Justin's POV
I opened the living room drawer, searching for Seth's money so I could get the hell out of here. I saw a green box and opened it with a little bit of hope. I ran my fingers through my hair, huffing in frustration; nothing.
I heard the door opening and immediately stood up, throwing myself onto my mom's couch.
"Hey, baby. You want some lunch?" I could see she was trying to make it up to me, but the only thing I was thinking about right now was Winter and how I was going to leave her again.
"Isn't it, like, 10:00?"
"Uh, dinner, then? I can—I can make you something," she offered. The only thing I truly wanted was to get her out of this life and away from Seth.
"Yeah, well, there's hardly anything left. We ate most of the groceries yesterday." I looked at her and then back at the TV, turning it off.
"I forgot how much a growing boy can eat." Her hands were resting on her hips, still looking at me.
"Yeah. There are also only so many actual groceries at 7-Eleven." I stood up, walking toward the kitchen. She stopped me, holding my arm.
"Look at you. You're taller." I looked at her, and she seemed so weak, so thin... like if anything could break her in half.
"I'm not. I basically shrunk on the streets." I furrowed my eyebrows, not wanting her to pass the walls I had built up.
"You're still my big, tall, handsome boy." She grinned. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too, Mom." She looked at my arm and frowned, seeing it all bruised. "It's nothing." I backed away a little, pulling my arm away from her.
"What'd you get into out there? I never wanted this life for you."
"I know."
"You don't deserve that life. Nobody does." I licked my lips, holding my tears back.
"Then why are you still with Seth?" She sighed, looking at the ceiling.
"Baby... He loves me."
"Come on, okay?" I stammered, afraid of what she might say. "We can find a new place. We—we can get the fuck out of here." My voice broke, already knowing the look on her face.
"I can't, baby, you know that." I scoffed, looking away. I shook my head, walking toward my new room. "And I need you here." She stopped me while pushing me back toward her. "Promise me you'll stay this time."
"Yeah, yeah... I promise." She knew I was lying. I walked away, disappointed at myself.
"Do it for Winter, then!" I stopped in my tracks. My heart broke hearing my own mother say her name. "Please."
I took a quick glance at her, not wanting to stay here any longer.
~//~
I packed my stuff and searched the entire house for his money. I looked behind the oven, the microwave, the refrigerator—everywhere—and found nothing. I huffed, looking at my surroundings, scratching the back of my neck.
I turned around and looked at the lamp and frowned; it wasn't supposed to be that large on the sides. I lifted it up and touched the bottom of it. I smiled, grabbing the money. It was enough to help Winter with her rent if Bryce cut her off, and it was enough for me to get the hell out of this town.
"So, that's it?" I jumped, startled, hearing her voice. "That was it all along? You just wanted his money?"
"I'm getting out of here, Mom. You should, too." I walked to the couch, putting my coat on.
