Chasing My Dreams

Chapter 3

Semi edited.

~~~Tyler's pov~~~

When I get back to the house I go straight up to my room and get ready for bed.

I toss my clothes in the hamper and go to my door to lock it, then climb into bed. I turn on my tv to try and drown out the music, hoping to get some sleep.

Luckily it didn't take too long to fall asleep.

Warning, the next part talks about a flash back of abuse, read at your own risk.

I walk through the back door after hanging out at the Parker's house.

I slowly walk through the kitchen and through the living room to the stairs, I slowly climb the stairs hoping I don't let him know I'm here.

Luckily he's not home yet, so I can let out a sigh of relief. I walk down the hall to check on tanner, and when I do he's sleeping soundly.

I shut his door and go back to my room, getting ready for bed.

Unfortunately like most nights, I'm woken up by my living nightmare or should I say my sperm doner.

I may be only 10, but I know a lot.

I smell the alcohol coming off him. "Get up you little fuck" He said through clenched teeth.

I get up knowing if I do what he says he won't hurt them, and that's all I want is to protect them.

I squeeze my eyes shut and clench my jaw, waiting for the blows to come.

Scene over.

I shoot up from my bed, heart pounding out of my chest, gasping for air.

Find 3 things you can see.

Friends playing on the tv, shallow inhale and exhale, the streetlight shinning outside my window, slightly better inhale and exhale, a picture of Ace, Charlotte and I when we were kids, breathing back to normal.

I take a few more deep breaths and when my heart returns to it's normal steady pace the tears start rolling down my cheeks.

No matter what I do, that monster still finds me even if he's not here.

That's the first nightmare I've had in 2 weeks and to think I thought I was getting better.

Remember it's ok to have a set back. Just remember that you are safe and you have people that love you and are here to support you.

That's what my therapist tells me everytime I call her after a nightmare.

Finally getting out of my head I slip on some clothes and head to the gym.

My safe space.

I walk onto campus and enter the place that's been my safe haven since I was a freshman, this place is open 24 hours, so considering it's 2:30 am, I can still work out and let off steam.