October first 2023 was When I was 18 I sold my soul to the devil. When I went to the crossroads to make a deal I actually told the demon I wanted to talk to the devil himself for my deal. The demon was amused and I don't know what was said but the devil agreed. I woke up a few days later in a dark room in my pjs and there was the devil himself handing me a cup of coffee.
He chuckled at me and said, "I heard you wanted to make a deal but you said the only person you wanted to deal with was me? Since your rather young it makes me wonder why."
I climbed out of the bed I was sitting in and took a sip of the coffee. "Well sir its because I need a specialized deal and your the only person who I think can pull it off. Besides I would rather deal with a boss instead of a lackey."
That drew a smile as I continued. "I need my parents dead. Before you say anything if your the real deal you know that they are evil bastards. I can't have it coming back on me. I need to be able to get custody of my siblings. I have been working for four years and banking away money. My father beats me on the regular business and I found out he has started leering at my younger sisters and brother. To hell if he is gonna get to them. I already have insurance policies set up that my parents signed that I have been paying on. The biggest thing is I need twenty-five years instead of the normal 10. I need to get them through school, college and started in life and then you won't have to send anyone or anything for me I will walk into hell with a smile on my face and I will be the best sales person you ever had. When you have my soul collected I will send you people now with their souls like its tickets to a broadway show."
He looked at me like I was crazy. I think I might have shocked the devil himself. Then he started to speak, "So what your telling me is you want your parents dead before they can hurt your sibling. Which by the way he hasn't yet. You want custody of the children and twenty five years instead of ten and then before your even one of mine you will send people to one of mine to make deals then in twenty five years you will walk into hell and be a salesperson for me and do it with a smile on your face."
"Yup that pretty much sums it up. All of me at your service in twenty five years and souls to you even before hand."
"What makes you think people will just be ready to hand over their souls to a demon with a little convincing from you?"
"I am talking to you ain't I instead of your employee."
"Yes you are. Can I have a few days to get back to you?"
"Sure thing! Oh and thank you for the coffee. How do I get out of here to go home?"
The next thing I know I am laying in my bed with the coffee on my bedside table. I looked over the side of the bed and there laying on a mattress on the floor was my brother Eathan and I looked over to the bunk bed across from me and there was my sisters Emma and Lisa. Then I heard whimpering and in the cradle next to me my baby sister Lily started to wake up.
I sat up and pulled her bottle out of the mini fridge I had in my room. As I changed her I heard my father stumble in from the local bar. I looked at my phone and saw that it was 315 in the morning. I quieted Lily as i shifted her to drink her bottle. Knowing my father he would start trouble and I did not want to him to come in here and wake the kids.
Later as the kids started waking up I got each of them ready for the day in my bathroom then we headed downstairs to the kitchen to eat breakfast. The kids knew from experience that they needed to be quiet so we didn't wake dad. I got the kids to the kitchen and discovered that we were out of milk. I closed my eyes and counted to three. I looked in the fridge and found nothing. Looking at the kids I knew they were hungry. I smiled and said guess what we are going out for breakfast. Grab your backpacks quietly for school while I get Lily in her car seat.
My mother took that moment to come out, She heard me tell the kids to get ready. "Where are you going?"
"I am taking the kids to get food and lily to daycare," I said. "You said you would go food shopping and there is nothing to eat here. You told me you would take the money I gave you and go get groceries while I was at work. Just get me the money back I will go buy food as I am off today."
"I used it for me Maggie I needed meds," She said.
I counted to three while putting lily in her car seat, "No you used it for drugs. If it wasn't for the fact that Grandma left the house to me and I worked these kids would have nothing. I am so sick of this. You and dad should do me a favor and just disappear because these kids deserve more than a nasty house because you both refuse to do anything for them."
She leaned over and smacked me as Ethan came in the hall. "Maggie are you okay?"
I smiled, "Its okay. I am okay are you all ready for school we are going to get breakfast. Then after school we are gonna go get dinner and then go food shopping."
Ethan took all the kids including Lily out to the car. I looked at my mom while locking my door and grabbing my bag, "Thats the last time you will touch any of us is that clear. Try to break into my room again and you will regret it. I moved everything of value out of this house till you leave. All my money is in the bank and because of you and him liking to steal only I can get money from the bank itself now. I will be going food shopping and will keep the food in my fridge in my room. You and him can starve for all I care. These kids deserve better."
I was at the door when I saw police by my van. I walked over to the officers smiling and said quietly, "I own this house, The only reason my parents live here are because I am afraid of what they would do with and to the kids. Both of them are in the house, do we need to be here or can i go get these kids breakfast and take them to school and daycare."
"Maam you would have to ask the lady talking to the neighbor." The officer said.
I leaned into the van and handed ethan a box of granola bars I kept in there for a snack and asked ethan to open them and hand them out, "I will be right back."
I walked over to the neighbors house, "Hello Mrs Grayson I hope your doing well?"
Mrs. Grayson smiled, "Oh you sweet girl I was about to call you. Oh sweet girl what happened to your cheek?"
"Mrs Grayson I am ok. My mother smacked me when i went off on her about not purchasing food for the kids when I gave her the money to do so ." I said, "I came over to ask your guest if I am okay to go get the kids breakfast and take them to school."
The guest looked up and smiled, "I am Callie Devile from CPS, I was just talking to your neighbor and she was telling me how amazing you are with your siblings and that you actually own the home is that right?"
I smiled, "Yes Maam my Grandmother left me the home when she died a week after my eighteenth birthday. I moved in and then my parents became evicted and they would not let me have the kids unless they moved in. But I have been taking care of them since they moved in. I pay for everything food bills I just even paid the taxes and homeowners insurance. I have a great job and make good money. I don't know what my parents did but I will be honest I will do anything for these kids to keep them with me and safe. I know the cops are waiting. Can i please take them to get breakfast. I am off today and can come back and talk after I get them fed and to school and daycare. I will do anything to take care of my siblings and I can show you my plans and records with the doctors and how I work from home a few days a week."
Callie looked at me and said, "You sure you can raise these babies?"
"I sure can I would sell my soul to raise them maam." I said, "I am willing to do anything for them."
She smiled, "Well then you best get these babies to school and daycare. How long do you think a hour a little over?"
I laughed, "As long as chic fila doesn't have a long line i should be back in a hour and 15 min. Can you please start whatever paperwork I will need for long term care if needed, I am already their medical and school proxy due to my mom's issues."
I headed back to the van and said to the police, "She gave me the go ahead just please dont break to much and the room that is locked is mine as I work from home when the kids are sick or not at school and I didn't want my parents to steal or sell my stuff. Such as my work computer which I relaized i left inside my room. I can asure you that they cannot get in there unless they break down the door."
The cop looked at me and said, "Well miss we will just move down a few doors and as you are coming back from what we overheard we will wait for you."
I smiled and climbed into the car, "Who is hungry? I am thinking ChicFila for breakfast how does that sound?"
