I made my decision. I would leave, with the promise to visit. My plan was to pack, find clues about my dad, then tell Brian where I would go. Hopefully all under my moms noes.
"First things first" I tell myself. "Step one, gather supplies."
I had to be inconspicuous yet prepared.
Checklist
-money
-underwear
-jeans
-sweatshirt
-t-shirts
-tooth paste and toothbrush
-dads info
- picture of me and Brian
-phone
-comb and hair ties
-water bottle
I began to pack everything in my book bag. Pausing at Brian's picture. I already missed him, how could I leave him? How could I be that selfish? On the other hand one day my mom might beat me to death. I couldn't keep this a secret forever. As much as it hurt I was doing the right thing... I think. I put the picture in my bag as a single tear trickled down my cheek. I have to go. I can't stay here.
Next step, find out where my dad lives and get directions. I wandered around the house and finally looked in the closet under the stairs. I opens the creaky door and peered in the dark space. I crept inside, edging around piles of old magazines and books. I rummaged around in the back. I came across a box I had never seen before. I unhinged the lid and peered inside. Inside I found a note. Weird, who hides a note? It read:
Dear Jamie,
I love you and am so sorry I am leaving, I love another. I have tried to tell your mother this but she never listens. She blames you. I am so deeply sorry I am not telling you this in person. I can't bear to face myself. My only hope is that you will find me when your older. My new wife, Rachel, and I have a house in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. 2345, river valley road. Please come visit sometime. I hope your mother doset hide this... Oh well, your a smart girl, you'll find it.
With love,
Your father, Steven
By the end of the letter I was crying. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault. I had listened to my mother pour her hate and bitterness into me when it was really her fault. She wouldn't miss me. No one would. I carefully placed the note into my bag. How far away is Harrisburg? No worries, I could steal a bike... Or car... Or something. But I had to leave soon, before mom comes home from work, after telling my brother of course.
I walked up towards my brothers room. Already I felt a whole in my heart.
"Hey buddy" I said, knocking on the door.
"Come in Jamie!" Called Brian
I walked in the room seeing the familiar super hero posters and messy book shelves. I sat down on the bed. Brian's blue eyes stared back at me.
I ruffled his blonde hair, "hey buddy, I'm going to be leaving..." I choked up I couldn't do this.
But I couldn't take a 6-year-old on a goose chase to find our dad!
"Where why how long?"
"Buddy, mom... She-she hurts me. And one day she will hurt me so badly that I might be seriously injured or worse. I-I can't stay here. I'm going to find dad."
"You'll be gone forever?"
"I promise I'll visit" I said tears streaming down my face.
"Please don't leave me!" He whimpered, starting to cry.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." I mumbled as I hugged him.
We hugged for what seemed like forever. I'm the end he let me go understanding that it would be best for me to escape. I told him of the note and if mom ever hits him ever he should find me in Pennsylvania. Many tears were shed that day (and more to come).
I quickly left and snuck away, occasionally checking my phone for directions (one way to get back at my mom - use up all off the data mwahahaha). I went into town and paused for a rest in an alley by some town houses. I slumped against the wall and contemplated my life choices. I reread the note again and again. I don't remember my dad much. Think ing back I realize who was Brian's dad?!?! The thought makes me tremble.
While in the middle of a mini nap, I see a figure at the beginning of the alley. I freeze, my heart leaping to my throat.
"Haha I knew I'd find you here you ungrateful little girl!" Croons a voice I know all too well, my mother, "Trying to escape after all I've done for you!"
"You didn't do anything for me" I tried but my voice came out squeaky and fearful.
"I gave you shelter, I gave you food, I gave you every thing and you took it all away from me" she growls, "you made him leave! It's all your fault." She walks closer to me.
"What?! I didn't do anything! I have a note and-" I was cut short as she punched me in the face.
"You deserve punishment, after what you did to me!" She knocked me to the ground.
I cried out in pain and begged her to stop, the words heavy and familiar in my mouth. She wouldn't stop. She hit she kicked she punches. It all began to melt away, all my problems and pain in to the sweet release of death. My vision blurred but I thought I saw a figure at the beginning of the alley. Until everything went black. The sweet release of death.
