Unforgivable Lacerations

Chapter Thirty-One

The picture is of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

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Grand Rapids, Michigan.

That was where I wanted to go. As a little girl, my geography class had to choose a city in any state to write an essay about, and I chose Grand Rapids. I had never been to Michigan, as much as I wanted to, as the prices were rather hefty; therefore, I stuck with pictures of the spectacular cities and Mother Nature's creations of natural beauty. However, now, I had the chance to pursue a childhood dream of mine and drive to Grand Rapids.

Going on Google, I searched how long it would take to drive. I wouldn't be able to go to an airport like I was- broken legged, tramped looking and on the verge of collapsing- so I would have to drive. Yes, drive with a broken leg and various injuries. But I needed to get away, and as much as it would agonize me, I would do it.

I will do it. I will!

The drive to Grand Rapids was thirty-six hours, with a bit of traffic. Not thinking much of it, just the fact that I would have to stop at a motel halfway through, I searched the web for places to stay when I got to Michigan. I couldn't exactly buy an apartment as I knew I would have to keep moving to prevent the pack catching me, so I opted for a cheap hotel.

The page popped up with expensive hotels first, but scrolling down I saw 'Cheap Rooms In Grand Rapids'. I clicked on it, with my heart filling with hope, and put in some rough estimates as to when I would be there. I typed in seven days as to how long I would stay, and then I would move on... Maybe to Maine?

I shook my head at my future plans, I would take each day as it came...because I knew there was an almighty chance of me becoming homeless when my money ran out. It was inevitable. 

I dialed the hotel on my cell phone, but my fingers trembled in anticipation so it took me three tries to correct the number sequence.

I couldn't contain the rush of rebelling. Rebelling? More like claiming my freedom back. I smiled slightly at the thought. I would always be on the run from them, but if I stayed here I would live the rest of my days being slowly killed- probably in the end by my own hand. If the pack did find me, then they might, hopefully, make my death quick with utter rage. 

A male voice answered the phone and revealed that they had room for me. I gave him my name and said that I would pay once I was there. It was an informal way to pay but from how the place looked run down in the pictures, I wasn't surprised they didn't have the right structures.

After I thanked him, I limped to the stairs. This was the worst and most brutal part of my day. My broken leg had to be lifted and as if hopping, using the banisters, to climb the stairs. My multiple screams, deep ragged breaths, and cries only took the journey longer.

"Come on, Bella! No time," I breathed out.

It took longer than usual and I still had to make my way down them again. Anyone would have thought the pain would have been a routine but tears still leaked my eyes and whimpers bubbled at my lips. I was only human, and no human could have 'gotten used to' the torture that oozed through my veins at shocking speeds.

I made it, though, and gosh, I was proud.

Not looking at the bloodied bedsheets that I had neglected to wash since that night, I went to my wardrobe. I knew I wouldn't be able to bring a suitcase down the stairs so I snagged my old duffel bag down from above the wardrobe. 

Four of everything when it came to clothing and Romeo and Juliet book- which contained the pictures and letters, meant I could just about fit my technology into my bag- something I was sure I would sell when money became eventually tight. Lastly, I yanked my sock drawer open again, somewhere I knew Jacob was less likely to explore, and retrieved a large sum of money that was left over from the renovation. It was sourced from selling both Charlie's and Mom's houses, and being me, I kept it in a sock. It was an inconspicuous thing to keep it in.  Lastly, after struggling down the stairs, I went to Edward's CD in the study.