All the kids cheered and I pulled my minivan out of the driveway we went to chick fila and dropped the kids off at school first. After getting the kids to their classes I went into the office and gave their counselor a heads-up. I made it clear that if my parents showed up to stall and call me first for the kids saftey. After leaving the office I got Lily to daycare and also gave the office a heads up as well as paying the bill for the next few weeks services.
On the way home I stopped at a light and a guy hopped into my car. "I am Sam. My boss sent me a message to give to you."
I raised my eyebrows and said, "What is the message?"
"He said to enjoy the show and he will meet you later this week after the dust settles. Also, Please get the house cleaned as those kids deserve s much more than what your parents were planning. Callie is a friend of ours and she will explain more after your parents are taken." He looked down at the ChicFIla bag, "May I?"
I reached into the bag and handed him a chicken biscuit, "Here I still need to eat and start cleaning after the show is over."
He smiled and said "Thanks" as he disappeared.
I turned onto my road and the cop suggested I pull into Mrs Graysons driveway. Doing as he suggested I did and joined Mrs Grayson on her porch. She handed me a cup of coffee and I handed her her favorite bacon egg and cheese biscuit.
"Maggie I know it will be difficult but I will help you if you need it with those babies." She said.
"Mrs Grayson you have been so kind for so many years. You are family and if you ever need anything as well we will be there." I sighed taking a bite of food. "Looks like the show is about to begin."
Callie went up to the door and knocked, "This is Callie Devile with Florida CPS. We know your in there and you need to come out."
I heard my mom inside yelling at my dad saying that I must have called CPS because she disiplined me. My dad yelled back saying he would take care of it and opened the door screaming, "I dont care what you think this is my home---"
"Sir this is your daughters home and you and your wife need to come out. Last night at the bar you tried to sell your infant daugter Lily to a undercover officer you took payment for your own child to sell her and sid you had 3 other children to dump off as well." Callie said with a look of anger.
My mom ran out of the house pushing past callie and the police running at me and mrs Grayson with a knofe. The cops yelled at her to stand down and stop but when she didn't one of the cops raised his gun as my father went to grab it. The next cop raised his gun and yelled for my mom to stop and when she didn't he took a shot and my mother dropped. My father was fighting the other officer when another cop ordered my dad to stand down and when he went to take the gun again was shot. He stumbled back onto the grass and looked at me. Its all your fault, He ran to my mom grabbed her knife and jumped back up and the cops all warned and shot. He dropped to the ground and Callie walked over to me. The cops checked for pulses and called out to call for a corner as they are gone.
"Mrs Grayson thank you for your time earlier if you dont mind can Maggie leave her car here as we go into her home and speak?" She asked.
"Of course Callie," She said. " Maggie love i know planning a funeral will be a lot I would suggest maybe not saying anything to the kids for a day or so and fib a bit saying mom and dad went away for a few days then break the news to them in time for the funeral. I am sure Callie will have that mess on your lawn moved shortley."
"Thank you Mrs. Grayson." I walked over to Callie, "I guess we can go inside right?"
I walked past the bodies and headed up the staors. The officers moved aside and Callie and I went inside. We walked into the kitchen and I looked at the mess and opened the dishwasher to load a thing of dishes as we were talking. "Sorry I have a lot to plan out now. That and I have to clean up the kitchen to load a bunch of groceries for the kids after we go get dinner."
Callie smiled and said, "Your fine I started you a list. In this envelope is all the paperwork you will need for the kids. We will work later on this month with adoption papers. You will see the most important paperwork things listed. I think your mom had a pulse but I assure you there will not be one. Also you will have no issues with the insurance papers. But you really wont need that will you? You work as a accountant for not one but 6 companies and all from home."
I laughed as I added detergent and shut the dishwasher, "They offered the classes as a program and I stared working for 3 of the 6 companies in highschool part time. They all know I hold more than one contract and I only accept work as a freelancer for 5 of the 6 companies as I complete the jobs one after another, the other location I work 4-5 days a week part time. Being organized is key."
"This is going to take so much to clean," I said. "Dad really try to sell the kids?"
Callie frowned and said, "I am afraid so. Thankfully it was to an undercover cop who got wind of what was going on."
I sighed, "Well I guess I best get to cleaning. Thats okay right? The kids had rooms they shared ad I had the mater bedroom. Mom and dad were given the sun room off the back of the house. I will probably have to toss a lot of what they destroyed."
"You got this Maggie," Callie said. "DO you need anything else before i leave for the day?"
"No," I said. "As long as I can clean the kitchen at least. I have to get the kitchen done before its time to get Lily and the kids. We have a date for dinner and food shopping. I am going to Make sure this house is packed with food. I will never have them go without ever again."
"Maggie after the bodies are taken I will have the cops call a clean up crew," She said. "You will have to deal with the funerals, However, the county does offer a poor mans buriel."
I sighed, "I will do right by the kids. It will take a few days but I will get the house cleaned out and set up first and then I will tell the kids mom and dad died. I will not say how they died but I want to make sure my family cannot fight me for the kids."
Callie smiled and handed me one last envelope, "Your parents signed papers when they wanted to give the kids to CPS. They signed off on you being the kids legal guardian."
I took the envelope, "Thank you Callie."
Callie laughed, 'You paid the piper child. When you did that you impressed the big guy. I only do my job and make sure things worked out on this end."
I laughed and said, "Well I still appreciate it."
Callie looked a little sad and said, "Listen just do me a favor and protect those babies okay. They deserve better than what your parents did just as you did."
"Callie I promise I will make sure they have the life they deserve. Besides I assume I will see you around as you are our case worker," I said.
Callie smiled and said, "You sure will Sugar. I will check in later this week and see how you are doing. See Mr SMitty at Bernards funeral home for arrangements he does them nice and cheap."
"Thank you Callie," I said walking her to the door. After she left I got to scrubbing down the kitchen and clean all the dishes I could. Smelling sulfur in the air I turned and saw the devil himself sitting at my kitchen counter.
"Well Callie I am going to go with the fact you are happy with our arrangement?" He asked.
"I will say you do have a tendency for the dramatic. I almost choked on my breakfast," I said. "I know I made a deal with you and I am not trying to weasel out of it. But thank you. I hope your team has a grand ole time with them."
SMiling a brilliant smile, "Do not worry my dear they are in level nine as we speak and they are having a grand time with my guards. Your father literally shit himself when he found out you were the one who arrange his early demise. Your mother cursed you to hell and I gladly told her you will be working for me and have a seat at my table. She was pissed and offered me everything and anything to be released."
"Well I am sure they will love me once I arrive many years from now," I said.
"Don't you worry none," He said. "You are one of mine now and we take care of our own. So what plans do you have for these children."
"You mean to help them rid of their trauma?" I said. "Love, peace, and a way to keep them safe. After I get my home clean and sanitized. They deserve so much better."
"Maggie I have arranged for everything to be okay. We made a deal and I do not back out of deals,"He said.
Looking up I said, "I know this is going to sound messed up but I do not feel any remorse. Is that wrong?"
