Bonding

[a_time_slip]

"Are you leaving again?"  asked the voice of a thirteen year old girl.  Janie turned her head, away from the beaten up duffel bag, and to the irritated teenager.

"I'll be back."  The older woman turned back to her bag, attempting to use every square inch to store all of her belongings.  "Just a short trip."

"You're taking all of your things."

"Just in case."  said Janie, dismissively, trying to push clothing into the full bag.

"Why do you always do this?  Stop running, just stop it and let Daddy or even Vito take care of you!"

"No one needs to take care of me."

"Mommy, please!  I don't want you to leave me again."

"I need this vacation."

"NO.  Stay here!"  Lynn shouted, feeling anger, frustration, and The Beast take over.

"It's a trip with Julian!  I'll be back!"  The duffel bag was engrossed in fire for a few moments, the blaze slowly spreading across the room, around Janie's legs then engulfing her body until she was covered in flames.

"Mommy?" Lynn's voice was small, as she realized what was happening, that The Beast was doing something that she didn't want.  Though, seconds later, the flames were out, and the girl stood in shock.

"I'm"

"You said-" 

"I'm sorry sweetie.  I'm so sorry"  Janie apologized, looking over her body which was miraculously free of burns.

"Mommy." pleaded Lynn, standing as far back as possible.  Looking at the bag which was also undamaged.

"I can't.  Sweetie, I'm sorry.  I'm-I didn't mean it.  I love you, so so much." Janie's eyes were filled with remorse, with sorrow and pain for what had just happened.  She could barely look at her daughter.

Lynn held back tears before running to her Mother and wrapping her slender arms around her in a tight hug, remembering that they were family, that the two of them had been through hell and back together.

"I love you too Mommy.  Come back soon..."  One last squeeze, and both Janie and the duffel bag were gone.