The Fear Of Falling Apart

-15-

This is just what's going on in everyone's lives at this point, and there's a lot of POV switching.

Tanith's POV

It's been hours since I jumped the fence of Diane's backyard.

I ran as far as I could. I didn't stop until my breathing was too little for me to continue, and I got a good distance away. But now my legs are aching, my throat is dry and I'm covered in sweat.

It's getting dark, too.

I need to find somewhere safe, where she won't find me. If she finds me I'll never see sunlight again.

I spot a piece of paper blowing along in the wind, and decide to use my last bout of energy to chase after it. I finally stomp my foot down on it and gingerly pick it up.

I'm not sure what I was hoping for, but all I got was some receipt for a bookstore. I scrunch it into a ball and toss it before continuing on my way, trudging down the street and eventually just sitting down on the sidewalk.

I'm so tired. All I want to do is curl up in a ball, but I can't do that. I'm jut resting, yeah, just resting until I feel a little better.

"Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend, somewhere alone in the bitterness.." I sing softly to myself. I wish I had a guitar or a drumkit or something.

My eyes drift shut, and I promise myself I'll open them in a second.

---

"Excuse me, miss?" A voice asked. I force my tired eyes open. It's bright now. I guess I fell asleep. Well, at least Diane didn't find me.

I look up to see a woman with brown hair and a concerned face. "I'm really sorry but you can't sit there. I can get in a lot of trouble."

I just nod glumly and pull myself to my feet.

The streets have far more people now, and I can see a pay phone over the other side of the street. If only I had a dollar.

But I can't call the police on Diane.

I know how stupid that sounds, but she was trying to protect me. I'm going home, but she's not going to prison.

I can't leave Lucas without parents.

That's just fucked up.

I lived that reality for a couple of years, and it wasn't fun. I refuse to burden anyone else with that.

I sit against a different building, picking up a cup from the side of the building and prop it up in front of me.

I watch it blow uncertainly in the light breeze, and then I start to sing.

"One night and one more time, thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great~" I emphasise my words and make it sound like it did in What A Catch.

"See, he tastes like you only sweeter.." I sigh at the end.

Life just isn't treating me well right now.

Someone passing by drops something into my cup, not even stopping to do so. I gingerly lean forward to check what it was, only to find a dollar.

Why would that stranger drop money in a cup for me? I'm not a begger. Maybe I look like I'm homeless. I certainly feel that way.

Maybe they though I was busking.

Actually, that could be a good idea.

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