Mercy

Chapter 1

Chapter One

"NO...NO....STOP!"

I jerked suddenly, pulling myself out of my nightmare. I gasped for air, as if someone had been sitting on my chest trying to smother me. It took me just a few seconds to snap out of it. "It was just a dream..." I mumbled out loud. My voice was raspy and harsh; it didn't even sound like me. I buried myself deeper in the mix of blankets and pillows on my bed, taking slow deep breaths. I hadn't had a nightmare about him in so long. I peeked at the clock on my nightstand. 5:30 AM. I knew there was no way I would get back to sleep now. After thirty minutes of rolling around in denial I finally slithered out of bed. The room was dark and I could hear the soft pat of rain on the roof. Perfect, it would rain on my moving day.

I turned the small lamp beside my bed on, filling the small room with a soft yellow glow. I tugged a sweatshirt on and flipped my hair in a messy bun on top of my head. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was a very petite and curvy. I only stood about five feet tall with long dark brown wavy hair that hit right above my belly button. I wasn't your typical California girl - I had thick thighs, big hips and dark eyes - I was nothing like most of the girls around here.

I tugged on a pair of ripped skinny jeans that hugged tightly to my hips and slipped my feet into my chucks. Sighing softly, I glanced around the empty room and boxes. A smile crept across my lips, I was ready for a fresh start, I was ready to let go of my past and be someone new. I tossed my phone into my purse and grabbed my first load of bags.

"Morning Gram." I kissed her cheek and lifted myself onto the kitchen counter. "Hi sweetheart, you are up early...Is everything okay?" Her sweet voice made me smile. "I'm fine Gran', just figured I needed to start loading my car up. I have a long drive ahead of me." I was moving four hours north from where we lived to start college in a week. I had spent all summer working two jobs so I could save up for my apartment. She handed me a cup of coffee with a big smile. I loved her so much, she had raised me for the past few years after my mom and dad got arrested. She was my savior. At 74 she still worked to support me. I ran my fingers over the deep scar on my wrist - if it weren't for her I don't know if I'd even be here today. I quickly covered the mark up with the several bracelets on my wrist and slid off the counter. "You headed to work soon?" I asked, taking a slow sip of coffee. She frowned and nodded. "I wish I could help you move today..." Before I knew what I was doing, my arms were wrapped tightly around her. "Oh Gran' I am really going to miss you." She held me; she didn't say anything knowing I would probably start to cry if she did. Gran knew how much she meanto me - she was the only person who ever cared about me.

After we said our goodbyes and she headed to work I decided that I better start packing up my all my things into my car. It was still raining but it had calmed to a light drizzle. I slammed the trunk shut, feeling accomplished.

The drive was nice after an hour or so the rain had stopped and I was able to drive with the windows down. The air whipped through the car and the music blasted loud; it was refreshing. The best part was that I wasn't forced to think or worry.

I pulled up in front of the apartments, they weren't anything special but they were what I could afford. They were small two bedroom units. I slipped my purse over my shoulder and headed towards the door of my new home. My roommate wouldn't be there until tomorrow so I had the place to myself. I pushed the door open and stepped into the small slightly furnished apartment. There was a couch in the main room with a small coffee table and a table with two chairs beside the entrance to the kitchen. I walked through each room, looking over everything. To some this would have been disappointing but I had worked so hard for this. I made my way down the hallway - there was a small bathroom on the left and two doors on the right. I headed towards the last door and gently pushed it open. The room was lit by a soft light from a large window. There was a bed pushed against one wall and an old dldesk on the opposite wall. I tossed my bag onto the floor and jumped onto the bed. I took a deep breath and let out a loud squeal. This was finally my fresh start. There was no running from my past here. I finally had the clean slate.

I spent the rest of my afternoon unloading my car and unpacking. By the time I was finished my stomach was growling. I had lost all track of time. I pulled my phone out of my purse, glancing at the time. "Shit...seven already? No wonder I'm hungry..." I muttered as I read over my text messages.

Gran

Sweetie, I haven't heard from you today... I am getting worried...

Gran

Text me when you get this message

Gran

Young lady you better answer me or I am going to drive all the way to Sacramento!

I chuckled to myself, for being her age she was spunky as ever. My Gran had always been that way, even when I was little. She seems to have gotten even more sassy with age.

ME

Sorry Gran! I was unpacking everything and lost track of time. I made it safe and sound. I will talk to you later, I'm exhausted. Love you. Xxx

I hadn't done any shopping yet so it was either go to the store or order a pizza. Pizza it is. I googled a local pizza place that would deliver to my new apartment and placed the order. While I waited I pulled my computer out and set up Netflix on the coffee table. I picked a movie and grabbed my blanket off the bed. Pizza, Netflix and then I was going to hit the sack. The long drive plus all of the unpacking had worn me out.

After eating half of the pizza I felt like I might explode. I placed the left overs into the fridge. My head was telling me to shower but my body was calling to my bed. I set the alarm on my phone and sank into the welcoming oasis that was my tiny bed. Almost as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.

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Author notes:

Just a reminder, this is my very first story. Please be gentle.

Please comment and vote.