Spare One To Save The Other | Neoxian City : Writing Prompt: #4

Adelaide sat on the side of her bed reeling. The relentless headache pounded, forcing her to seek the pillow. Her symptoms from her recent bout with bronchitis still lingered. She didn't feel well enough for work. She crawled back into bed. The noise rattled in her chest. The symptoms felt worse than when first diagnosed, sick to the point of nausea. Weak and unable to move, she yelled for her youngest daughter, Emily.

She called out again. No answer. Emily sat watching television.

"Didn't you hear mom?" older brother, Alton, yelled. Playing an old arcade game with his younger brother, he wasn't about to pause.

Furious, Alton shook his head. They knew their mother was sick. But she specifically requested Emily.

He was disgusted with their household's lack of discipline. There had been no rules for the past five years.

But the situation didn't begin that way. Now, at seventeen he remembered the old days.

The days of a stern mother and forceful father who wielded the belt, limbs from the yard, or whatever was handy to restore and maintain order.

Those times, she'd recount her youth and strict parents in a bible-based home.

She promised that once she had a family, she would ensure that her children were disciplined and respectful.

At eighteen, she got the chance to test her commitment.

Now, at age forty-five with six children, Adelaide worked in a demanding ten-hour-day job, six days a week, standing on her feet. Little time was left for raising children as she'd promised.

She didn't realize the difficulty with numerous children demanding her attention.

When feeling disgusted, she'd fault her husband. His weekday railway job was also demanding. Returning home only on weekends, his available time wasn't sufficient to help with the household and children. Paychecks were adequate for household upkeep, but help was needed to raise their children.

Janet, the eldest daughter who had just left the library studying, arrived home in time to hear her mother's deep cough.

It scared her. "Don't you all hear mom? You know she's ill." She threw her books down on the chair and rushed into the bedroom.

After tending to her motheer, later that evening, Janet approached her eldest brother.

"Alton, we've got to take charge. Mom and dad are no good at this now. If we don't, I dare imagine the consequences. Let's speak with mom." Alton looked skeptical.

He knew the situation was already uncontrollable. However, he agreed. Hopefully, their father would also.

The next day, they approached their mother who was still unable to return to work.

Cautiously, Janet began.

Adelaide reared back. She felt guilty that they felt it their responsibility to parent.

"I'm sorry I haven't been the mother you all deserved. But my life didn't turn out the way I had planned. I never meant to have six children. Four more than I intended."

Ashamed, Adelaide turned her head toward the wall as if an answer would reveal itself.

Although she loved her mother, Janet, more outspoken and now angry, led the charge.

"Mom, you may not have meant to have six children, but you did. And guess what, you can't send them back. Didn't you realize what it would be like?"

Adelaide had never heard Janet speak in that tone. She snapped her around as if to retaliate and projected a silent stare in Janet's direction. Alton sat listening, nodding his head in agreement.

Adelaide stammered, "I'm just tired with working. I don't have time to go to the counselor's office every week for Emily's behavior. I dismissed her because I knew she couldn't be saved. The reason I was so hard on you and Alton was that I saw something in you both. You two will be successful."

Adelaide looked away. She didn't want to admit that she had favorites. She treated each differently. Alton and Janet were easy to talk to. They got along well with their siblings. They were smart and natural leaders, especially Janet. She was of strong character. Adelaide didn't have to scold or punish them. They were "the perfect kids" as she imagined all children should be.

Alton was now upset. "Mom, Emily needs to at least graduate high school. Be more strict! Demand she complete her homework and not miss classes."

"I admit I'm a failure as a parent. I started too young and didn't realize the different personalities of each child. I dreaded dealing with each as individuals, so I grouped everyone together."

"We know. Just like we knew the assigned days for each of us to do chores wouldn't work. Emily has yet to iron a single garment. I'm happy you didn't assign her dish washing duties else we'd be eating daily from dirty tableware," Alton quipped.

Adelaide wanted to laugh, but coughed instead. Emily's situation sounded dire.

But it was only the start. "Mom, I think Emily may need a doctor's appointment. At the library, I overheard a group of boys talking about her. Apparently, she's been attending parties where drinking and other activities were allowed." Janet's voice was chilling.

Adelaide began crying. "Oh, my God. I had no idea."

"Neither you nor dad. Didn't you question her whereabouts or receive notices of her non-attendance in school these past six months? Do you know her friends? She's only fourteen. Are you and dad ready to become grandparents?"

Adelaide bristled. "Don't blame this all on me, young lady. Your father is also at fault."

"I'm not placing blame. I'm just telling you what I overheard."

"Tomorrow, I'll speak with her." Adelaide looked away with tears in her eyes.

Janet looked at Alton, then shook her head.

Their mother was too weak. She'd waited too long. And now, it may be too late.