Breaking Free

Chapter 1

Raven's POV

"So how are you and Dylan?" My best friend, Ramona, questions as we walk down the cracked sidewalk. "I know last time I asked things were getting better but a lot can change in two weeks."

"Honestly Ramona," I say kicking a rock with the toe of my converse. "I'm done with Dylan. I've had enough of his shit. I'm done letting him control me and my every move."

"Look, I know you want out of this situation with Dylan but I don't think it's a good idea," She says. "He's a bad person, I don't want to see you get hurt and not like the usual. You know what I mean?"

"Anyways. How have things been going with your parents?" I change the subject quickly.

"My dads leaving tomorrow for a business trip to Los Angeles. Which is code for he's going to Los Angeles to hook up with his bitch while he's relaxing outback of her multi-million dollar mansion in a pool chair next to her Olympic sized swimming pool and humongous hot tub," Ramona says and as we turn towards the house with the graffiti-covered door she wipes away a tear from her eye. "I don't think he's coming back this time."

"You know what? Fuck him. He'll be leaving behind a wonderful woman who was always loyal to him and was willing to forgive him for the terrible wrongs he did to her along with his own child, one of the most beautiful women he'll ever see. If he doesn't see what he has here with you guys then he must be blind," I say and she gives me a smile and then walks up to her front door and walks into the house.

"Hey there punta," A male voice says from behind me as I walk down the sidewalk to my house and I turn around to see a guy I've known since kindergarten, Jack Graves.

"Call me punta one more time and I will-," I say turning back around and continuing to walk to my house but Jack jogs to catch up to me.

"Easy there punta there's no need for you to threaten me. I could call the cops on you," Jack says and I turn around, knee him right where the sun doesn't shine, turn around, and walk off.

"Fuck you," I hear Jack moan and then I smile and continue on.

-------

I push open the back door to my house and let the door close behind me. "Mom! I'm home!" I walk further into the house and find Dylan, my boyfriend, sitting on the couch.

"Your mother is out at the moment," Dylan says sleepily. "How was your day?"

"It was okay," I say setting my bag down next to the tan-colored arm chair in the living room. "Look, I really need to talk to you about something."

"Oh! I had some good news I wanted to tell you. You can go first though," Dylan says with a wide smile across his face.

"No, no that's okay, you go first," I say smiling back at him.

"You know that old playground? The one we went to after our first date with the swings and really tall slide," Dylan says excitedly.

"Yeah. I remember. I also remember you falling off the slide," I laugh lightly.

"A couple of people are getting together to repaint it. I thought we could help because it kind of brought us together."

"I don't know. Do you really think you'll want to do that later on. I mean you're only in a good mood like once a month and I'd say that time is now."

"You know what, forget about it," Dylan says angrily. "I'm here trying to make an effort and you're acting like you don't care about our relationship."

"I can't do this anymore Dylan," I say looking down at my feet. "I'm sorry, I can't."

"I don't care if you can't. You will anyways," Dylan storms out of the house and slams the door behind him. I stare at a stain on the carpet until I hear the front door creak open.

"I come bearing Mac and Cheese," I hear my mom's voice and walk into the kitchen to get the pot of water ready.

"Can we talk about something mom?" I say nervously as my mom joins me in the kitchen.

"Of course Raven," she says and sets the white plastic bag on the kitchen counter. "What about?"