Roads and Romances | ✓

Chapter One

Chapter One

"We wander for distraction but travel for fulfillment." -Hilaire Belloc

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     I can hear the sound of the coffee pot gurgling before I even open my eyes. Rubbing my palms against my eyelids, I turn my head to gaze at my alarm clock on my nightstand. It reads 4:32 AM, which is almost two hours earlier than my alarm is set. My parents converse in hushed voices as they move around the kitchen, preparing for a long day at work.

     Shoving the blankets from my legs, I fling open my bedroom door and rush down the stairs. If I can catch them before they leave, I can see how they would act around me. I'm out of breath by the time I reach the bottom. "Mom? Dad?" I call out quickly, almost a yell, as I enter the kitchen.

     They both turn around instantly, meeting my gaze with wide eyes. They're shocked to see me; they weren't prepared for this. "Leo," my father laughs nervously, "what are you doing awake, sweetie?"

     "I couldn't sleep," I lie, once again. It's becoming yet another bad habit of mine.

     "Well, try harder, dear. We need to leave, Delilah," He nods at my mother, who starts scrambling around the room once more, not saying a single word to me.

     "Wait," I say, louder than normal. They stare at me, shocked at my tone. I've never raised my voice at them before; they've never even been around for me to yell. "Can we eat breakfast as a family? I'm sure that your boss would let you come in late, only an hour later than usual, since you stay so late all the time. Maybe we can go to the-"

     "Oh, sweetheart, you know we can't. We didn't get this high in the company by coming in late every day," My mom cuts me off, giving me a fake smile, and raises her coffee cup to her lips. "We need to get going, William. We don't want to be late."

     "Of course." Dad looks at me, obvious pity in his eyes, before going out the front door to start the car.

     "Mom?" I say quietly, eyeing her. Say something. Say that we'll reschedule for another breakfast together. Say anything worth hearing. She stops, her back stiff, and faces me once again. Her beautiful green eyes watch me impatiently.

     When neither of us speak for a moment, she sighs. "I have to get to work, Leo. We'll be back later tonight."

     Then she closes the front door behind her, not even telling me goodbye.

     My blood boils with hot rage. Why have a child when you can't even have breakfast with her? Is your job really more important than your own daughter? When did I become the second priority?

     I scream, shoving the coffee maker off the counter. The pot shatters as it hits the tile, glass flying everywhere. The fall rips the plug out of the wall. I step over the mess and quickly run upstairs. Grabbing a bag from my closet, I shove clothes, soap, a hair brush, and some other necessities in before zipping it shut. I grab paper and a pen before heading back to the kitchen.

     I'm leaving. By the time you read this, I'll already be long gone, so don't bother looking for me. I hate both of you. You shouldn't have made a baby if you weren't planning on caring for it. I hope I never see you again, 'Mom and Dad'. -Leo

     I tape the note to the mess and grab my luggage, as well as my car keys and my carry-on. Closing the house door behind me, I make my way to my old blue truck and climb inside the driver's seat. The door vibrates when I slam it.

     I drive on the interstate for about an hour before I even start to calm down. My breathing returns to normal, and my cheeks lose their redness.

     I pull over on the side of the road and cut the engine, resting my head in my hands.

     Maybe you should go back.

     "No," I say aloud, sternly. "They don't love you, Leo. Stop being so stupid."

      I turn the car on once again, running my hands through my hair briefly, and continue my journey.

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     Hi, beautiful!

I felt the need to tell you that most of the chapters will be short since the book was already pre-planned. I will try my best to add scenes or words to make it longer if I see an opportunity. 

     Again, please feel free to comment if you see mistakes throughout the chapters. I would really appreciate your help and feedback as well. :)

     This chapter is dedicated to yoitsJessy because of the summary she wrote for me (current summary). Be sure to check her profile out! She's one of the nicest people I've ever met on Wattpad, and she's just amazing ahaha.

     Thanks!

     -Mack