I Will Help You

Runaway

For the longest time, Mitch Grassi has never understood why he is the only dark haired member of the family, and why his last name was different than theirs.

Connie: Mitchell, sweetheart, you weren't adopted. You have always been a part of this family.

She calmly explains to him.

Mitch: Then why is my hair different than yours? Than dads? Than everyone's? Why is my last name Grassi and yours is Hoying? Mom, what's going on?!

He panics.

Ever since he was little, Mitch Grassi knew he wasn't actually from the Hoying family. Everything about him was complete opposite from them. His height. His eye color. His hair color. Everything was different. Even their skin tones weren't the same.

Connie: Mitchell, honey, calm down. You've been in our family since you were a baby! A small helpless little baby. We loved you then and we still love you!

Mitch: My name isn't Mitchell, mother!

He snaps as he fights tears.

Rick: Mitchell has always been your name..

His father, Rick Hoying, responds.

Mitch: It's Mitch, okay?! Mitch! Not Mitchell.

He screams.

Rick: It's been Mitchell ever since you were adopted!

Rick gasps after realizing what he's said.

Connie: Rick!

They look at their son who has tears running down his face.

Mitch: What?

He questions.

Mitch: You said I wasn't...

Connie: I know...

Mitch: That I...

Rick: I know...

Mitch: You lied to me!

He shouts, voice shaky from crying.

Connie: Mitchell...

Mitch: Stop calling me Mitchell!

He cries.

Rick: Son..

Mitch cuts him off.

Mitch: I'm not your son!

Rick: Mitch..

He says softly as he attempts to pull him in for a hug.

Mitch: No! Don't touch me!

He screams as he walks to the door.

Connie: Mitch, please don't go..

Mitch: You lied to me! You aren't my friends, you aren't my parents, you aren't my family!

He yells then storms out the door.

By the time papa Hoying gets outside to stop him, Mitch has already ran down the street.

It's about 9:30 at night, and the street lights are on.

He walks down to the nearest park and sits on the rim of the fountain.

Sitting with his head in his hands, he cries, feeling betrayed and lied to.

Boy: I know the feeling.

Mitch gasps hearing the boy's voice and looks around in panic.

Mitch: Who said that?

Boy: I did.