Free My Blue Eyes by Maxim Daniels

but I felt obligated since she did convince Mary to go.

     "So tell me Darrel, how was the haunted house?" Mom asked.  "I heard the part after the maze is a little crazy.  You know, a lot of parents have complained about that part."

     "It sucked," I said in a disgusted voice.  "It caused Mary to freak out and she wouldn't stop screaming, so I had to carry her out.  I was so embarrassed.  I drove her home and her mom said she would have her call me today.  I went over there and her mom told me she was gone, and now I have no idea where she is.  She's probably on the fourth floor with the rest of the crazies."

     Now, the fourth floor was the psych ward of our local hospital.  The only thing I knew about the place was it’s where you go when you're crazy.  My brothers used this against me all the time to get me to do what they wanted.  If I wouldn't go get them something to drink, they would threaten to tell Mom I needed to go to the fourth floor.  So I did what they asked, because I didn't want to be stuck with a bunch of crazy people.  
     I didn't honestly think Mary was there, but I was trying to sound cool in front of my parents.  I was trying to sound like I didn't care.  My mom was looking at my dad as I was talking and was giving him one of those smiles like they knew something I didn't know.  I hated when they did this.  No matter how many times I would ask them what they were looking at each other like that for, they wouldn't tell me.  This time I ignored it and pretended I hadn't seen them doing it.

     Mom came over and sat by me and squeezed my knee.  "You know Darrel, not everyone that has to go to the fourth floor is crazy."

     "What do you mean Mom?"

     "Well, sometimes people need be hospitalized so they can get their head right.  Not everyone is wired the same way in their heads and they just need a little help.  Just because they have to go there, doesn't make them any different than anybody else.  As a matter of fact, your sister spent three nights there when she was your age.  You don't think any less of her, do you?  Now, I will skin your butt if you ever repeat that!"

     "I always knew there was something wrong with her," I said smiling while looking at my dad.

     My dad laughed and got up from his chair.  I guess the conversation was getting too deep for him.  "Darrel, just make sure you listen to what your mom is saying."

     I looked at my mom who now had her arm wrapped around my shoulder pulling me closer.  "You don't think Mary's there, do you mom?"

     "I don't know Darrel.  Would you think any less of her if she was?"

     I thought for a minute.  Being the youngest kid of seven, I learned over the years to think before I speak.  "I don't know Mom.  I already get enough grief from my friends for dating Mary.  Could you imagine what it would be like if they knew she was on the fourth floor?"

     Mom sighed and pulled me closer to her as I was now laying in her arms like a young boy.  "Darrel, how many times do I have to tell you, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of you?  As long as you’re happy, that's all what matters.  Remember how I told you others only make fun of people because they're hiding insecurities of their own?  Seriously Darrel, you make sure you remember that, and don't ever let anyone try to take away something that makes you happy."

     I slid down until my head was resting on her waist and my arms were wrapped around her.  I knew it was babyish, but I needed it.  I hadn't snuggled with my mom like this for years.  "Thanks mom."         

  Chapter 15
          It took five days before I was able to see Mary again.  She didn't go to school the following week and I had a million questions for her.  It was Friday night, and I was getting ready to meet up with Matt for a party.  As far as I knew at the time, Mary wasn't coming back.  She