Don't Let Me Go

Chapter One

*Flashback*

I walked through the front door after a long day of school. Slamming my backpack on the floor, I could hear my parents screaming at each other in their bedroom. It's not a big surprise to me because they always yell, but what made me curious was what they were arguing over.

"I won't do that to my own daughter! She doesn't deserve this!" my mom screamed.

"We can't afford her, I'm just thinking of us! Don't you want to be happy together just the two of us again?" My dad said in a slightly smoother tone.

There was a long pause in their voices leaving room for my mind to buzz with thoughts. His words rang in my head like an over played song. 'We can't afford her' 'just the two of us.' What could he mean? Were they going to get rid of me? My face became hot and I could feel the blood rushing to the surface. 'Don't cry, don't cry, you don't know what's going on. Don't cry.' I thought to myself.

Their screams started up again with a shriek from my mom.

"You're insane! How could you think of yourself like this? I can't be with someone like you! I-I-I just can't," her voice slowly became more quiet and eventually faded into a whisper.

"Why do you always have to react like this? I'm doing this for us, not just myself! I love you darling, and you know nothing will change that!"

My dad is usually sappy when he wants his way, and I usually think that it's nice, but not now. My mom didn't say anything else. All I could hear was what sounded like someone packing a bag. I knew I needed to say something and now was the best time.

I slowly walked to the door frame of my parents bedroom. My heart was racing, apparently this was harder than it looked ten seconds ago. I lightly knocked on their door, obviously not hard enough because there was no answer. Now agitated, I knocked harder than expected. Before the door was opened there was a short pause of noise and movement on the opposite side of the door.

When it was opened, I could feel the air become thick with dread. Not theirs, but my fear, fear of losing them and everyone else forever.

"Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know I'm home," I lied, trying too hard to be casual.

I glanced over to my mom whose mouth was agape with wide bloodshot eyes. Her face was red and streaked with dry tears.

"Oh god Alaina, how long have you been here?" She asked worriedly.

"Long enough," I snapped, holding back the tears.

My mother sobbed as she glanced at my father who was 'examining' the floor.

"Alaina, sweetie, I'm leaving. Don't get me wrong I love you so much and I never intended to hurt you." My mother's cries became louder with every word, "but me and your father aren't getting along. I wish I could take you with me, but- but I---"

"Just leave, there is no need to explain, Anne," my dad said in a disappointed tone.

I could feel the hot tears uncontrollably falling down my face.

"Mom- mom p-please don't, I-I can't do this without you!" I cried.

"I'm so sorry," she said as she trudged out the door with few things and little money. I tried to run after her, but my arm was caught by my dad's strong grip.

"You're going nowhere with her!" he demanded firmly.

"Let go of me!"

He yanked me towards him almost abusively.

"This is your fault. None of this would have happened if you weren't here! The woman that just walked out of this house was the only one I loved! You ruined everything!" He took a deep breath and looked away. "You need to leave."

"But dad can you just tell me--"

"Now," he screamed louder than ever.

*End of Flashback*