He looked at me and walked over and took my hand, "Normally I would say yes, However, After seeing what was in your parent's hearts and minds I am going to say no. When I had a meeting with your parents before they were separated and taken to their own dungeon your father and mother both admitted they would gladly sell your siblings for what they wanted. Your dad was also thinking about doing human trafficking on you to keep the house."
I squeezed his hand and said, "Well I do not feel any remorse."
He got serious and said, "I know I am the devil but if I was in your position I would feel no remorse because of how they raised you. Now one last question before I leave you to your cleaning. DO you mind if I check in with you and the children over the years?"
Smiling I said, "Of course you may come and visit. It will be just me and the babies."
The Devil looked at me and said, "Don't miss out on the life you have Maggie. Raising the kids is one thing but you need to have adult time as well."
Nodding I said, "I am aware, I just want to settle the kids first."
"Of course its been a very chaotic day for you. If you need anything give a call to this phone number," He said handing me a card.
Snorting I said, "Wow a direct line to the devil."
"Well," He said. "My secretary. But she passes everything to me. She has also been watching the house via death TV so we got to see what was going on."
I started to grin and said, "So the dead need entertainment to? What other activity do you all watch?"
HE gave a deep laugh and said, "Personally I love watching those idiots think its okay petting a bison and getting gored."
I snorted as I cleaned and said, "Seriously what is up with that? I mean I get it sky diving, swimming with sharks and all but why do they think walking up to a one ton animal with massive horns is a smart thing to do. Please tell me if they go to you and complain I would love to hear about it."
"I will ask my help desk to keep a look out and let you know," He said. "I think we will like it when you join us your fun. But take care Maggie I have things to do and deals to make."
I waved my rag as I continued to clean down the kitchen and he disappeared in a poof of smoke. While I let the first part of the kitchen air out I went into my parents sun room and realzied there could be drugs in there I opened the door and got the attention of a female officer on scene. She walked over, looked past me and said, "Wow you have been busy."
Chuckling I said, "Its going to take me a few days to get this handled. But I was wondering if you all had a suggestion. My parents' room was the sun room, I am going to turn it into a playroom for the kids. I am worried what if I find drugs in there?"
She looked at me and said, "I got this."
She went to her car and took out her police dog. She walked up and said, "Maggie do we have permission to enter the home and search for drugs your parents may have snuck in. We will have to be able to get into all the rooms but if you give us permission I will wait while you open all doors and entrance to the basement, crawl spaces and attic."
"Oh thank you," I said and I ran and opened every closet door and entrance there was and she had her partner came in. "While you search can i work on the kitchen some more I want this room done before the kids get out of school."
"Sure just do not use bleach for a few so it doesn't mess with the search," She said.
"Okay If you want to start here that would be great as I can get the laundry started after you search that room next to the kitchen." I said.
They started in the rooms I was cleaning and the dog sniffed everywhere. When they got to the TV stand the dog alerted and they found needles and drugs in the tv stand. The cops removed them and continued on. The search the laundry room my room and each of the kids rooms and when they got to what was my parents room the dog went nuts. They found bags of drugs and needles. I heard her radio another officer and then I saw them bring in another two bags. They searched the house and after getting into the attic basement and crawl space the officers found so many drugs I am glad I asked. The detective ask me if I knew and I said, "No sir they only smoked pot in their room and swore its all they had. I will admit I was to busy raising their kids to really pay to much attention to them. When we were home I kept the kids with me in my master suite to make sure they were safe."
He nodded and said, "Your not in trouble we are glad you followed up with the officer. Do me a favor this is my card if you come across any more cleaning put it in this bag and call me. I believe Ole roy found all of what was here but we will leave you this just in case."
Nodding I said, "Sure thing officer. Is it safe now to use bleach the couch covers are nasty and I want to get everything ready for the kids. I took off after my parents were killed and let the companies I freelance for know I will be off this week due to a family tragedy. They all offered sympathies, I never let them know how bad things were here. I am just glad that I was able to keep the kids."
He nodded and said, "You are a strong young woman and you are doing great. We are done outside and they are almost finished in here. You can start the laundry and I am sure the kids will be happy when you get them today. The kitchen looks good. You know these kids will love Halloween this year."
I started the first load of laundry when I heard a knock at the door. Mrs Grayson was standing there with a laundry basket. "I know you probably want to burn everything and buy new but why waste money. Give me some laundry girl it will help if you have two loads going at once and point me to what I can clean."
"Mrs Grayson," I said.
"Keke my dear, Mrs Grayson was my mother and I love these kids and your Grandma was one of my best friends. If she was here we would have a bottle of wine open but we cannot do that because we have to get the kids and take them food shopping later," She said.
"We?" I said.
"Well your my grandkids now and to be honest I knw your going to pack the place with what the kids need you might need help pushing a second cart," She said. "Besides I need to get out of the house I will pay for my own meal and I could use some groceries so why not kill 2 birds with one stone and then the kids get to know me incase you need a sitter and want to go out?"
I hugged here and said, "welcome to the family Keke."
With Keke's help we got the kitchen scrubbed down and finished the living room and dining room. We threw out so much trash we filled both of my garbage cans and both of hers as well. She laughed and said, "Thank God trash goes out tonight."
By the time we got to a stopping point we had all the laundry folded on the table and she made it clear after we brought the kids to school in the morning we would start the bedrooms and start giving the kids back their freedom.
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We went to the school to pick up the kids and they were excited to be going out. Even though they were surprised to have Keke with us they welcomed her with open arms. When we got to the restaurant Ethan asked, "Maggie if I have leftovers do I have to give them to Mama and Daddy?"
I looked at the kids and said, "I wanted to let you know Mama and Daddy went away for a long while so when we get home you don't have to be scared about being in the house. They are never going to bother you ever again."
Emma looked up and said, "Are we going to have to go away. Mama always says if she leaves we have to go with her and Daddy to punish you."
Keke pulled Emma into her lap and said, "Sweet little babe don't you worry no one is going to take you from Maggie. She is going to take care of you and you are going to be a happy girl. Now tell Mrs Keke what kind of food you want."
When the waitress took our orders and I put a sleeping Lily in her car seat Lisa asked, "Sissy why was the police at the house today?"
I looked at Lisa and said, "Because Mama and Daddy did something bad. But the nice lady who said I could take you to school this morning. Her name is Callie and she works with kids whose mommy's and daddy's are naughty. She arranged for you to stay with me and I will take care of all of you."
The kids eyes lit up as the food was bought to the table and we all enjoyed our food. The kids had a great time shopping with Keke and me. I bought so much food that it filled not only my cart but Keke's as well. When we got home Keke who only needed a few small items told me to get the food put away and she would get the kids started for their baths. She came out when Ethan went in and said I got the water ready for him and said, "he is good, Lily is sound asleep in her bed and Emma and Lisa are reading while Ethan showers. Do the girls take showers or baths?"
Laughing I said, "Joy of having crap parents they are all independent when it comes to showers. Just remind Ethan to brush his teeth please he does fight me on that."
She slapped her leg as she stood up, "Boys always do my girl. My sons fought me until they were in their teens. That was until they realized to kiss a girl they wanted a boy with clean teeth."
