Here Goes Nothing!

CHAPTER 7: Gone

Three days had already passed since I told Poppy about my plan and three days since I had spoken face-to-face with Chris at the park. Yesterday I had written my final exam and I was now free of school life until futher notice. Relief swept over me as did the feeling of guilt and nervousness; tonight was the night I run away.

When I arrived home from school that evening, Mum was still at work and Jack was at a friend's house. I used this as a perfect opportunity to pack my backpack. I climbed the stairs and to my room and went straight for my money jar sitting on my desk. I had been saving up for about a year to replace my old headphones but I guess keeping myself alive is on the top of my list. I unscrewed the jar and poured out pounds and pound notes, silver coins and bronze coins, tipping them into a pocket inside my bag. I then went to my drawers and pulled out three t-shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of shorts and my undergarments. I also stuffed a lighter into my pocket. Of course, this wasn't mine but I had found it tucked behind a washing machine where I worked once. It said "Marajuana" on it. I'll be sure not to show this to the poilce if I ever get caught. Somehow, I don't think that would go down very smoothly...

Before I knew it, a tear had risen from my eye and landed on my bed sheets below me. Using my fist I hit them away. I really didn't need to be crying.

When that was done, I ran downstairs and into the kitchen to get food. I grabbed some pitta-breads and stuffed them with ham and cheese and chocolate spread. Though, not all in one pitta, that's just gross. When I passed the living room with my arms filled with pitta-breads and fruit and water, I found my brother sitting on the couch. He looked up at me and furrowed his eyebrows.

"Agnes, what are you doing with all that food? That's supposed to be for school lunches."

I swallowed the lump that had quickly settled itself in my throat, "I'm going over to Poppy's for the night." I croaked out.

Not taking his gaze off me, he narrowed his eyes, "Do you need help carrying that all up?"

I couldn't afford to see him with my rucksack filled to the brim with survival things in, "Nah," I said casually, "I'm alright."

Jack pulled his eyes away from mine and went back to watching the TV. I took this time to run up the stairs and throw the food and drink in my bag. About half an hour later, I finished gathering my first-aid kit as well as personal stuff. You know... girly things. I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a deep breath that had been hiding in my lungs for an hour. The backpack straps slid up my arms and rested on my shoulders. 'Yes, perfect.' I thought to myself. I let it back down, watching it bounce back onto my bed.

Downstairs, the front door unlocked and Mum walked in. My heart raced a thousand times faster than before. But then again I guess I could've done with a big hot meal before setting off...

I squashed my backpack under my bed and put some boxes in front of it so it couldn't be seen and walked downstairs to see Mum in the kitchen cooking already. She'd only been home for 15 minutes and dinner already looked done! I just don't know how she does it... I walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table in the corner of the room. I cleared my throat and Mum jumped.

"Sorry, Mum." I said with a slight smile. She looked at me, astounded.

"When did you get here?!" she questioned.

"Mum, I've been here since you got home... I've just been in my room packing."

She was silent for a moment, "And where are you off to?"

I hesitated for a second, "I'm going over to Poppy's for... the night."

Then Mum turned her back to me and went back to the pasta pot on the hob, "When was this decided? I never said you could go anywhere."