere else? You did go to Mindy's last weekend." 'I didn't take it there. The last time I saw it was in my closet and then I put it in the washer right before you turned it on." Hopping on the bed, I notice my mom's clothes. Her shirt has a little hole near the hem where something must have torn through it. Bugging me, I mention it to her so she will fix it. 'Mom. Your shirt has a hole in it." 'Where?"  She twists and turns, pulling her shirt around, desperately trying to see where it is.  I show her and after frowning, she continues to put my clothes away. 'Have you decided if you are going to the party with us tonight?"  She stops briefly to gaze at me. 'Yes, I don't really want to go.  It's going to be so boring there. Besides, I'm old enough now to stay home alone." She turns and I see her graying hair shift with her movements.  It used to be long, but she cut it a couple days ago on a whim.  Dad said that women her age, often have mood swings and change things quickly.  After we had that talk, he would wink at me when mom did something weird and because of it, I understood. 'Alright, just remember to keep the doors locked and don't let anyone come over." She finishes putting my clothes away and shuts the drawer. 'What if Becky wants to come over and stay the night?"  I give her my best pouty lips and puppy dog eyes treatment. 'I suppose, but she will have to be here before we leave.  I don't want you opening that door for anyone.  This will be the first time we leave you home alone and I don't want any problems.  Do you hear me?"  She points her finger at me as she says the last part and walks out the door. Excited about tonight, I completely forget about the sound in the closet and call Becky to see if she can come over and stay the night. 'Hey, do you think you can come over and stay the night tonight?  I have the house all to myself.  If I thought I could get away with it, I would have a party.  Unfortunately, my mom already warned me, and I know if I got caught, I would be grounded." 'Well, I don't know.  Let me ask my mom, but I will have to tell her that your parents said it was O.K. and that they will be home." 'O.k., well I hope she says yes.  I can't be here all by myself, I will get too scared." I hear her mumble something to her mom and then she answers, 'She said yes, but I have to get my homework done first or I can't come over.  Speaking of that, I better hurry up and get off the phone.  By the way, what time do you want me there?" 'Six?  My parents must leave by seven."  I hold my breath, waiting for her to answer. 'That should work, I can get my stuff done and eat dinner before coming over.  I will talk to you later."  She ends the call and when I put the phone down, I hear something behind me. Bubba pushes against my leg and wags his tail, looking up at me with those big brown eyes.  I can tell he wants me to pet him and give him a doggy treat when he stands up on his back feet and begs.  Suddenly he gets down and barks while staring at the closet, 'it's O.K. boy, there's nothing there."  Staring at me like he understands what I said, he calms down and prances off into the kitchen. I follow and get a treat out of the pantry for him.  Once he gets his treat, he goes to the door, and I let him out.  Relaxing on the couch, I watch a movie till dinner time. 'Dinner's almost ready.  Your dad should be home any minute.  Did you ask Becky about tonight?" 'Yeah, she is going to be here at 6."  I sit down at the table and wait patiently for dad to get home while I check my phone for a message from Becky. 'I hope you two have fun.  Just remember, don't stay up too late, you both have school tomorrow.  Dad and I will be home around 1:30, so just make sure you are asleep before midnight." 'O.K., mom, I promise."  Just then dad comes home. He takes his worn brown shoes and black coat off, before joining us.  Mom sets the table and serves the food.  As we eat, dad tells us all about his exciting day at work. 'Mr. Janis came in today and told me Becky is staying the night.  Is that right?"  He glares at mom with a knowing look and then asks, "On a school night?" He looks at me and then to mom. 'Yes, dear.  Melissa didn't want to stay by herself, so I said it was O.K. for one night."  Noticing that she emphasizes the one night, I wonder to myself why he is so upset by this?" 'Well, I guess." He smiles at me, and we finish our meal in silence. After excusing myself and taking care of my plate, I go to my room and make my bed.  A few minutes later, the phone rings. When I pick up, I hear Becky's voice.  'Melissa, I'm sorry. My mom said I didn't get my homework done in time, so I can't come over.  Plus, she said that she didn't much like the fact we would be alone without an adult around.  Apparently, your dad and my dad had a talk at work and your dad told my dad that they were leaving you all alone." 'Oh man. Are you sure?  I really don't want to go with my parents or stay here all by myself." 'If I were you, I would just go with them if you are that scared to stay home alone." My face twists up in a scowl, 'No, I'm not really scared.  If I go, everyone will think I'm a baby." 'Well, just stay home then.  Besides, what is the worst that could happen?"  She sounds rushed for some reason. 'O.K., thanks anyway.  I will be fine, I guess I will talk to you later."  I hang up discouraged and realize that I am scared after all.