She disappeared back to the kids and I was almost finished with putting the food away when there was a knock at the door. I opened it up and found Callie standing there, "Hey Maggie I came to check in on you all to see how you are doing?"
"Come in Callie," I said. "If you don't mind we just got back from food shopping and Mrs Grayson has been helpig me get the kids ready for bed as I had to put everything away. I have a bit left to do."
She saw all the bags and whistled, "Well Maggie I am glad you stocked up the house. What did you tell the kids?"
"I told them that mom and dad went away," I said. "As soon as I told them that they were staying with me they were A okay."
She nodded and said good, "Speaking of food. I know you work hard but you can breathe a sigh of relief. The kids medical, dental, vision are all covered under state benefits. You also qualify for food stamps and subsidized assistance as their caregiver. I know you make okay money but these are benefits your entitled to. Especially after everything you have done and will be doing for them."
"Thank you Callie these benefits will work for the kids," I said. "I am going to set up counseling for the kids to help them work through everything they went through with our parents. I am going to tell them Friday. There will be no funeral service I am just having them cremated and interred."
Callie asked me, "How bad was it for you growing up Callie."
I sighed as I started unloading another bag, "Mama always had a problem with drinking. She tried to hide it but after Ethan was born she wouldn't even do that. Emma, Lisa and Lily were all born early due to the alcohol. Grandma would try to step in as much as she could when we were younger. Daddy got bad after Emma was born. He drug use and drinking was horrible. I learned to lock my door a night to keep them both out. Before we inherited the house when I turned 18 we all shared a room anyway. After we moved in one night Mama and Daddy had a huge fight. Ethan and the kids ran to my room. I grabbed Lilly from Mama and told her no more. The following day she signed paperwork that I could make all the decisions for the kids in school and at the Doctors. I made the deal when my Dad had tried to bring people into the house and I told everyone to get out or I was calling the police. They ran fast and Daddy went to the bar. The rest is history."
Callie nodded and said, "I can't change your past, but I will damn well make sure your present is much better Maggie."
We looked up and saw Ethan walk into the room. I gave him a smile and said, "Hey Bud whats up?"
He looked a bit scared and said, "I heard you talking to someone and I thought I could help you put everything away."
I looked at him and said, "Well I would rather you catch up on your school reading. This is Callie she works with CPS and wanted to make sure you kids and I were settling in after this morning. I was telling her your room is the next to get cleaned out and fixed up so you can have a boys room."
He looked unsure as I said, "Ethan Mama and Daddy can never hurt you ever again. You will be here with me and we will be able to use the full house once I finish cleaning everything out and getting rid of the garbage. Keke and I got the whole living room, laundry room and kitchen done today as well as the dining room. All your clothes in there are clean and fresh. Things are going to be okay. I do need to ask you though since your the oldest you get first pick of bedrooms. Which one would you like?"
He smiled and said, "Really I get to chose?"
"Sure do Kiddo," I said. "Do you want to think about it?"
He gave a big smile and said, "Nope I want the loft bedroom."
Laughing I said, "Sure thing Ethan I will start it tomorrow."
He looked at Callie and said, "We get to stay with Maggie right?"
Callie gave him a smile and said, "You sure can Ethan as long as you want. Maggie is going to make sure you all are having your best life possible. Just know that I will be checking in from time to time and making sure you are all okay."
Ethan gave a huge grin and I looked at the clock, "Oh my look at the time you all need to get to bed. Or your going to be hard to wake in the morning."
Keke walked in at that time and said, "The girls are out cold and I saw ethan was running to bed. Did he decide the room he wanted?"
"He sure did he wants the bedroom in the loft area upstairs," I said. "Will you be able to manage those stairs?"
She laughed and said, "Of course I can I may be a bit slow but I can get up those stairs. My worry is with all the garbage."
Callie cleared her throat, "I have a solution for that. My cousin Arnie owns a trash removal service he sends dumpsters for people to fill and removes them. Let me give him a quick call and see if he can drop one first thing tomorrow. His rates are good and cheap."
She walked into the living room and came back with her phone on her ear. "He said he will be glad to drop one off tomorrow morning at 7am. You need to make sure the car is out of the driveway. Price is $50.00 each time he had to empty it."
I said "Deal does he want cash, check or card?"
She smiled and said, "He will send a cash app invoice to your phone. I will give him your phone number."
Keke said, "You can walk Callie out and park in my driveway that way you don't have to rush in the morning."
As she said that I saw the invoice sent and said, "Thank you Callie my garbage men are going to hate us in the morning."
She laughed and said, "No worries. Also this is a listing of event that CPS holds for the kids. Halloween is around the corner and we will be having a fall festival in two weeks at the center. There are also counselors there you can meet since you said you want them to speak with someone."
Keke got excited and said, "Oh Maggie I will be with you for the fun events to. Grandma Keke had Grandbabies now to help with. Maggie My son never gave me Grandbabies and my daughter passed before she could have any. I am so happy to help you and they now have Grandma Keke. I think your Grandma would be happy with that."
Callie said, "Well my ladies it has been fun but if I don't get home soon my Charlie will think I ran away from home."
I walked her our and she said, "Maggie you got this and if you need anything give me a call I am here for you for the long haul."
WHen she pulled out I followed behind her and pulled into Keke's driveway. When I went back inside I noticed Keke had put all the bags onto the counter and she said, "Well my darling girl I do have to head home and I will see you about 9am after my online church service okay?"
"Keke," I said. "I could not have done this without you. You do not know how much I appreciate all your help."
"I am with you for the long haul Maggie," She said. "I promised our Grandma I would watch out for you and this week we have to get the house done because we will have to break the news to the babies. We will discuss that tomorrow. When do you go back to work?"
"I start back on Monday. Everyone has been extremely kind with all the companies I contract for."
"Good," she said. "Now you be a good girl and clean up your mess of groceries' and get some sleep okay. I will see you after church."
When Keke left for the night I finished putting all the groceries away and went upstairs to what would be Ethan's room. The room had a lot of my parents junk in it. I checked the Mattress son the bed and discovered my Grams had left the original plastic on it. I said a silent thank you and grabbed the two blankets off the bed and took them down stairs to start them in the washer. I looked at the clock and saw it was only 830pm and decided to get a start on the room. I set the garbage bags in a pile in the room and saw I was running low. I created a Walmart order for the following morning for laundry soap and massive garbage bags along with a few posters and a new comforter and pillows for Ethan.
I set my alarm for an hour to see what I could sort through. I started with under the bed and found a bunch of boxes full of what looked like my dads old clothes before he went on a down hill spiral. I looked through the clothes and found shirts I would save for Ethan and found a bunch of flannels and sweat shirts I wanted. I threw the clothes I would keep in a basket and kept cleaning. By the time my timer went off I went downstairs and switched the laundry. I decided this had been a very long day and decided it was shower and sleep time. I stepped over the kids and hoped in the shower. When I was done I climbed into bed after checking all the kids and making sure I had a bottle ready for Lily I laid down and fell asleep. My sleep was thankfully a dreamless sleep and before I knew it I was waking up to my 630am alarm going off.
When I woke up I grabbed the alarm and shut it off. I climbed out of bed and heard Ethan say, "I am o tired Maggie."
"Shh Ethan you have another 30 minutes go back to sleep," I said. I went to the laundry room and switched the blankets our for all the shirts. As I switched everything over I heard Lily wake up. I picked her out of her crib and said, "Good morning sleepy head are you ready for breakfast?"
I changed her diaper and fed her a bottle before I got her ready for her day. As I changed her I started to wake Emma and Lisa as Ethan was already up and in the bathroom. Ethan came out to the kitchen and I said, "We have cereal on the counter or uncrustable in the fridge or waffles in the freezer for breakfast."
He said cereal and poured himself a bowl and sat at the island in the kitchen. Lisa and Emma came in after and both asked for a uncrustable. I got them each a uncrustable and cut a banana in half for then to eat as well. I looked at Ethan and I said, "Fruit?"
He held up a small bowl of strawberries from the fridge and said, "Got it already Maggie."
As they ate I added the folded blankets to the table in the dining room. I was glad that I still had to sort everything in this room. When my parents came with the kids they had boxes of junk and left things everywhere. They were hoarders and I am so glad I can get rid of everything now. I looked at the clock and placed Lily in her swing. "Oh we are behind today everyone. Lisa and Emma keep eating I will do your hair while you eat. Does everyone have their bags in the car still or do we need to find them?"
Ethan said, "We did our homework during dinner remember. Keke had us place our bag on the front seat. I will grab Lilys extra diapers for her bag. Does she need bottles?"
"Thank you Ethan," I said. "No bottles needed I have her baby food and a can of formula for Daycare already in there."
I finished getting the kids ready and heard a knock at the door. When I opened it a man said, "Morning Maggie dumpster is in place and your all set. My cousin gave me a bit of a run down of whats going on so if you need a new one just call the number on the dumpster. Tell whoever answers that Arie said this is a special circumstance and I need a removal and delivery. I will send you a cash app invoice and get you a new one asap okay. I just ask no diapers or food as we do sort the items for recycle, resale and reuse. My beloved has a art shop and she uses a lot of what we get here."
The kids were oblivious as I said, "Thank you Arie you are saving my garbage men a mess. I will need the address to her shop I will be doing decorating after we clean out and really get this house going."
My alarm rang and I said, "I have to get these guys to school thank you again."
He smiled and waved as I turned to the kids and said, "Okay all we need to be out the door to be on time."
Thankfully traffic was light and after I dropped the kids off at school and Lily to the daycare I stopped for a breakfast sandwich and coffee from dunking and headed home. When I got home I saw my Walmart order was delivered and hid the stuff for Ethan's room in the laundry room and headed upstairs to get the garbage to the dumpster. After moving the bags downstairs I sat down and ate my sandwich. I grabbed the roast from the fridge and started it in the crock pot with the recipe I found while waiting in the drop off line. When I had it set on I was happy to be ahead and would make potatoes and a vegetable to go with it after I get the kids. When I finished eating I headed upstairs and around 915 i heard knocking at the door and ran down to let Keke in. She looked at me and said, "So any rules for the dumpster?"
"No food or diapers," I said. "The owners wife is an artist and does resale."
She nodded and said, "I see we have piles on the table so I guess we are getting things washed as we go?"
"Yes," I said. "made a list of things we need to get done."
"Oh dear," She said. "How bad?"
"Sit down," I said. "We have the kitchen island, Ethans room, ethans closet, attic space, Emma room emmas closet, Lisa and Lilys room, L closet, my room, my closet, master bath, laundry room, sun porch, TV room, dining room, hall closet upstairs, bathroom upstairs, downstairs bathroom, basement, sunroom also the playroom upstairs and my office. I also need to hire someone to get the lawn and yard done as well as repair the fence."
She sighed and said, "Your afraid of what you may find while cleaning."
"Yes I am," I said.
"Well no worries now," Keke said. "We have washers and dryers here and at my house we will get it done or in the dumpster. I guess thats why they have covers on the dumpster. Smart girl if she can make anything out of what we find. So how about this while the kids are not here lets start the basement because now that you got ethans room almost done you are going to need storage."
All day we worked on the basement and the laundry both at my and Keke's house. We made a small space to store items in the basement so we could finish ethans room the following day. My kitchen table was loaded with clean and folded laundry. As we were finishing up and i was getting ready to get the kids from school and after school program. I said, "I may have to go get some totes to hold the laundry before I get the kids. This would be a mess if the kids went into all this."
She smiled and said, "Well let me go get the last load out of the dryer and then you can run to the store before getting the kids. Now we can finish Ethan's room in the morning."
Walking through Walmart I went and picked up totes and space saver bags for all the blankets. As I went to check out I heard, "Maggie how are things?"
Looking up I saw Callie walking towards me. Smiling I said, "Hello Callie things are going well. I almost have Ethans room done but needed totes and Space Saver Blankets to avoid having to rewash everything and to clear the dining room table."
She laughed and said, "I understand that. I am glad that I caught you. The assistance application for medical food and cash benefits has been approved. I was going to stop by in the morning but I figured you were working and might not hear me."
"Well that will be a blessing," I said. "Should I be getting cards in the mail as well as paperwork."
Callie nodded and said, "Will you be home after six I have them at my office and can drop them off on my way home."
Picking up the kids from school and daycare I headed home. When we walked in Ethan said, "What is that smell it is making me hungry."
Laughing I said, "That my love is dinner. I just need to make mashed potatoes and a vegatable to finish it up."
The kids all sat at the kitchen counter to start their homework while I put Lilly in her swing with some toys. The door bell rang and Ethan looked out the window. "It is Mrs Callie can I open it?"
"Yes you can," I said.
I heard Ethan say hello and he went back to the counter. Callie came in the kitchen and said, "Now that smells good Maggie you will have to share the recipe."
I took my phone out and texted it to the number I had saved for her. I said, "Sent. Remind me to kiss the inventor of the crock pot it is going to be my best friend this week while we get the house settled."
She laughed and handed me a packet. "This is all the kids medical cards, Lilys Wic Card with what you can get on it. For WIC use it up every month you get a lot of fruit, vegetables and baby food. When she gets older you will get milk, cereal, grains and more i cannot remember. The benefit card for food stamps is in there and loaded the pin is your birthday. You get $700 a month. There is also a cash benefit card that loads monthly in the amount of $1200 a month. Everything loads on the first of the month. The kids and you will be fine."
"Thank you," I said. "The kids will love going Halloween shopping this year."
Emma said. "In two days it is October. We learned that today at school."
Callie smiled and said, "That is right Emma and I know Maggie cannot to decorate for Halloween."
Lisa got excited and said, "We can be a Halloween house this year!"
"We sure can," I said. "As soon as I finish getting the house sorted and cleaned, then get the yard mowed and fixed up we are going to get Halloween decorations inside and out."
