Chloe's POV
I lied.
I didn't have any plans, I just liked being difficult.
I fumbled around in my pocket for my headphones and grabbed my phone out of my bag. I always forget how long the walk is from Rachel's house back to mine. It was good exercise I guess, like I even needed it.
"Chloe!" I heard Rachel scream my name.
I turned around to face a very flustered Rachel. I gave her a pass because she'd just stopped crying.
"I- uh was wondering could you like, uh stop by later? I mean if you want to you don't HAVE to I wouldn't make you do anything bu-
"Ok" I cut her off simply. If I didn't stop her she was going to ramble forever. It was cute seeing her like this and all don't get me wrong but I had a long walk ahead of me. I turned around and began walking before she could say anything else.
I plugged in my headphones and got to walking. Music is the best medicine in my opinion, maybe not for physical illness but it sure does help you think. It's like an escape for me.
One thing the long walk did do was give me a chance to let go and really listen to the music, something I could rarely do with my mom's boyfriend in the house.
Great, I'd just reminded myself I had to deal with him again. God this was unbelievable. I feel like the universe is picking on me, my life can never just go good.
I stood outside on the porch mentally preparing myself for what was about to unfold when I walked in.
As soon as I stepped in my eyes landed on David, my mother's boyfriend. His face scrunched up in anger before he called my mom downstairs to let her know I'd arrived.
"No need for formalities I'm not staying long" I deadpanned looking him right in the eyes.
"Chloe we are your parents! We deserve to know where you are! Then when we get worried and blow up your phone instead of getting a search party, you still blame us! I can't believe we still put up with you!" David practically screamed at me.
I took a few steps towards him "Number one you are not my parent. Number two there is no "we" my mother and my mother alone raised me after my dad died. You don't get to say we, you just got here a month ago. And for the "putting up with me thing" nobody's asking you to be here I'd actually prefer it if you left but we know that. Oh and I'd appreciate if you watched your tone when you speak to me, as in lower your voice and throw some respect in there". I spat looking him dead in the eyes. I'd been noticing I've been doing that a lot lately.
Him and my mother looked dumbfounded. I used this as my time to head upstairs and pack a different set of clothes in my bag.
I hadn't been sleeping at home recently. I'd gotten lucky and scored a warm bed at Rachel's last night but on the other nights I slept in the junkyard. I'd snuck a mattress there and some sheets and made it really nice.
I looked at my room one last time before I left. Yes I missed my bed, Yes I missed the heat and the air conditioning but it was better this way. What's the point of staying here when me and david are just gonna yell at either the whole time. Nobody should have to live like that. This way I get some type of peace and quiet and so did mom.
I left a note on my bed that simply said:
Him or me ?
Chloe.
I decided it was best to leave through the window because if I tried to leave through the front door David wouldn't let me out. I took some money from mom's drawer and stuffed it in my bag. Yes I was stealing, but if I didn't steal I'd starve to death. That money was literally the difference between life and death.
