Unbridled Beginnings

Chapter 10: Lucky

My eyes are focused on the dusty road ahead. I know that I'm only about halfway home. Even though my arm and leg muscles are aching I continue pedalling, determined to get home before Jack and Alison catch me. If they get suspicious again, I could be in some serious trouble which would lead to more and more lies.

I finally round the familiar bend and pass the three giant oak trees, their leaves drooping down and brushing against my face. I now know that I've only got to bike around two-hundred more metres before I make it to the drive and into the house. But will Jack and Alison be waiting there for me? Or will I make it before they get home?

I can see the pale blue house in the distance as I continue to race down the drive. Jack's car is nowhere in sight and even though I'm not safe yet, I breathe a sigh of relief. When I reach the house I turn back to look towards the entrance to the driveway, and see what I have been dreading. Jack's blue ute is turning into the pebbled drive. I throw my bike and helmet down onto the lawn and sprint inside the house, up to my bedroom. I slam the door behind me and jump onto my bed, trying to slow my rapid breathing.

Before I know it, I hear the front door opening, the rustle of grocery bags, and chatter from Jack and Alison. I stay silent for moment, taking in what I had just experienced.

Luckily my breathing slows because immediately Janet comes upstairs and opens my door without knocking.

"Hi, how was shopping?" I say, trying not to sound startled.

"Fine. There's some McDonalds downstairs for you."

She finally leaves and I can stop holding my breath. I can't believe they didn't see me and that I escaped! I was definitely having a lucky streak today.

I walk downstairs and turn on the kitchen light, turning to see Jack and Alison watching television in the lounge. Eyeing the greasy burger and fries, I pull out a seat at the table and start munching down my dinner.

After I'm finished I go back up to my room and start my normal night routine. Brush my teeth, get changed and grab a book from beside my bed. I begin to read my book about an adventurous girl but soon realise that I desperately need a drink to quench my thirst.

On my way downstairs I hear the hushed voice of Jack.

"Hopefully our income starts to get bigger now that we've started working again," he says to Alison.

"Yes, and the money we get from taking care of Hayley is amazing! In fact it's nearly too much, especially since we aren't looking after her very well. But I'm so happy that we got such a great deal from Hayley's old foster home." Alison states, trying to keep her voice low.

I stop dead in my tracks astounded about what just entered my ears. There getting paid to have me in there home? How ridiculous! I quickly walk to the fridge and get a glass of water with my head hanging low, making sure that I don't make eye contact with Jack or Alison. Then I run the rest of the way up the stairs, water spilling all over the ground and shut my door once again. I can't process the information clearly, so I decide to sleep on it. When I turn out the light, sleep easily overcomes me as I'm obviously tired from the long, exhausting day.