Shattered

Chapter Seventeen

Driving down that gravel road gave me a sense of happiness that I've lost over the course of the past six-ish months. It made me feel free, even though I had no idea where I was going to go, or what I was going to do. With my Dad still possibly in Florida (which I highly highly highly doubt) I have nowhere to go. Maybe I could live in a homeless shelter and get a job. But what about Gemma? She basically falls into the same situation I do. No family except that one person who you could care less about. But she probably has Grandparent's or Aunts or Uncles she could go to. I don't.

As I went over the possibilities in my head, I started to panic. I realized I didn't have many options. I could go to college and get a dorm, but I have no money, and I didn't really complete this year. That's when my thoughts traveled back to the only person I could faintly remember.

Romy Harris.

My roommate in the hospital.

She probably could take care of me.

I had a little sliver of hope left in me.

She's my only hope in surviving in this crazy world.

As Gemma sped down the road, I realized we were lost. The look on Gemma's face said it all.

"I-Is everything okay?" I catechize.

"I honestly have no clue where we're going." She tittered. I felt like two thousand pounds were put on my chest.

"Just keep driving. We have to end up somewhere." My voice was shaking as I gripped the seat of the chair.

It'll be fine. We'll be home in no time. I can go back to my old house and Harry will disappear from my life. I can get him arrested and I can move on. This is just a rough patch. I'll get over it.

I had to keep thinking encouraging stuff to calm my dancing nerves but nothing worked. Negativity always ended up working it's way into my brain, and causing me more stress, anxiety, and worrying, which I did not need right now. Gemma sharply turned down another road, which made me smack into the door. I huffed. Gemma was the worst driver ever.

"I think we're being followed." Gemma choked. I spun around to- sure enough- see a black car a couple of metres from our car.

"Stay calm. Just keep driving." The car was getting closer and I felt vomit sneaking it's way up my throat.

"TURN THIS CORNER!" I dryly shrieked. Gemma spun the steering wheel and flung the car left. As if fate was on our side, or we were just delusional, the car turned right. Gemma and I both sighed in relief.

"Okay maybe I'm crazy." She laughed and continued driving, leaving me to doze off.

* * *

HONK HONK

The loud honking of a car horn snapped me out of my slumber. As I looked around, I realized we were in London. I couldn't be happier. I wanted to hug Gemma, but I couldn't, because she was driving.

"I'll drop myself off at a hotel and I'll give you the car, yeah?" She smiled. I nodded with tears in my eyes. I could finally go home. She pulled up to the first hotel she laid eyes on and hopped out, handing me the keys.

"Good luck in life, Hadley."

"You, too, Gemma. I'm really sorry about your family." I tightened her in a hug and she sniffed.

"It'll be okay. I'll just call my Grand Mum to come get me. She doesn't even know I'm alive." She left the embrace and stepped back.

"Thank you so much for saving me. I'd probably be stuck there for the rest of my life if it wasn't for you." Gemma had tears streaking her face, and I felt terrible for her.

"It's no problem at all, really. Well, I better get going." I started walking to the car, and I heard a faint Bye Hadley! From Gemma. As I pulled out of the parking lot, I cried. I knew it was dangerous because I was driving, but I cried my eyes out. Half of happiness, half of sadness. I couldn't be happier for Gemma, but at the same time that poor girl has gone through so much. I turned down the familar streets of London as I pulled up to my house, which looked the same. Taking deep breaths, I walked up to the door and lifted up the door mat, where we kept our spare key. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, the homey scent filling my nose. I broke down to the ground and cried.

"Look who decided to show up."