I couldn't take it anymore. If there was anything I had learned in the past month of my life, it was that. After mom left everything changed, Mikey spent most of his time higher than the sky and dad, always drunk. Which was probably the worst part about this.
"Victor fucking Fuentes, get your fag ass down here this instant!" I wasn't about to disobey him, not when he got as bad as this. Just from the tone of his voice, I could tell he was ready to give a beating, and I had no choice but to take it.
As carefully as I could I made my way out of my room, which could easily be considered a disaster zone. I already knew that my father would be waiting by the front door for me and that if I didn't get to him quickly, the beating would be much, much worse.
My father stood there his arms crossed, a stern expression that sent chills down my back adorned his face. Surprisingly enough, he seemed to be sober which made the whole ordeal that much more intimidating. While he had never attempted to harm me while sober, I knew it could change at any given minute. But, I had sworn to myself when- if that day comes that I would leave. Run away from his bastard and never look back. Anything that would mean I could survive.
"Victor, would you care to explain why the school called and said you haven't attended a single lesson this week?" He growled, dark eyes boring into me, making it clear that lying wasn't an option.
"I'm sorry sir I... well you see-"
"Would you just answer me goddamnit!" He exclaims, both his outburst and the first swing of his hand cutting off my hopeless stammer. To say that I was taken by surprised was an understatement. I was completely and utterly mortified. Never in my life did I think he would actually hit me sober and now that he has, I knew that I wouldn't be here when he woke up the next morning.
Surprisingly, the beating went by relatively quickly. I think he got bored of it, seeing that I wasn't crying out or reacting as much as I normally would, I couldn't have reacted even if I tried. The entire time I was focusing on formulating a plan, some way to get out of here tonight. I couldn't possibly wait any longer for that would surely be a death sentence.
After my father had stumbled off to the kitchen for a drink, I did my best to drag myself to my room. Despite the fact that the beating wasn't as long I think he did just as much damage due to his increased accuracy.
With quite a bit of difficulty, I pulled a duffle bag out of my closet, but not before making sure I had locked the door. As carefully and quietly as possible I grabbed some clothes, a blanket, and a pillow as I wasn't sure where I was going to go quite yet. Despite having no real plan I knew I couldn't stay here, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't and goddamnit, I refused to let myself live like this any longer.
Once I had packed just enough to get by but still be able to travel light I started calling a few of my friends, trying to see who would let me stay with them. Much to my dismay, most of their parents wouldn't allow it on such short notice and without me being able to give a valid reason. While I was willing to tell them what my father had been doing, I knew I couldn't do it now. When Mike, his favorite son, is no longer under his roof and isn't relying on him then maybe but not today.
Finally, after about an hour of making calls, I had found someone who was willing to take me in. Sure, I didn't know him that well but I was damn near desperate. I knew I wouldn't be able to leave until everyone was asleep and it would be a while until Mike went to sleep. Hopefully, I would get lucky enough that he would be away at a party all night but, this is me we are talking about here and luck has never been on my side. This night was absolutely no exception. Mike came home about an hour after I was sure our father had fallen asleep, meaning I wouldn't be able to leave for another four or five hours. So, I took the opportunity to try and get some sleep, making sure I set an alarm.
When I woke up everything was blurry and I hadn't a clue what was going on. Lazily, I rolled over onto my side and glanced at the clock perched on my nightstand. The time read 2:08 which quickly got me out of bed. I had set my alarm for nearly an hour ago, but I guess it didn't go off. Regardless, I grabbed my duffle that I had hidden under my bed, did a quick run over to make sure I had everything before I went to the window preparing to climb out.
"This is it, isn't it?"
Quickly, I turn to look over my shoulder to see Mike leaning against my doorframe, a somber look had fallen onto his face. I really had no idea what to say to him. Never once did I want to leave him behind and I had always planned to stay in contact with him, but I never wanted to say goodbye, not like this at least.
"I'm sorry Mikey, but I can't go on like this anymore." He seemed to understand what I meant and didn't ask anything else. Instead, he walked over and wrapped me in a hug. Despite my surprise, I hugged him back, knowing it would probably be a long while until I would be able to do this again. "I don't know when I'll see you again Mikey but know that I love you and I'm gonna do my damn best to see you again."
Honestly, I wish that I had done more to say goodbye but I couldn't do it. Instead, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and shoved it into his hand. Before he had a chance to speak I turned back around, took two strides over to the window before carefully climbing out silently landing on my two feet.
~~~~~~~~~~
I wasn't sure how long I had been looking for Jake's house but I knew I was lost. In hindsight I probably shouldn't have written his address on my hand, knowing that they would get sweaty and that's exactly what happened, leaving the ink to rub off. Trying my best I found an address that looked to be what was written on my hand and I hoped it was. With the only courage I could muster up I made the trek up the driveway, carefully knocking on the door when I reached it.
At first, I received no answer and decided it would be in my best interest to turn and leave. So that's what I did, only soon after I did I heard the door open. I was surprised at first but when I turned to see someone I had never met before at the door, I was terrified.
"I'm sorry sir I- I must have the wrong house," I mumbled not looking the man in the eyes, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
"You seem a little lost kid, and don't you think it's a bit too early in the morning for you to be running away?"
My head shot up at that. Was it really that obvious that I was leaving home? I was completely mortified, unsure of what to do. To my surprise the man held his hand out to me, a gentle smile falling on his face, green eyes shining in the moonlight.
"I know it's probably a long shot but if you need somewhere to crash I can offer you the couch for the night and take you home in the morning."
"I'm sorry sir but I can't take you up on that offer. I can't go home." I explained, turning the offer down in what I hoped was a polite manner. The man smiled, shaking his head slightly.
"Then I won't take you home, but I'm not letting you stand out here in the cold. My couch is still open until you find somewhere to go."
"What's your name, sir?" He smirked, taking my hand and leading me into his house.
"Name's Kellin, but let's save the introductions for tomorrow, you need to get some rest my little runaway."
~~~~~~~~~~
I couldn't find the original prompt I got this from because I save too many prompts to my Pinterest whoops
If people want I will do a part 2 or something but for now this is the end, hope you enjoyed
