California Runaway

chapter four

I got to my room and closed the door. I then silently sobbed, because I knew I messed up. I lied only to piss Darry off. Not for the whole entire gang to hear that I 'slept' with a soc. My brothers are definitely disappointed. Probably more than that. But whats done is done and I realize that Darry was right.

I am breaking this family apart. 

In the last 5 months I've been basically insufferable. Mom and dad died 8 months ago, but when they died I tried to forget. I acted like everything was okay, when in fact nothing was at all. 

I turned rebellious. But it's not like they knew really at first. My brothers and the gang probably don't know half of the things I've actually done since I isolated myself from them for the most part. 

However, I think it would still shock them.

 Before my parents died I was apart of the gang like everyone else. Now yes, my parents treated me a little different, but it wasn't a 'bad' different. I was their girl. 

I remember once two years ago I climbed the roof of the house to get Sodas football that everyone was playing with. When mom and dad came home they yelled at me forever. They still yelled at me even though I fell. I was fine. It was funny. I can say I fell off of a roof. 

I put myself together and took a deep breath. I locked my door so no one could barge in, and I went to my closet. I've been saving up money for the last 4-ish months. I just turned 14 a week ago, but I started to work at the dingo way before that. Also the money that I got from my pet sitting thing I do sometimes; I have about $62 dollars ($558 in today's world). I opened the box that the money was in, and I rest it on my dresser. 

I started to pack my things. I knew not to bring too much. I grabbed a couple shirts, my favorite jeans, my sweatpants, and other garments of clothing. I decided to take my favorite books, 'Little Women', and 'Catch 22'. I packed my Polaroid camera that I got for Christmas one year, and a picture of the family. We got them done a few months before they died, and mom printed one extra for me to keep. 

I also changed out of the socy clothes that I was in. I put on a pair of blue jeans and a beetles t-shirt. 

But I also knew that I could only leave once everyone was asleep. I couldn't risk myself like that. I had a thought to where I might go. 

California.

I heard that it is just beautiful there. I saw something on t.v where they toured Santa Clara, and it was absolutely beautiful. 

I huffed and put the money into my pocket, and I looked at the clock. 11:52. I should be able to get out of here in the next few hours. I'll have to fake sleep for a little bit just in case someone comes in. 

Anyway, I shove my bag under my bed, and I tidy my room some more, I also unlock the door. I finally decide to get under the covers and I lay on my side facing the wall. Tears struck my eyes as they slowly fall down my face. I wish it didn't have to be like this. 

But I know it's best for everyone. It might not be what mom and dad wanted, but they're not here to stop me. 

No one is.

After an hour flew by, I heard my door creak open. I didn't see who it was, because I pretended I was asleep, but whoever it was didn't say anything and just closed my door softly. 

I waited another few minutes and heard noise die down. Everyone probably left, and my brothers are definitely in bed by now. 

I rip off the covers and I grab my bag. I put it near my window as I then made my bed. I hate having a dirty room, even when I won't be in it anymore. 

I grab my bag and make sure I have everything I need. 

I walk to my window and opened it. 

I take one last look of my room.

And I jump out carefully trying not to make much commotion. I walk near the front of the Curtis house. The house everyone is home to.

I stare at it for almost a minute bringing tears to my eyes, but I knew I needed to get on the earliest bus going straight to Santa Clara. 

My new home.