𝐀𝐞𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲

1.1 Returning

I load the last box into the back of my car and head back inside the white painted house I called home. I stare and the bare walls as memories flood my mind and tears flood my eyes. I run my hand across the counter remembering when my mom and I would bake together, leaving a mess. I step into the closet where she found me crying over my first heartbreak. My chest begins to get tight and I have to get out.

"I'll miss you." I sob. My voice echos off the empty walls and I can't help but think the house was answering. 

I turn around and quickly run down the steps and to my car. I wipe my escaped tears and pull out of the driveway. As I drive I look back at the town I'm leaving behind through the rearview mirror. I haven't seen my dad in over 4 years. He's sent the annual birthday card, but other than that, nothing. 

I don't hate my dad it's just that we drifted apart after my mom moved me to Oregon. 

*Flashback*

(Cassie is 13 and in the middle of her 6th-grade year)

"FIRED?! THAT'S THE SECOND JOB THIS MONTH JOHNNY!" I hear my mom yell from the living room. I press my hands harder against my ears.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO MADDIE?! TELL ME! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?" my dad snaps back.

"I DON'T WANT ANYTHING FROM YOU BECAU-... BECAUSE I'M DONE!" my mom's voice cracked and I uncover my ears.

"What are you talking about?" my dad asked in a calmer tone.

"I said- I'm done. I'm taking Cassie with me to Oregon." my mother's words brought tears to my eyes.

"no..."  I say to myself, quiet enough so that they won't hear me.

"No, you can't just TAKE her from me." I hear my dad argue.

"I can and I am. If you want to take this to court, by all means, go ahead. But who do you think they will give custody to Johnny?" my mom asked forcefully.

There was a moment of silence before...

"That's what I thought." another moment of silence. "We're leaving at noon tomorrow." 

I hear this and the panic sets in and without realizing I rush out the door with tears streaming down my face.

"No mom we can't. I won't be able to say goodbye to Eli or Demetri!" I cry out.

My mom's face filled with guilt. As she wipes my cheek she says...

"I'm sorry sweetie. I have to do what's best for you." she says still trying to dry my face.

"But I don't wanna leave dad." I say as I let another tear fall.

She looks to my dad and he nods, walking over to me, taking my mom's place crouched in front of me. He takes my hands in one of his and puts his other to my face cupping my cheek.

"I know you don't want to, but you have to go with your mom ok squirt?" he says with glossy eyes.

I throw my arms around his neck nearly knocking him over. He wraps his arms around me and gives me a love-filled squeeze.

"Daddy loves you always Cassie." he gives me one last squeeze before sending me back to bed.

*End of Flashback*

After a long drive, I pull up to a mini-mart to grab my dad a case of his favorite beer as a peace offering. I hop out and notice a woman rummaging through the trashcan outside the building. I open up my wallet and grab out 5 dollars. I walk up next to her...