I'm not your sweetie anymore, mom.

“Well, maybe your mom’s just trying to help.” Kellie stands in front of Megan’s doorway, blocking Megan from escaping. 1

“No. No, maybe she’s not just trying to help.” Megan tries pushing Kellie away. 2

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See, the two friends had been sitting in Megan’s room, drinking lemonade and eating cookies, when Megan’s mom came in without knocking. 4

“Megan,” she had said, “I need to talk to you.” When she looked at Kellie, she added, “Alone.”5

“Oh. Yeah, sure, Mrs. P.” Kellie smiled at Megan and left the room.6

“Honey, I really think being a single mom is too hard for me…” Her voice trailed off.7

“What are you saying?” Megan helped herself to another cookie.8

“I’m saying—I’m saying that you’re moving to an—an orphanage. You can’t stay here with me, sweetie.” 9

“Oh my God!” Megan dropped the cookie. Crumbs scattered themselves everywhere, embedding in the rug. “I can’t! I can’t move! Why would I!?” 10

“Because, hon.” Megan’s mom tried to hold Megan, but she pulled away. 11

“I’m not moving, Mom,” she protested. “I can’t leave all my friends! We just moved here a month ago!”12

“I know, I know.” 13

“But, Mom!”14

“Sweetie, there’s nothing I can—”15

“Do about it? That’s what you always say! There’s nothing I can do about it, hon. Well, this time you can do something. You can work harder! The reason you ‘can’t take care of me’ is because all you ever do is read, watch TV, and sleep!” Megan had screamed. “And when I’m hungry, you simply say, ‘Ask if you can eat at Kellie’s house.’ Kellie’s mom thought you were dead, Mother!”16

“Which is why you need to move, Sweetie.”17

“I’m not your sweetie, Mom. Not anymore.” Megan walked out of the room and grabbed Kellie’s hand. “Come on, Kellie. Let’s go to your house.”18

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“Megan. Calm down before my mom calls the police!” Kellie restrained Megan.20

“No! I’m not moving! I can’t move! No!”21

“Megan! Stop!” Kellie yelled. “I’m going to get my mom. You need help. And now.”22

Five seconds later, Kellie’s mom came in with Kellie. “Honey, what’s wrong?”23

“My life.” 24

“Oh no. Oh my God. No! Megan!”25

But it was too late. Megan had already stuck the knife in her stomach.