Just Breath

chapter 1

'Oh, come on, baby! You know you won't find anyone that'll treat you better than me out there in the big city. You know ain't no body able to love ya like Daddy can. You're my little girl, Pumpkin. Mine. You can't leave your old Daddy can ya?'

I knew it would be hard to leave. I knew I should have left while it was still dark. I knew I should have went out my window before the roosters started up. I juat assumed that Daddy would be too drunk from last night to wake up this early. I am stupid, so stupid. What the hell is wrong with me?

Oh, no. I feel it coming. My chest is starting to tighten. My breathing is becoming shallow. No! No. I have to go. I will myself to ignore the pain. Ignore the pain and keep running. It's time to leave this miserable place behind. I am finally 18. I have been anxiously awaiting this day since Momma died... since daddy started drinking... since.. no! No, Ev. Don't think about that now, I tell myself. Just keep running. I hear daddy yelling in the background, but I know he is too drunk to chase me for too long.

'Come on back her to your Daddy, Sugar. You know ya want to. Ah, what the hell? She has no where to go anyway. She'll be back'

I hear him finally give up, and I quietly thank whoever is listening. It is time to get the hell out of here. There is nothing left for me here. No friends. No family, the fuck wad doesn't count. Nothing. I have to make a life for myself. I know that's what Momma wanted me to do. She told me so, two days before she passed. She told me never to forget my dreams. I promised her I wouldn't. Goodbuy Hicksville, hello New York.