You forgot to call to confirm, right?" I try to play it off, "Um no. No! I...I have someone coming. Definitely!" "Oh well, great then! You don't nee... me this year. I have errands anyway," she says casually. Lori walks past me and I watch as she heads toward the street. I panic and start talking really fast, "Okay! Okay! I lied. I'm desperate. Please don't go. Only thing I have planned is her theme and that was Marah's idea. I need you. Please! I think I forgot to call the damn planner!" . I open the door, slipping inside. Mom's passed out on the couch, empty bottles surrounding her. The smell of beer hits me and I feel my bruised stomach turn. She's fucking disgusting. And it makes me sick that I'm just like her. I can't deal with the problems in my life either. I just wish I wasn't one of her problems. I wish she said my name the way she says Melanie's.I sigh, starting to pick up some of the bottles. "Well, if it isn't little Sammie."Fuck. It's Mom's slime-bag boyfriend of the. "Sarah was grateful when the two young black men started untying her feet. A shower sounded wonderful. Freddy pulled the gag from her mouth. "Thank you," she said."No ma'am, I should thank you," he said, still pleased with his sexual prowess. Although he didn't untie her wrists, he helped her off of the bed and led her into the bathroom. He turned on the shower and they waited while the water got hot.Eric was still in the bedroom, out of ear shot so Sarah asked quietly, "I'm your first, aren't. "Abby looked at Emma as if she weren't very bright, then she said, "I know all about sex. I used to watch ma and pa when they thought I was asleep."I winked at Emma and let it go.July 15, 1845We made twenty-one miles today and reached the Snake River crossing. We camped on the near shore since it was too late to try to cross. Mom was feeling better today and Sally said that her wound looked clean and appeared to be healing.Pap has been like a terrier watching a rat hole. I'd hate to see what.