Changes❣️

Chapter 2

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕤

The only place I find peaceful is the creek a mile away from my house. I just sit on a rock on the bank and dip my feet in the water. I love the coolness of the water, and the color of it. The way the fish tickle my feet, make me happier. My affection toward this place is so high, that I will cry if it gets destroyed or if somebody comes in acts like it's all theirs. It's magical and extraordinary here, and you can let out your anger, happiness, you're sorrow and delight here. You feel like there is a big wall around this mini creek park, and the creek sucks in your feelings and doesn't show or tell anyone. This place doesn't judge me, the fish don't, the water doesn't, the rocks don't, the plants don't. When I sit on the rock, I don't fall. when I climb and play amidst the trees, I don't fear anything. When I swim, everything falls into place, the speed, the breathing, the form, the gliding. It's just calm. I can be myself, but when I get out of that places everything goes upside down. The dogs bark at me, people give me evil looks.

When I go back to my house, I say, "Mom, I am home!" No answer. I just cry and go to my room. "Dad? Uh, can I get you something to drink or eat?" No answer. Then I hear the stomps down stairs, and I hear the glass clink against the counter and some juice or water getting poured into the glass. I sigh. My mom starts tapping aggressively on the keyboard. Tappity tap tap. Even with her door closed, I can hear it. I know for a fact that her work isn't stressful, she is just annoyed with me, and being very ignorant towards me. I walk to her room, "hey"

"Charlotte, please, no. Please leave. Go!" it hurts, I feel like I have been kicked in the chest. "Thanks mom, thanks a lot, I hate you" She blew her chance. This has been going on for a year, and I cannot handle it any longer. I have tried to stay as strong as I can but my heart won't allow it anymore. I find all the money left on the floor in the house and put it in my pocket. Seven hundred dollars, including money I stole from my parents one month ago. I get my tiny suitcase, and pack my clothes and a portable tent in it. Then I stuff my valuables, such as photos, a book with phone numbers, some birthday presents, my phone and charger. I walk out the door slipping two notes into the house door. Goodbye. I run and run for a mile to the creek. Nobody goes here, and nobody knows I go here. I set up my tent behind a clump of trees, and put everything inside there. Oh, I forgot blankets, pillows, and food! No, how can I live without those? How can I be so irresponsible? Maybe, that's why everybody has been so mean to me lately. Yes, the owners of the stores were right, I would be irresponsible. I sigh once again, and just lie down in the half barren tent, and look up. After some resting, I sprint back to the house, and sneakily went up to my room. I stuff a bag with two blankets and a pillow, and I got a bunch of canned beans and fruits, and I stole all the fridge meat I can find. I don't care if it goes bad, I need something to eat. I slowly trudge back to the clump of trees and half of it was ransacked. My clothes were scattered across and my phone had a crack on it. Then I see dog. Awww, as much as all those clothes scattered made me feel bitter, it was a dog. And there was no owner in sight. Sparkle. That what I should call her, Sparkle. "Spark, come here girl." It came running to me and it licked my face. Another living thing, that doesn't judge me. The dog looks healthy, so I guess the food was for me. Yes, I am selfish right now, but I cannot risk being seen right now at any store because my parents would have already read the notes.

I gave the pillow to Sparkle, and I lay on the blankets. The tent kept me warm. Then a sudden buzz goes through my phone. Mom and Dad. "Charlotte, stop being silly, and get back home or I will call the cops" That was from Dad. Dad is a really strict man, and everything has to go his way, and if it doesn't he's going to make you pay. Pay as in, money, family members, losing the job you are wanting for so long. Dad can do anything, nothing can destroy his path. I am scared to death, because now I know the police will be after me, and I need to be careful. My whole life has turned around big time, and I need to be aware of my surroundings."I didn't say anything to you. Now, you took all that beans and fruits! And the meat. Charlotte, come back now. Return with the food as well" My mom had texted me that, it had no meaning, unlike my dad's. I chuckle, but it was filled with worry. Tomorrow, I would find a way to use only one or two bags, and run away from this city. What will hurt the most is leaving the place that doesn't judge me. The blankets are great, and I feel like I am sleeping in my bedroom. I finally fall fast asleep, Spark close by my side.

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕤