Silver stars (Lewis Hamilton)

Chapter 1 - Goodbye

I am at the police station waiting for my brother who I have never seen in my entire life hoping that he would take me in. Our mother died a few years ago in an overdose and now our piece of shit of a father got arrested for almost every crime that he committed. He is a thug, he is involved in petty drug trafficking, robbery, violence and everything you can imagine. Growing up in this environment, I didn't have a choice, I had to grow up way too early to take care of myself. I have been working for years to collect enough money to get away from this place as far as possible.

My brother John probably did the same when he was my age. He fled home when he was 16, before I was born. I only know about his existence because my parents cussed his name a few times when they were drunk. When the police asked if there was anyone who can take me in while my father is in prison, I told them his name hoping that he would help me out. He must have experienced the same when he was young and I am praying on his empathy and good conscience. Anyhow, I am not high-maintenance, I only need a place to stay for less than a year until I turn 18. I have a job; I have money set aside. I could live alone and support myself if it wasn't for the legal bullshit of being a minor. I don't think that he even knows about my existence so all I can do for now is hope for the best, hope that he became a good man, that he got out of this living hell and started a new life and not turned out to be like our parents.

I sit up when a tall man enters the room. I instantly recognise him. Other than the expensive suit that he is wearing, he is the exact replica of our father. He inherited the blue eyes, dark brown hair and crooked nose but he looks friendly and warm, not cold and disgusting as him. He has an awkward smile on his face and he is hesitant on what to do next.

- Hey, so you are Sara.

I nod in response.

- Well, let's just say that I wasn't expecting a phone call today that I have a sister. - he says nervously.

- Yes, somehow I guessed that. – I say trying to ease the situation. – I am sorry for contacting you but I didn't know what to do. I don't know if they told you the whole story but I need a place to stay. I know that you don't know me at all and that I am asking a huge favour but could you help me? I just need someone who could sign for me. I promise that I won't cause any difficulties for you. I go to school, I have a great academic record, I work to support myself, I will even pay rent and bills, just please help me out until I turn 18. – I start rambling.

He is my only hope not to end up lost in the system, to have a chance to get out and have a normal life. I have never been more nervous in my entire life, not knowing what will happen to me, how he will react.

- They explained on the phone and I was thinking about it on the whole drive here. I think our parents haven't changed since I left. I can only guess what you had to live through. It was the best thing when I ran away from home. I am not going to lie, it was extremely difficult, I struggled a lot alone until a friend helped me. He literally saved my life, he helped me get it together and found a job for me. Without him I have no idea what would have happened. Sara, you are my family and I want to help you the same as my friend did. I have a great job and I can support you if you want to come live with me.

I can't believe that he actually said yes. I always expect the worst as my whole life has been a series of bad events. I don't know any other way; but I feel relieved and hopeful hearing his words.

- I can't thank you enough for this. I promise that I will be on my best behaviour and that I won't cause any problems for you. – I say with a wide smile on my face.

- I hope so. Do you want to get out of here?

- Let's go.

We sign the papers. There weren't any troubles as he is my brother and has a stable income and his own place. He officially became my legal guardian. We exit the police station and I feel my nerves calming down.

- So, where do you live? – I ask.

- In Brackley. It's a two-hour drive from here. I work for the Mercedes F1 team and our headquarters are there.

- That sounds nice and far enough from here. I like it. Can we quickly drive by my house to collect my things?

- Of course, do you still live in the same house? – he asks cautiously.

- Yes, nothing has changed.

We walk to a fancy Mercedes and get in the car. It is only a ten-minute drive home. He parks in front of the house and we go in. I can see on his face that he doesn't want to be here. Neither do I, so I quickly make my way to my room to pack up my things and to leave this terrible place behind forever.

- It's true, nothing has changed at all. – he confirms coming into my room. – It is the same filthy place that is falling apart. Did you know that this was my room as well?

- I guessed because there aren't really any other rooms. And I have some of your old stuff here which weren't worth enough to be sold. – I say and I hand him a box containing his belongings.

He opens the box and starts taking out his old posters, a couple of photos and a yearbook from school. That is all that was left of his miserable childhood. He puts the things back and smiles weakly.

- Thank you. Do you need any help?

- Yes, could you pack my books and notebooks? – I ask giving him a trash bag.

We quickly pack up my stuff and fill 3 bags. It's sad that three bagsare enough to pack my whole 17 years into. We exit the house as quick as wecan, running away from the terrible memories. And with that, my new life beginsfar-far away from the place I called home for so long.