The Calm Before The Storm

   Almost two weeks have passed and there's been no beatings or lashes lately even though I've definitely messed up a few times. But I'm grateful for it nonetheless. Things have been pretty none eventful.

  "Okay, Rainie bug, it's time to clean out your wounds. Come on and lay on your belly across my bed." Jess says while tugging on my arm.

  "OWW ok, just don't pull so hard," I say

  "You're not still in pain, are you?" she asked as I remove my shirt.

  "Just a tad bit." I groan out as I lay across her bed. "But ill be okay, I promise."

  "At least you're finally starting to heal. Another week or two, and you should be all better." She said happily as she smears the antibiotic cream over my wounds and starts applying the bandages. "Hopefully, the scaring won't be too bad."

  "I'm not worried about any scars. No one will ever see them anyway. I'm worried about surviving this pack after you turn seventeen and leave the orphanage, and I get moved to the packhouse as the pack slave." I say, not even bothering to try to hide how scared I am.

  "I know sis. But we'll figure it out together. Just like always." She says while twisting the gold band ring on her thumb, which is how I know she's nervous too.

 It's late so we decide to get in bed. Jessicas is quiet, way too quiet, so I lean over the edge to check on her. She's just laying on her side, staring out the window of our small bedroom in a daze.

  "Jess, you okay?" I ask, getting nervous because she's never this quiet.

  "Yea, just missing my parents." She says, trying to hide the sadness in her voice. "I wonder if they would be proud of me if they were still alive."

  "Of course, they are proud of you. You're the kindest, most gentle, loving, and loyal person I know." I say with the most confidence I think I've ever had.

  "I don't know about that but thank you, Rainie bug." She says, trying to sound a little happier than she did before.

  "Jessica, you don't understand," I say, climbing down from the top bunk to climb in and cuddle with her. "I can't even begin to explain how many times you've saved my life. You are my hero, my best friend, and my sister all in one."

  "I love you, sis." She whispers.

  "I love you most sis," I reply as we finally doze off.

 Morning comes early, and we wake up to the sun rising bringing the sunlight in threw our small bedroom threw the window. It reminds me that we need to put a sheet or something over the window to block out some of that light.

  "6 AM is just too damn early to start our morning," I grunt as we roll out of her bed.

  "You're only complaining because you're not a morning person." She retorts as she starts making her bed.

 I grunt again in response as I finish making my bed and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and pull my long curly mess of hair into a messy bun. I've always loved my long curly bright red hair, but lately, it's become a pain in the ass to deal with.

 When we've both finished our morning routine, we make our way down to the kitchen to start our day. We make breakfast, and I plate everything while she goes back upstairs to wake the kids up. After they've eaten, I start washing the dishes while Jess takes the kids upstairs to get them ready for school. When their teeth are brushed, their hair is done, and they're dressed and ready to go, Jess walks with them to school.

  "I guess it's time to start cleaning," I say to an empty house as I walk up the stairs to start on the kids' rooms. Walking into the first room, I'm completely shocked by what I see. The kids have picked up all their clothes and toys and even stripped down their beds for me. I then walk through the hall to find all the rooms are done the same way.

  "Absolut angels," I whisper to myself, feeling so grateful for these little things. This cuts my workload down by a third. I take the dirty clothes and bedding down to the basement to start the wash before I start sweeping and mopping the floors. By the time Jess is back from school everything but dinner is done.

  "Since it's your birthday in a few days, you get to decide what I make for dinner," I say, grateful she got the kids to help with the cleaning this morning. She takes off running to the kitchen, giddy like a kid that just got some of their favorite candy, while I put up all my cleaning supplies. As I walk into the kitchen, Jess has all kinds of ingredients on the counter.

  "I want your famous dumpster pasta with grilled chicken," She says as she jumps up and down with excitement.

  "Hahaha, okay, but can I do the baked lemon chicken instead?" I ask.

  "Ohhh, absolutely!!" She practically yells as I start pulling out the pot and pan that I'll need. I put water in the big pot and bring it to a boil, then I start pouring the cans of veggies, diced potatoes, and the bowtie past she chose in the pot, to start cooking while the oven preheats. Then I season the chicken breast with fresh sliced lemon and pepper before placing it on the big old cast iron skillet and sliding it into the oven.