All the kids cheered and I said, "Let us finish our homework and then we are going to eat dinner."
Ethan was excited and said, "I am done with my homework. Can I set the table?"
I handed him a stack of plates and cups. He started setting the table as I brought the food to place on it. Walking Callie to the door I asked, "Is there rules about swingsets and yard items?"
"Not at all," She said. "What are you thinking about."
I pulled out my phone and showed her the swing set with two forts on either side. I said, "It will give them a place to play andit will be a nice suprise to show they are going nowhere."
"I love it," She said. "When you get it let me know. My Charlie loves to build, and he will install it for you."
When she left I said, "Alright let us wash our hands and eat some dinner."
I picked Lily up from the swing and we washed our hands and i placed her in her highchair. The kids ran to the bathroom and washed their hands. We sat down and I dished out everyones plates. The kids must have been hungry because everyone asked for seconds. I slowly fed Lily some potatoes and cut up carrots. She even seemed excited about it.
Ethan asked, "When can Grandma Keke come back over?"
"Well," I said. "Grandma Keke has been helping me clean out the house so she was tired. I will see if she can come pick you up tomorrow. No promises but we will see. But when we go to all the events she said she will come with us."
Emma said, "Will we be having dinner like this every night?"
Smiling I said, "Yes we will be. Do you all like having dinner together every night?"
"Yes," They said.
"Good," I said. Tomorrow I am making Chicken Noodle Soup. While you all are showering, I am going to cut the veggies and chicken so I can have it in the crock pot again. Also Ethan your room should be done tomorrow."
He got excited and asked, "Really! That is so awesome."
Emma asked, "I am going to be sharing a room with Lisa still right?"
"Yes," I said. "You and Lisa will be getting the big bedroom upstairs. Are you alright with that?"
Her and Lisa said, "Yes!"
Lily started gabbing and I said, "No little miss you are to tiny to be upstairs. You are getting the tiny bedroom next to mine."
Everyone started laughing and I stood up and said, "You all know the drill. Shower time! If you all get your showers done I will make you some popcorn and you can watch some TV for a bit."
Lisa jumped up and I went to start the shower and handed her pajamas. She left the water so Emma could go in. Once they were done Ethan went in. I made microwave popcorn and gave them each their own bowls with apple juice. While they were watching TV I gave Lily her bath and fed her her last bottle of the night. She fell asleep and after placing her in her bed I went to the living room. Ethan was the only one awake. I carried Lisa and Emma to my room and told Ethan, "Time for sleep Ethan."
He hugged me and said, "Maggie thank you for being the best Mom ever."
I leaned down and hugged him. I said, "I will always be there for you Ethan. No matter what."
He went into my room and shut the door behind him. Going to the kitchen I didn't realize I was crying until I heard a poof behind me. I heard him say, "Only watching you all can you get everyone to cry."
Wiping the tears from my face I said, "I will do anything for them."
"That is why you will live a long life," He said. "I decided since you delivered me two souls you will still come to me and possibly do work for me up here like Callie. But I will bring you home on your deathbed. But enough about that. I have some boys coming to get your yards cut down and mowed so the kids have a better environment. When you get their playset I have some workers who will help Charlie."
His eyes fell on the leftovers and I asked, "Do you want some?"
He sat at the counter and said, "Yes please. I have not had a good homemade meal in a long time."
I made him a plate and grabbed all the vegetables and chicken out for the chicken soup. Grabbing my second crockpot out I said, "I will have to get crock pot liners next time I go shopping. Tomorrow is a chicken soup."
He ate while I prepped for the next day and said, "This is so good. No wonder the kids came back for seconds."
I laughed as I said, "Well I want them to have a traditional home. Even if I use the crock pot."
He wiped his mouth and said, "Use this number and text me the recipe please. That is my direct line."
I added him to my phone and sent him the recipe, "There you go."
He said, "I want my private chef to make this."
"I need to figure out a menu that the kids would like," I said. "I saved this as a loved recipe. It used to be whatever I could microwave or cook without my parents taking it. Hopefully they will like the soup."
Adding everything to the crockpot I added the broth, butter and spices and placed it in the fridge to add to the cooker the next morning. He said, "You can always ask them what they would like to try."
"True," I said. "I have some stuff I want to try with them. We will do food shopping as a family though. They need to know I value them and their opinion."
He put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Maggie your doing great don't believe otherwise."
He poofed away after that and I received a text that he will be sharing the recipe as I am viral on the watch the mortal world tube. Chuckling I cleaned the kitchen and as it was only 8:45 I went to Ethans room to continue sorting and cleaning. I set my alarm for ten and got to work. I finished Ethans room. After vacuuming and washing the windows I went to the laundry room and got all the decor and bedding set I already washed. I decorated the room and went downstairs and got his tote of clothes. Placing everything but his outfit for the next day away I went to the room for Emma and Lisa and got to work. When my alarm went off I took the garbage bags to the dumpster and went inside locking up the house.
I woke up before the alarm went off the next morning. Going to the kitchen I set up the crock pot and made the kids pancakes and fruit for breakfast. When the kids got up and came out they were excited. I said, "Remember guys it is Wednesday so you have movie night at the YMCA program. I will be there an hour later."
I dropped the kids off and paid for the movie and snacks. After dropping off Lily I headed home and started with the girls room. I did call my jobs and asked for a longer bereavement time. While talking to my boss Max he asked, "Maggie may I ask what happened. I saw a news report and is it true?"
"Which part?" I asked. "Yes my parents tried to kill me when they were being arrested but were shot. Or that they also tried selling my siblings and me on the black market."
"Shit Maggie," He said. "How are the kids?"
"They don't know yet," I said. "I am going to tell them on Friday so they could have a good week at school. The house is a wreck, though and I am trying to get it cleaned out."
"Do you need anything?" He asked.
"About twelve hours more in a day," I joked. "No I have an amazing CPS worker who has handled everything. I want to get back to work but the kids need me. If I could have a little bit more time off that would be great."
"Handle everything you need to do," He said. "We have plenty of work when you get back."
"Thank you Max," I said. "I am hoping to get through this soon."
I called all my employers and they all had heard what happened. They all told me to take all the time that I would need and to call them when I am ready to get back. Keke arrived around 9:30 and I told her I took more time as we were approved for benefits. She said, "Good you need it Maggie."
"Also the kids miss you would you like to go get them from school today?" I asked.
"Of course," She said. "I Would love to see them"
"I finished Ethans room last night would you like to see it?" I asked.
"I finished Ethans room last night would you like to see it?" I asked.
We headed upstairs and she smiled saying, "Oh Ethan is going to love this!"
I showed her the girls room which is stuffed and she said, "Oh wow. It looks like you started."
"I did," I said. "I found a bunch of blankets and boxes of my old clothes from when I was Emmas' and Lisa's age. I am going to wash them and add them to their closets. I am glad we are caught up with the overflow of laundry."
"Maybe we should work on the linen closet first," SHe said. "That way you have a place to place the blankets?"
"No need," I said. "Those blankets are spares that are stored in the basement. "I have large totes to place them in."
