Adriana P.O.V.

I sighed in ecstasy as I sat on the stained living room couch. I had been writing and turning in job applications all day. So far I had applied to six different jobs and was working as a waitress in three different restaurants. Madison had asked why I was working so many jobs so I told her I was saving up to buy an expensive pair of boots. I groaned in annoyance. I could barely afford food, let alone expensive boots. I now had to worry about rent, taxes, and bills. Dad had left me all his credit and bank information but I had no idea what to do and I certainly couldn't ask someone. My phone buzzed in my pocket, snapping me out of my depressing thoughts. The bright screen made my sleep deprived eyes sting and I let out a small hiss of pain at the sting.

"Congradulations! Your job application to work as a baker in Bessie's Bakery has been accepted. Your work schedule is 6:30-8:30 and you will paid $12 an hour plus extra work time you complete."

I sighed and pulled out a piece of paper I was writing all my jobs and their times on. I let out triumphantly,

"Awesome! I'm free those hours!"

I was now working four jobs. I had already decided I was going to make five jobs the limit even though I needed as much money as possible. I couldn't even afford lunch right now and people were starting to notice.

I couldn't afford make-up to cover the deep black bags under my eyes and pale almost sickly looking face. I ran my fingers through my dull hair that had lost its shimmer in the two weeks Dad has been gone.

My clothes were getting thread-bare and ragged and my lips pale and chapped. In the mirror I saw my ribs protruding prominently out of my pale skin.

I shakily stood up and walked to the kitchen, hoping to find some ramen to make. I opened every cabinet and groaned. Empty. Completely empty. A wave of nausea washed over me and I felt my face grow hot. Did I have a fever? I pulled the thermometer out of the nearly empty medicine cabinet and placed it uncomfortably under my tongue. I whined,

"100.3? I can't afford to be sick right now. I have school and work tomorrow."

My breath coming out in ragged gasps, I walked to my bedroom and slithered weakly into my bed. The covers seemed to cool my burning flesh. I downed an old glass of water on my nightstand, not caring about the taste, and drifted of into fitful sleep and dreamed.

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I opened my eyes and looked down at myself. I was in a stylish black sundress and I was no longer skinny and hungry. The warm sun heated my back and I smiled. I turned to the sun and let its beams fall on my face, warming it pleasantly . It had been so long since I was able to go out and simply enjoy the sun and the outdoors.

A warm laugh came from behind me. Madison was running up to my in a white sundress much like my own and was pulling someone along with her. Jake Collins.

My heart speed up at seeing him smiling. His hair ruffled softly in the breeze and his blue eyes seemed to glow and sparkle. I ran up to them, breathing slightly hard. They were talking to each other but they sounded far away and their voices were blurred. I peered at them asking,

"Hey guys whats up? Can you hear me?"

Suddenly. Jake's head snapped towards me and my heart stopped at the deadly light shining in his eyes. He smirked and my blood ran cold when he sneered,

"Was I talking to you? No of course not who would want to talk to YOU?"

He spat at me and turned to Madison with a look of adoration. She pecked his lips then turned to me,

"I'm choosing Jake. You understand right? You were a good friend but I need him more than you. Jake is my world."

Jake grinned and kissed her passionately while looking me directly in the eye the whole time. I felt sick as I turned around to walk away and found myself looking into Dad's fiery emerald. He sent me reeling with a single hard slaps, making me gasp and tears began to fall on their own.

"It's your fault. You killed her. You killed your mother."

I sobbed and shook my head at him,

"It's not my fault. She chose to save me I'm sorry!"

Dad ignored me and continued walking towards me, holding the belt he so often beat me with in one hand and his other hand was curled into a shaking fist.

"It's your fault. You killed her. YOU KILLED YOUR MOTHER!"

He lunged for me and I screamed in terror, screwing my eyes shut. His leg drew back to deliver a painful kick and I braced myself. The kick never came. When I slightly opened my eyes a chocking sob escaped me. Mom smiled gently at me as she ran a hand through my hair. I whispered,

"M-Mommy...? Mom is that you?"

She gave me a smile, a smile full of love and hope as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to my forehead. I sighed and felt my body relax, a peace filling me.

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I shot awake bolt right in my bed. I was quivering and covered with night sweat. I staggered towards the bathroom and peeled off my sticky damp clothes. I turned the shower on to a bearable cold temperature and sat under the spray. A hand went to my forehead and I swore I could still feel the warmth of lips there.

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