Chapter Nine: Sunnier Days

When morning came Adriane walked with Bobby to take him to his first day of school. They stopped in front of the school; Adriane turned to Bobby and wished him good luck with his first day. Bobby rolled his eyes. He could tell by her tone that she wasn’t being sincere.  

 Adriane was taken aback by Bobby’s reaction, “Bobby, did you hear me? I said ‘good luck at school today.’”

Bobby scowled at his mother, “The only reason you’re even being nice is because we’re in front of other people. The only reason you’re even talking to me is to make yourself look good.”

Adriane’s eyes welled up with tears, “No, Bobby … it’s just…”

Bobby turned and went inside the school without looking back.

Adriane realized that she had been selfish, always thinking about her needs and feeling sorry for herself. Adriane vowed to make it up to Bobby. Even though she disliked children, she truely did love Bobby with all of her heart. 

No one wanted to talk to or sit by Bobby on his first day. Some of the kids even laughed at Bobby because of his shoes. This didn’t faze Bobby, he was thirsty for knowledge and he loved to learn. When the school bell rang, Bobby's heart sank. He didn’t want to leave; he didn’t want to face his mom after their exchange this morning. To his surprise, Adriane was waiting outside for him with a big smile on her face.

Bobby sighed, “I want to do my homework…”.

Adriane laughed, “That will have to wait. Now come on, I have a surprise for you!”. She extended her hand to his so that they could cross the street together.

Adriane stopped before they crossed the street, she turned to hug Bobby. Shocked at first, Bobby held his breath and accepted the hug. It was the first time he had ever been hugged, and he savored the feeling of being loved.

“Was that the surprise, mom?” Bobby asked.

“No, silly… let’s go!” Adriane said, still smiling. Adriane sprinted across the street, Bobby tried to keep up.

“I bought us tickets for the skating ring." Adriane beamed. 

Bobby looked less than thrilled but didn't want to be unappreciative. He preferred not to be so active, and a nap on the bench looked more inviting to him than this. 

Adriane finally made it around to Bobby, “Are you having fun? What’s wrong, Bobby?” She noticed his smile fading. Bobby didn’t say anything but his stomach was growling fiercely. “Come on, let’s get something to eat.” Adriane said to Bobby.

While eating Bobby noticed some of the kids from school were also at the park. Bobby saw them running around looking for things on the ground and was curious as to what they were doing. 

“I’m full mom, can I go play?” Bobby asked. Adriane nodded with approval.

The children ran in opposite directions when Bobby approached. It wasn’t long before Bobby realized that the kids from school were looking for colored eggs, and he managed to find one too!

Bobby was having a blast. After getting his face painted he wanted to show his mom. When he tried to find her, she wasn’t there.

He looked all over the park for her, but couldn’t find her. Bobby was sad when it started to rain; it was going to wash all of his face paint off before his mom could see it.

He took one final look back as he was leaving the park.

When he turned he was surprised to see Adrian standing there.

“Where were you mom?” Bobby asked with a frown, the face paint was half smeared now.

“Bobby, I have one last surprise for you…” Adriane said with a smile.

Bobby excitedly shook the box. “Cool, new shoes! Thanks mom!” Bobby shouted. Adriane was a little disappointed but surprised that Bobby correctly guessed what it was before he even opened the gift.  

Adriane then remembered she had gig at the coffee shop in less than two hours. 

By the time her show was over, they were both too tired to walk very far.  Adriane had made enough money that night that they rode a taxi to a motel. Bobby tossed and turned through the night, but it was a lot better than sleeping outside.

Chapter Ten: Matilda's Final Show

Generation One:

Name: Adriane Vagabond

Random Traits: Dislikes children, good, kleptomaniac, loser, social butterfly.

LTW: Master Magician.

Generation Two: 

Name: Bobby Vagabond

Random Traits: Genius, couch potato, light sleeper.

LTW: (None yet, he's still a child)