• "Darling, I don't think you should give up! Your music is wonderful. Yes, Mommy is kind of mean, but she's trying to help you. She loves you."

    Marie knows her father is a kind man. Even at age seven she already knows her life will be terrible and miserable if she must live with Stefani, the worst stepmother. Stefani is made of more plastic than one of her Barbie dolls and the attitude that is worse than that mean old lady who lives next door, Ms.Aubury. Why her father married the She-Devil? He thought she would be a good motherly figure towards Marie. As you can tell, Marie's dad isn't a good judge of character.

    "Daddy, I don't like her! She's meaner than Ms. Aubury!" Marie was sitting in her bedroom with her father and they were both playing guitar. Then Marie revealed what 'Mommy' had said about her playing. Now Daddy was choosing sides.

    "Now, Marie. We have had this talk numerous times. If you don't treat your Mommy with respect, you won't go to Claire's today." Her father smiled at Marie's always innocent face, but sadly he knew something she didn't.

    "Okay Daddy. I'll be good. Let me get my stuff ready!" Marie bounced up, her already-elbow-length blonde hair swishing.

    -----X-----X-----X-----

    "Marieeee!!! You're here!!" Claire came tumbling out of her house dressed in a purple dress that was very similar to the pink one Marie was wearing. It wasn't unusual though, Claire's mother always pointed out cute clothes and stuff she thought suited Marie to Stefani, who loved shopping and strangely, liked dressing-up Marie.

    "Here, let me get your things, Madam." Claire imitated a sophisticated tone and curtsied before attempting to Marie's bags. When she tugged one bag two feet into the hall then dropped the handle, looking exhausted, the girls were launched into a 'Giggle Fest'. Probably sharing another silly joke.

    "My, your quite the host Miss Claire. Now, let me be of service" Marie's father heaved the three heavy bags over his shoulder and followed the girls into the living area with a chuckle.

    "Thank you Daddy! See you later!" Marie hugged her father and bounded upstairs.

    "Hello Adam. Are you picking her up Sunday?" Claire's mother, Kim, came into the room holding broom and smiling, as usual. She and Beth, Marie's mother, were always best friends. After Beth's death, she had remained close to the family and had somewhat befriended the demon that had replaced her bestfriend.

    "Yes, those girls are such good friends. They love being together."