Cliched love and Cliched lives

River

Walking down the street with my headphone firmly placed over my ears, I felt the first drop of rain fall across my cheek and before I knew it was pouring down. The smell of rain relaxing my slightly on edge stance. Quickening my steps, I hurried along the path of my neighbourhood. Usually I wouldn't mind the cold rain but it was dangerous walking down this side of town when it's this dark. This area is known for it's dreadful reputation, but it was the only place available and cheap enough to house me and my mum.

As the rain picked up speed, I could feel it dripping into my holey shoes. Great that's one more thing to sew up. Sighing, I started into a soft jog and before I knew it I was outside my house. Well what was left of it, it was a bungalow with two small bedrooms, a tiny living room/ kitchen and then a bathroom. The outside wall paint was chipping off severely and the grass was tremendously long, as if it hadn't been cut in a decade or two.

Once out side the door, I quickly opened up with my key. I called out for my mum but I knew there was no point she wouldn't be due back anytime soon as she is too busy with work. Now, I don't resent her for working so much, I just wished she'd let me help by getting a job of my own. However, whenever I bring the idea up she shuts it down saying I need to live my youth free without being held down. And I know she only has the best interest for me but I couldn't get over the immense guilt for letting her deal with all the bills all on her own. Especially since she never has free time for herself.

Grabbing a glass of water I quickly made my way to my room. It wasn't much just a bed and a small, falling apart chest of draws, but I didn't mind... it served it's purpose. Taking my trainers off, I quickly found where the whole was and cursed under my breath, it was too big to sew, no wonder it felt like I was swimming in the sea. Continuing my cursing, I walked to the radiator a placed them on it hoping for them to at least dry even if there is a chance of them smelling in the morning. I only had one other pair of shoes and they weren't much better, but at least they didn't have a raging whole on the bottom of them.

After completing my homework, I walked down stairs and into the make do kitchen and prepared some pasta for my mum and I, for when she gets back. Not long after it was cooked and served she arrived calling out to me; " Hey sweetie, how was your day?" she asked and I shrugged my shoulders as I still had a mouthful of food. Quickly swallowing I answered back a fine and then she proceeded to get some food, as I ventured my way back into my room.

The rain still hadn't settled yet causing the normally dark skies to darken tenfold. As I was dropping of to sleep, I was quickly awoken by some banging and loud voices. Hurriedly, I went to the source, only to find Martin. Martin was an old man with dying hair and a beer belly in tow and he happened to be my mums boyfriend. I knew she could do better but she keeps insisting that we need him as he does help to keep the apartment as he is friends with the owner. However, I'd rather be on the streets then deal with this guy nearly every night. And that makes me sound ungrateful!

"Hurry now, I've just got in" He demanded impatiently to my mum, so she rushed to get what ever he wanted... wouldn't be surprised if it were a beer to be honest. And I was right, as I saw a beer in the hand of my mother. I shook my head at the sight, when he wasn't around my mum was loud and outgoing but he makes her cower in fear. That thing tends to push her around but whenever I try to help she pushes me away saying not to get involved but how can I not? She is my mother after all and I couldn't just sit or stand there and watch as she gets dossed around for not doing something to his satisfactory. On her way back she nearly trips in fear and he notices, eyes narrowed; " Watch your damned feet would ya', you imbecile", he stormed over to her and snatched the beer out of her hand and glared down at her, all the while I just stood there like a good for nothing.

Martin turned back around to the run downed sofa, but before he could take a seat he saw me standing behind the corner of the wall and sent a wild smirk my way. He knew full well I wouldn't stand a chance against him and yet I soo desperately wanted to drive my fist into his face. Looking away I saw my mother mouth 'bed' to me and I couldn't help but want to laugh as I was seventeen and was getting told to go to bed. Smiling to my mother and mouthing a goodnight, I silently made my way to my room.

Ready to sleep until tomorrow, where I have to return to school and those people I call peers. My name is River and welcome to my fabulous life.