Broken Home

Chapter 6

The freeway was empty at this time of day. The sun hides beneath the horizon a few rays peeking out. I check the time 5:27 AM, I've been driving for 3 hours now. I hadn't decided where I was going but I was driving south and was debating on going to California. I look up and see a figure walking on the side of the road. I pull over and roll down my window. His familiar jet black hair and his pale face catch my attention. He had cuts and bruises on his face and was carrying a tattered backpack. His lips stretch into a smile that didn't reach his eyes, his dark sea green eyes. I draw in a breath "Evan, what are you doing in the middle of nowhere?" His eyes were lit with sadness, his forced expression would have made his mouth look humorous, if it didn't make my heart heavy. I stare at him for a few moments, I'm almost positive his expression mirrors mine.

"Running away from my personal hell, what does it look like?" His anger catches me by surprise.

I shrug "Well I'm sorry for asking. I guess I'll be on my way." I start slowly accelerating although I know I can't leave him behind.

His eyes sparkle at my humor but soften when he examines my face, "Hold on a second, what the hell happened to you?"

"My birthday happened while you were hitchhiking."

He frowns "Yeah I'm really sorry I missed that. I has some complications."

I ignore him and keep driving south, after a while of stillness I speak up "Complications huh? May I know the details?"

His laugh breaks the silence, "Long story."

I mimic his voice "Long ride."

He groans, "You wont let this go will you?"

I shake my head, "Nope."

He sighs, "Let's keep it short and sweet. My parents didn't want me so they left me at an orphanage. I was adopted by a sweet family but I wanted to know who my real parents were. Eventually I did find them and discovered that they were addicted to drugs and alcohol. My sweet family turned out to be abusive. Now that I'm eighteen, I can get away from that hell hole."

I mutter "I don't want to say sorry because that doesn't fix anything, but still sorry, that sucks."

He reaches down and grabs something off the car floor. He comes back up with a piece of paper folded up with the Amanda's neat writing."Happy Birthday Andy!" I could feel the tears forming as soon as I saw it, I focus on the road and snatch the card from him. I would read the card as soon as we stopped for gas, which had to be soon.

I pull into a typical ghetto looking gas station. Two middle aged guys wearing flannels and trucker hats sat outside on lawn chairs, drinking from red solo cups. 

Evan mumbles "Since I missed your birthday I'll get the gas and some snacks, you stay here."

He pulls out money from his backpack and heads into the gas station. I pick up the card and carefully open it,

Dear Andy,

Happy Birthday to the best sister in the world! I'm so lucky to have you. I know how hard it is with mom and dad and I'm glad I have such an amazing sister. You make me smile even on the worst days and you take care of me a thousand times better then mom and dad could. I love you so much, I don't tell you this enough. I hope we can make it through this rough patch together.

Much love,

Amanda (Bear)

Underneath her writing was a drawing of us holding hands. She was an incredible artist for being so young. She hadn't drawn a picture for me in a long time. I couldn't believe I left my sister. All alone in that broken home, she couldn't forgive me, but I had to forgive myself. I knew it would be better in the long run. I had to help Amanda somehow I couldn't bear knowing she    My mysterious boy comes back in the car and buckles up. I hold up my finger, and pick up my phone and dial a number I memorized a while ago.

My phone dials, I take a deep breath.

A woman's voice rings out."Hello, Child Protection Services, is there a problem you want to report?"