She smiled and said, "Let us get to work then."
I set an alarm so we could work on the room until lunch time. We headed downstairs to heat up the leftovers and the doorbell rang. Going to the door I found a walmart delivery worker. He smiled and asked, "Maggie?"
I said, "Yes but I din't order anything?"
"There is a note attached to the order," He said. "We hope this brings a smile to not only yours but the childrens faces. We miss you and cannot wait till you can come back. Max and crew."He handed me the card and went to get boxes of items from his van. There was food, snacks and toys for the kids. When he left I was about ready to shut the door after Keke and I brought everything in and another delivery driver pulled up. Keke and I looked at each other and I said, "What in the world."
For the next hour all six of the companies I worked for sent care packages for the kids and myself. I started to cry and Keke hugged me as she said, "Maggie even though your parents sucked, you need to know you and the kids are so loved."
We brought everything in and had to take some items from the boxes to fit everything in the freezer. I received a text message that said, "You have all the afterlife crying again."
We set the table, and Keke and I sorted the side board. I stacked all the kids items on the sideboard in piles for each of them. They would be coming home to big surprises. We ate lunch and Keke said, "Now that is a roast. You did so well Maggie. May I taste the soup?"
I nodded as I ate and Keke took a spoon, tasting the broth. "That is good soup Maggie."
"Before we leave I am going to add the corkscrew noodles to it," I said.
After we ate and washed our dishes we headed upstairs to work on the girls room more. When my alarm went off and we brought the garbage down to the dumpsters. I called the number and requested to switch out the dumpster. They said they would switch it out for a new one by morning. We picked Lily up first and I parked. Going in the movie had ended and when we walked in we heard, Maggie! Keke!"
The worker walked over and said, "Can I talk to you?"
Keke said, "I will get the kids in the van."
She took Lily from me and I said, "What's up."
"The kids know that there parents are dead," She said. "One of the other students found out and was bullying Ethan. We stepped in and talked to Ethan. He did not seem to care. I know things were bad but we did not realize how bad they were. The kids are lucky they have you. We are here for you all. Also as we are assuming you had CPS out and benefits issued there will be discounts added to the bill. So they went retroactive. So instead of $200 a week it will be going down to $80 a week. Since you have paid ahead so far you are paid up until Thanksgiving week."
"Thank you," I said. "I will speak with the kids when I get in the van."
Walking out the kids were chatting with Keke and were ready to go home. I got in the van and said, "So I heard you guys know about Mom and Dad."
All three nodded and Emma said, "Mom and Dad did something bad and now they are dead."
I nodded and said, "Do not worry though you have me. You understand I am not going anywhere."
Ethan asked, "Can we call you Mom?"
"That is up to you," I said.
Sighing he said, "You are more like a Mom then mom was. I am gonna call you Mom."
Emma and Lisa said, "Us too."
"Then its decided." I said. "Also Ethan your room is done. There is a big suprise for each of you when we get home. My jobs found out what happened and they sent some gifts. I will get some thank you cards that I want you to fill out."
Emma asked, "Is our room done yet?"
"Not yet sweetie," I said. "I am working on it but there was a lot fo stuff in there that we have to get rid of and sort. Grandma's stuff is all mixed in and I want to keep some of it."
"Okay so a sleep over a little bit longer," She said.
"Thats right," Keke said. "But Ethan I saw your room, you are going to love it."
When we got home I took the kids into the dining room and showed the kids their gifts. They were so excited and each of the older kids were shocked. Then I said, "Okay Ethan go for it."
He ran up the stairs and I heard, "No way this is so cool."
Going into his room he asked, "This is all for me?"
"It sure is," I said. "You can get your gifts and bring them up here if you want."
He took two trips and brought everything up to his room. Emma stood outside her door and I opened it showing her that it was being cleaned out. She said, "If Ethans room looks that awesome I cannot wait to see what we get!"
Smiling I said, "I already know and I think you will like it."
She went downstairs and showed Keke everything she got. Since their homework was finished at the YMCA I said, "Okay everyone lets eat."
Everyone loved the soup and came back for seconds. After dinner Ethan went to his room which had its own TV and the girls laid in my room watching videos on the computer. After I fed Lily and put her to bed, I walked Keke out and she said she would see me after lunch as she had a ladies church meeting. Going inside I saw that it was quarter to eight. Checking on the girls I saw they were asleep. Going up to Ethan's room he was sound asleep. I set an alarm for ten and went down to clean the kitchen. After I finished there I went to the girls room to work on it some more.
I decided that on Saturday, I would take the kids somewhere fun. When my alarm went off I headed to bed happy with the progress I made. The rest of the week passed quickly and when we woke up on Saturday I said, "Okay, everyone we are going to go to the zoo today!"
Ethan said, "Mom are you sure about that?"
"Why Ethan?" I asked.
"It is pouring outside," He said.
Looking out the window I said, "Well zoo trip postponed."
Emma and Lily got their new dolls and started to play in the living room watching cartoons. Ethan asked if he could chill in his room and went upstairs. I looked at Lily and said, "Well sweetie I guess its you and me why don't we clean out the laundry room today. There are a bunch of boxes."
I set her in her play center in the hallway and when my alarm went off for lunch, I had finished sorting and cleaning out the laundry room. I was happy I was able to organize it. Calling the kids down for lunch Lisa said, "Mommy I do not feel good."
Feeling her head I noticed she was hot. I grabbed a thermometer from my room and she was running a fever. I asked her, "Do you want to eat lunch?"
"No," She said. I gave her some Children's motrin and had her lay down on her bed in my room. I brought her one of her water bottles and shut the curtains. She dozed off and I kept checking on her.
After feeding the kids I moved Lily to a blanket on the floor for some tummy time. Working in the dining room sorting and cleaning I looked up when I heard, "Mommy."
Lisa looked awful and she was still running a fever. I called her pediatrician and they said to take her to the walk in clinic at the hospital. I called Keke and asked her to watch the kids. She was over in a few minutes and I said, "I was going to make chicken nuggets and mac and cheese for dinner."
She patted my hand and said, "Don't worry dear I will take care of them."
Loading Lisa in the van we headed to the walk in clinic. We saw the Doctor and after a few tests we discovered Lisa had a nasty ear infection. He prescibed her a antibiotic and we picked up her prescription. When they said her new insirance covered it i was shocked. She fell asleep in the van after I gave her her first dose in the van. When we got home I carried her in and laid her in her bed. When I came out Keke was washing Lily up and changing her to her Pjs. She said, "Kids get ear infections it is nothing you did Maggie."
"I know I feel bad for her," I said. "She is miserable."
"Kids are resilant," She said. "After a few doses of medicine she will be running around like usual."
Lily had fallen asleep and I laid her down. Keke said, "I saw you finished the laundry room."
"I did," I said. "I was going to work on the girls room but I want to stay in ear shot of Lisa."
Emma came out of the bathroom and said, "Can I watch TV in the bedroomso I can be with Lisa."'
"You sure can sweetie," I said. I set her up in my room.
