The Neighborhood

O

For two days.... Two long days my mother had abandoned me yet again. For two exhausting days, the police has yet to come up with any clues of her whereabouts and decided that it couldn't have been a kidnap because there were no signs of force entry and she couldn't be labeled as a runaway because she's an adult. I had no blood family out here or even that I knew existed other than my father who'd vanished long before the age of 9.

Aunt Denise says she's to busy to be worried about stuff like this and it'll put to much stress on her. Luckily, the officer and deputy said since during these circumstances and my age, I had the choice to continue to live on my own since it's technically not against the law or I could live with a close family friend. The answer was simple since I always desired to have my own independence. Beatrice's parents understood perfectly and thought it'd be nice for them to come over for the weekends. Although, even if they had the approval from their parents, they probably want to spend their time with their lovers and I know I'll be left in the lonely house.

It seems like everything that I wished for was coming true but it hasn't been a dream. I hate to admit this, even after all the horrible things she inflicted on me, I missed her.

Maybe it was because it was the only family that I ever had or just because she was there every time I would walk through that door. It was like I had a dose of Stockholm Syndrome yet I can also confess that I hated her with a burning passion. I don't think I could forgive even though I have the ability to. It's simply because I refuse to: I was stubborn.

At least I think.

"You ok baby," Keith whispered before planting a kiss to my neck.

The strong aroma of marijuana fell from his lips making my nose scrunch up in detest.

"Are you high," I inquired, turning my body to his figure.

His eyes was low with a vibrant red shining through. If he puffed another I'll bet money that his eyes would've fallen out of his socket. He licked his lips still starring at me before releasing a chuckle turning away before bringing his attention back to me.

"Lol how you find out," he cackled while I starred unamused my arms folded in front of me. I watched as he continued to giggle before trying to slide his hand between my thigh only leading me to slap his hand away.

"First off," I said slowly growing irritated, "you stink of it. And secondly who the fucks says lol out loud," I huffed before storming off into my room.

I heard him groan, no doubt running his hands over his face.

"YOU FUCKING UP MY HIGH," he yelled out. His feet slowly shuffled on the tile floor as he made his way into my room.

Ignoring him completely, I gathered clothes so I could take my shower in peace. I had so much on my mind that I didn't- no, I refuse to have Keith be on my stress list.

I heard the squeak of my bed as he made himself comfortable.

There was a thick silence in the house, something I had to get used to though it was simply the tension between us.

"Where you think you heading off to at this hour," he spoke up, retying the silky black durag on his head.

I rolled my eyes at his question before checking the time on my phone.

7:03 PM.

You gotta be kidding me.

"Out," I said simply before walking towards the bathroom.

"Where".

"Somewhere".

"With?"

"Someone".