On the Horizon

Today was the day. Mom was coming home. Or so she said. Sometimes it’s a day or so late. I hate it when she leaves for her trips. They are always too long and she never tells me about them. She’s always gone. I almost grew up completely without her. Yeah, she stayed home from work till she knew I would be ok without her. Which was when I was seven. Though I still have my other mother, it still feels like she doesn’t want me.

My name is Karoline, but I prefer Kara. My moms’ are Charlie and Juno. We live on a small island by the Caribbean's. It’s our own little island. Small enough for just our house and some forest. We have a drawbridge that allows us to go to the mainland. Conveniently at our control. Mama says thanks to Mom’s travels and hard work we can live kinda luxurious. Though they never tell me what she actually does.

I stare at the jar of sand that Mom has been filling up for me with each trip she does. So far I have four jars and this one should be filled by this last trip.

“Knock knock” Mama says as she enters my room. “What’s wrong my little mermaid?”

“Don’t call me that, It’s been years since you’ve called me that. I’m fine” I brush her off.

“Well, I’m sorry, I know Mom’s trips aren’t easy on you. You could always talk to her about it” Mama states.

“Like she’ll listen” I start, turning around at my desk to face her. “She never hears me when I try to talk to her about anything. Remember softball? I hated it and she still made me go even after I tried to talk to her.”

“I remember,” Mama says. I get my school bag together then head to my closet.

“You know she means well,” Mama continues. I search for a suitable outfit for school.

“Yeah as if she really does.” I mutter under my breath.

“Hey! I heard that.” Mama exclaims. How can she? How do they do that? “Listen I get your upset but nothing is gonna get better by moping around. You're a … young lady and you can stand up for yourself. I’m not gonna pick your battles anymore sweetie” she says. I sigh. She's right, I can’t just sit around hoping she gets a clue.

“Your right.” I tell her.

“I know I am, not hurry up before you're late” Mama says before leaving. I find a nice outfit and get ready for school. Today’s gonna be a long day.

I almost missed the bus as the bridge was slow working today. At lunch I almost had to sit alone as my best friend was out sick. Though my cousins, who live with me, go to the same school as me, never sit with me but today they seemed to pity me. After school we all walked home together. Though none of them talked to me, It was kinda nice.

We find the hidden key for the draw bridge and cross over. Once on the sand the boys decided to race around the island. I shake my head and dropped my bag by the door. I head towards the water.

I sit down in the sand and let the waves wash over my feet. Does Mom really care? Can I really tell her about my feelings? As I question myself and stare off into the ocean I seem to daze.

Next thing I know I am being shaken awake by Mama.

“Kara! Kara!’ she yells at me. “Whew, gosh honey you gave me a fright.” She says sitting back on her feet. “Are you ok?” She asks. I look around, It’s nearly dark out and My clothes are soaked.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I must have nodded off.” I say.

“It’s ok, at least now you won't miss it” she smiles at me as I sit up.

“Miss what?” I ask. She points to the water. I can barely see, all over the ocean is fog. Nothing seems to be out there.

With how the waves are coming in, there has to be something. I stand up and look closer.

A boat. I see a boat, just pass the horizon. Not just any boat. A well crafted ship that is hard to not recognize. I sigh in relief. Mom.