Ethan came out a few minutes later and said, "I am gonna watch TV in my room. Do you want me to do dishes?"
"Nope I have it," I said. "Go be a kid."
He smiled and asked, "Mom if I do chores can I earn enough to get a playstation?"
"Not a Xbox?" I asked.
"Nah," He said. "I would like a playstation. Or maybe as a Christmas present."
"We will see," I said.
When he went upstairs I said to Keke, "I think he forgot his birthday is coming up and I already ordered one for him."
Keke said,"Well my dear I am gonna get home. Remember to eat something."
When she left I cleaned the kitchen and folded the laundry. Then I set the alarm and went into the dining room and continued to clean it out. When I finished the dining room I worked on the living room, finishing it. I topen ed the door to the sunroom and started to clean it out. As I sorted I discovered cash stuffed in pockets and in containers. I grabbed a bowl from the kitchen and placed all the money in the bowl. I heard a poof and said, "Quiet please Lisa is sick."
"I saw," He said. "I was checking in with you. Looks like your parents were holding out."
Adding more money to the bowl I said, "I am figuring that out. This is not the first cash stash I found but it was not that much I have found a few hundred already in here and I barely made a dent. It makes me angry that this could have been used for the kids."
He chuckled and said, "Well I can tell you they are not enjoying their stay in hell."
"Good," I said. "I wish I could have a word and a bat with them."
He said, "CHeck on the kids."
All the kids were sleeping and when I came back he was talking to a woman in the kitchen. He said, "This is Abigail she is going to watch the kids and keep an eye on Lisa."
He said, "We have bats where we are going. They are gonna shit themselves when they see you."
"Let's do this," I said.
He wrapped his arms around me and said, "Close your eyes."
We appeared in a lobby and a demon at the desk said, "Hey boss. Oh Miss Maggie its an hour to have you in level 9."
Lucifer led me to a locked door. He asked, "Ready?"
Nodding he opened the door and when I walked in my parents were chained to walls across from each other."
My Mom started laughing and said, "Oh you died already?"
Lucifer laughed and put his hand over my heart. "No she is very much alive."
"I asked to have a word with you both," I said. "You had hundreds of dollars hidden in the house and you tried to sell Lily and were planning to sell all of us kids. Don't worry though the kids know your dead and you know what they call me? Mommy."
My Moms head shot up and she said, "I am their mother."
Lucifer laughed and said, "Watch the screen."
They watched as the kids found out and their shrugs. Then they saw where the kids asked to call me Mommy because Mom was shit. She screamed and I took the bat and palced it under her chin. "You both are not being mourned. We decided not to have a funeral I burned your bodies and stuck you in the cheapest mouselam I could find. The kids don't even ask about you. You are being erased from their life and they are happy."
My father spit out, "They will need a father one day."
Lucifer said, "We will have a father figure in their life when they need it. Even if it is myself showing up for them. You do not exist in their world anymore."
They both screamed in agony and my mother said, "You arranged this you bitch."
"Yes I did," I said. "When I lived my life and come down here I know my children will mourn me. Then when I do come down here I will deal with whatever is left of you."
I turned to leave and when we were outside the room he asked, "No swings?"
"No," I said. "Them realizing no one is mourning them made me happy. Knowing the kids are not concerned their dead is punishment enough."
He wrapped his arms around me and we appeared at the same time we left. Abigail saw we were back and nodded a farewell with a poof. He said, "Happy sorting Maggie."
He poofed and I went back to the sunroom until my alarm went off. I took the cash to the kitchen and made myself a sandwich.As I ate I counted the money and there was $1400. I cursed them again and placed the cash in my wallet. Lisa felt cooler to the touch and I got ready for bed.
The next morning I was woken up by Lisa who said, "Mommy I feel better."
Hugging her I said, "Oh sweetie I am so happy. But your wet!"
"I had an accident," she said.
"It's okay sweetheart you are sick," I said. Looking at the clock it was 5:45 in the morning. "Let us get you cleaned up want to take a bath or shower?"
"Shower," She said.
Putting her in the shower I stripped her bed and started a load of laundry. Then I noticed she got my comforter wet so I stripped that off. Going into the kitchen I started a pot of coffee. My phone binged and it was Keke, "Is everything alright you are up early?"
Smiling I said, "Lisa feels better but she had an accident. So I am up to get her cleaned up and washing the bedding. Visit us after church I am going to be cleaning the sun room again today to keep an eye on her. I found $1400 in cash so far and I am only a third of the way through."
She replied, "You have got to be kidding me. But I will pray you find more and it will be a blessing. See you after church."
Since Lily was still sleeping, I set Lisa up on he couch watching cartoons and I went to work on the sun room. Setting the bowl on the built-in shelves I got to work. By the time Lily woke up I had made a marge dent in the sunroom and found a large amount of cash. I fed lily and placed her in her activity center in the hall. When Ethan and Emma woke up they helped themselves to breakfast and watched TV with Lisa. Ethan came to see me after a while and I asked, "Do you want to have a Birthday party this year?"
He said, "Can we go out to dinner and back home for cake?"
"Yes we can," I said. "Would you like to bring cupcakes in for the class?"
"Yes," He said. "Can we get them from the good store?"
"Of course and you can pick them out."
When I went to bring out the newest bags of garbage to the dumpster I noticed it was getting cold. I made a note to call for the heating system to be looked at. Ethan brought the last bag to me and said, "Maybe we will get snow soon."
As I went to walk in a work truck stopped in front of the house. A man got out and said, "Are you Maggie."
"Yes I am," I said. "Can I help you?"
"Yes Maam," He said. "Our mutual friend hired me to come by and get your yard done so the youngins can come outside and play. We will be out here for a while taking care of the property. We will also be fixing and reinforcing that fence."
"Thank you," I said.
We went inside and Ethan said, "Really we will be able to go outside soon?"
"Well the back yard," I said. "I an still weary because of people they associated with."
He nodded and said, "The backyard works."
I worked in the sunroom and when Keke arrived after church I announced, "Guess what we are getting take out for lunch. Keke is coming with us. Who wants white castle?"
The kids cheered and Lisa said, "I am so hungry Mommy."
We loaded the kids into the car and we went to the white castle drive through. Ethan was starving and wanted so much and he ate it all. I knew a growth spurt was coming. Keke tried to argue when I bought her food but I said, "Its on them."
We drove around while the kids ate and I stopped to fill the car with gas for the week. Keke said, "Bring Lisa to me in the morning as she can't go to school for another 24 hours since she was sick. That way she doesn't have to stay in the car while you bring everyone into the schools."
Maggie19 Ethan8 Emma6 Lisa5 Lily6 month Devil Father Mother MrsGrayson(Keke)-Neighbor Callie Devile-CPSworker
Sam- Messenger Demon
attic space, Emma room emmas closet Lisa, Lilys room, L closet, my room, my closet, master bath, linen closet, sun porch, hall closet upstairs, bathroom upstairs, downstairs bathroom, basement, sunroom also the playroom upstairs and my office. I also need to hire someone to get the lawn and yard done as well as repair the fence."
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