Cardboard to Tiara (On Hold)

Prelude

Glass crashed into the wall. The putrid smell of alcohol dripped down the wall like small stream of light brown. More glass breaking. I ducked down barely missing a Jack Daniels bottle. It smashed into tiny perilous pieces across the living room brown, shag carpet.

"Stupid b****!"

He grabbed another bottle, aiming for my head.

I ran into the hallway and into my room, turning my lock and pinning a chair under the knob.

I scrambeled onto my bed, flinging my bed sheets into the air.

Under my covers, I pulled mysef into a fetal position.

He banged on door. I knew any minute the door would fall off it's hinges.

"Open up this door you lil' b****!"

I plugged my ears, wishing myself somewhere else.

I am in a far away country, filled with flowers galore and bunnies. I am whisked away by my magical fairy godmother who rewards me with a chocolate cake and a cold glass of milk. She tells me how pretty and smart I am. She pinched my cheeks and rubs my nose. I am happy.

"Jocelyn! Open this door or I'm gonna f***n' drag you out," he slurs.

It was just a little mistake. He is so drunk.

"JOCELYN," my mom screams after me. "Get out here. Your dad's really mad!"

I don't budge.

CLICK CLACK CLICK

I looked up. They were picking the lock. I push myself against my wall, anticipating anything.

CRASH

Before I could open my eyes, he grabs me by my hair. "OW!"

"I told you to open the f***n' door!"

My scalp was stinging, shooting pain across my skull.

I closed my eyes. Please let this be over.

*******

It was one in the morning. My stepdad and mom were probably still at the bar.

I got out of bed, and grabbed my school backpack. I began stuffing it with clothes, and pictures of my friends, and a couple of books.

I ran into the kitchen, grabbing anything I could eat and putting it in my bag.

I found my mom's secret stash of money and slipped it into my pocket.

I cannot stand living here anymore. I have to get out now.