It's Called Surviving

Chapter 1: The Arrival

I'm almost home. 5 more minutes on this cursed bus and I'm home free. Literally. I get to go to nanas house this weekend. In other words I can escape the bully's, my parents, and get to roll around in the unconditional love of my grandparents. My parents however are abusive. Well, my mom and my stepdad. My dad died a year ago, from cancer.
Something hits the back of my head and I snap around. Someone threw a paper ball and now everyone's laughing.
"Wow, very original Hyde." I groan.
"Hey! You can use that to start a fire when the world ends!" He laughs and so do his cronies. Hyde is my main bully. People make fun of me because I'm a "prepper". In other words I prepare for when the world ends. I don't understand why people think it's so funny. I mean, while I'm sitting by a nice warm fire munching on a MRE they'll be crying in the cold saying "Drake was right." But that's none of my business apparently. My dad taught me about the art of prepping and papa, my grandfather, taught him when he was young.
I can see my driveway. My mile long driveway, might I add. The bus slows down and eventually stops. I sling my pack over my shoulder and start to get off.
I'm free! I think to myself, but some jerk trips me. My bag goes flying and most of my stuff comes house. The bus erupts with laughter. Tears cloud my eyes and a bright Crimson floods my cheeks. I pick myself up and gather my stuff quickly. Finally in the drive way, the bus rattles away and I wipe my eyes and set my bag down. I take a few deep breaths.
"This will not ruin my weekend" I mutter to myself. I stand up and begin the trek to my house.
I round a corner and see nana and papas truck. They are sitting on the tailgate waiting for me. Papa waves and a huge smile covers my face. I take off at a sprint still 100 yards away. My pack sloshes around on my back. Nana stands up as I get close and opens her arms. I run into them and hug her tightly. She kisses my cheek.
"Drake you've gotten so tall!" She adds.
Papa rustles my hair and tilts my head up with his fingers. He sees the bruise on my cheek and frowns. I look down quickly. That bruise is my newest one, Bryan, my stepdad, left that one. I forgot to make my bed before I left for school yesterday and he hit me. Nana and papa already know they hit me, and would let me live with them but they don't have enough money to support me.
Nana breaks the silence.
"Well, are you ready?"
"I just have to pack my bag real quick!" I smile and climb the stairs inside. Nana and papa come too. Mom is at the table eating a sandwich.
"Hey mom." Don't get me wrong I still love my mom but I hate Bryan. She smiles at me and I rush into my room. I grab my bug out bag and my pocketknife. Then my suitcase and pack. It's winter and its brutal where I live. It's bitter cold with strong wind but it hasn't snowed yet. I pack 3 pairs of underwear, 4 socks, 1 pair of cargo pants, 2 jeans, 2 long sleeve shirts, and a short sleeve shirt. I also grab a sweat shirt and shove it in. I put on a small jacket then my big windbreaker. I slide on my stocking cap, and lace up my hiking boots. I roll out my suitcase and carry my bag.
"What are you, moving out?" Bryan asks.
I shrug in response.
I wish I could. I think to myself.
"All ready?" Nana asks.
"Yep, sure am!" I smile.
I hug mom and tell her bye then jump into the truck. Finally I can escape from all my troubles.