Free In Nightmares We're Alone by Greg Sisco

Mom. Did they get in your face or push you around or what?”
    I shake my head. “They were just being stupid cunts.”
    Sissy puts a finger to her chuckling lips. “Keep your voice down. Jesus.”
    “You asked.”
    She shakes her head. “Yeah, well, they’ll do that sometimes. If something like that goes down again today, will you do me a favor and try your hardest just to not let it get to you? Cause if Mom’s gotta cancel her date our whole awesome night gets shot to hell.”
    “Yeah, yeah.”
    “I mean it. And totally for selfish reasons so I’m not even lecturing you at all. Just for today, you don’t do shit unless you absolutely positively have to. And if it gets really bad and you still hold back and it eats at you all weekend I’ll go over there at lunch on Monday and we’ll fuck ‘em up together.”
    I laugh. “You got it, Sissy.”
    “Pinky swear?”
    “Pinky swear.”
    “No fighting. No matter how stupid the cunts get.” The way she lowers her voice for that c-word, it makes me think maybe it’s worse than I even realized. I wonder what it means.
    “No matter how stupid.”
    “Rock on, goon.” She heads out the door.
    “Sissy,” I say.
    She turns.
    “When you get home can you lock Buster outside? Martin’s allergic.”
    She nods a little, looking thoughtful. Maybe she considers asking me about Buster being locked in the doll room the other day. I suddenly realize what a good lie I’ve just come up with. I wish all my lies were that good.
    “Gotcha,” says Sissy. Then she’s gone.
    I look at my clock. It’s about time to dress for school. I get up and put my uniform on.
    Get ready, Beth. You have eight hours. I’ve got to go to school, but I’m coming back with a friend. It’s judgment day, bitch. This house is a battlefield and at 1600 hours we’re going to war.

    * * * * *

    It’s after I get to school that it finally dawns on me how much stronger she’s getting. A week ago it was just weird eyes that made me feel uncomfortable. Next thing I know she’s in other dolls, and then Buster, and then she’s talking in my head, and even that bitch girl with the jump rope had the eyes for a second when I had to smack her.
    Only when I’m sitting in class and I start hearing that sweet old lady’s voice in my head do I finally take a moment to realize this.
    I don’t like this, Macie. Not one bit.
    If she’s already talking to me a mile across town, how much stronger is she going to get? I already saw her move her hand once, or thought I did. How long until she can walk or run or jump? How long until she can carry a knife or explode my head with her mind?
    First it was just staring at me and cursing at me. Then it was burning me. Now you’re involving your sister and your friend. When does it end, Macie?
    Tonight. That’s when it ends. One way or the other. You already told me tonight’s the night you get rid of Mommy. But Mommy’s out late. That gives me a window to get rid of you.
    Macie, Macie… What am I going to do with you? And your friend? And your sister?
    You won’t get the chance.
    “Macie?” asks Mrs. Coughlin, subbing for Mrs. Harris again. “Would you like to give it a try?”
    On the board there are numbers. Some kind of math problem, I guess, but it just looks like one number trapped outside another number’s house. I think she said something about division earlier.
    Forty-five divided by three, maybe. I think that’s the question.
    “I don’t know. Like… twelve…-ish?”
    The class laughs. Mrs. Coughlin gives me a look like I’m being smart with her. “Have you been watching anything I’m doing up here?”
    “I have. I just can’t concentrate.”
    What if they call your mother again? What if she comes home before you? I could be your new Mommy by the time you’re home from school.
    I won’t let you.
    Martin raises his hand.
    “Martin? Can you solve the problem?”
    “I think so.” He heads to the front of the class.
    “You pay close