Monday/ 6:00 am

I've slowly gotten used to waking up alone. Rolling over to find the other side of the bed cold. Now the whole entire room feels cold, the bedroom that we once shared. We'd spend nights in here just staying up late watching tv or playing video games. For awhile it was hard for me to sleep in the room because everywhere I look reminds me of him. I slid off of the bed and headed straight for the girls room to wake them up turning the light on. "Chloe, Nova, it's time to-"  The room looked completely different from yesterday. It was clean, the only thing was neither one of them were anywhere to be seen. "Girls" I yelled running down the stairs. I was relived to find them sitting at the table eating.

"How did you guys get down here so fast? And your room-"

"Yeah we cleaned it." Chloe said flatly taking a bite of her cereal.

"When?"

"Last night mom okay, now we have to leave in 10 minutes or we'll miss the bus." They both stood up grabbing their backpacks. "Wait no, your not taking the bus I'll drive you." I said clearing the dishes from the table. "Let me go get ready and we'll be out in 5 okay"

/6:30/

"Are you two ready?" I asked as we came to a red light. No response, "Hello? Do you here me talking to you?" I've noticed that they've been giving me the cold shoulder since last night but I don't care. I still deserve respect.

"Unfortunately we can" I heard Nova say making me strain my jaw trying my best not to lose it again. "Are you serious right now? I'm only trying to have a conversation with my daughters and your going to treat me like this?" The two kept quiet for the rest of the ride. "Have a good day" I called as they got out of the car only to be ignored again in return. Once I arrived back home I saw Courtney's car parked out front. She's been calling in to check up on me twice a day. I wasn't expecting her but I really needed her right now. She always shows up at the right time. "There you are I figured you had already taken them to school" She said as soon as I came through the door.

"Yeah they're at school"

"Ariana? Is there something wrong you seem a little..."

"The twins hate me no big deal."

She frowned, "Oh no what happened" Me and Courtney took a seat on the couch. "Last night I took my stress out on them. I-I didn't mean to I swear" She pulled me into her. "Well...did you say sorry?"

"I don't think I did. This morning was so crazy they woke up before me—they ignored me the whole car ride to school, I didn't get a chance" "Just don't forget to okay...remember, be mindful of those around you. They're struggling with this too they need you just as much as you need us. Keep that in mind." I took a moment to let her words sink in. She's one hundred percent right. I shouldn't have done what I did last night I know better than that. "Do you want me to stay?"

"Please"