Contingent

Chapter 4.

When I went home that day I felt so guilty.

Should I ask my parents if I can go?

What do I have to lose? They take everything away!

I walked downstairs and found my mom and dad in the kitchen.

I was trembling with fear. "Mom, dad? May I please go to a football game tonight?"

"No! You can't go anywhere!" My mom yelled.

Dad looked at her.

"What I mean is, you don't need those people as friends, you have us!" She plastered a fake smile. It was nothing like Ren's smile.

"Okay. You're right." I was full of regret. I never should of asked. I slumped upstairs and into my room. I plopped on my bed.

I was going to turn off my lamp and go to bed, but I noticed my phone and thought about that piece of paper Ren gave me.

I already saved his number into my contacts, so I just clicked his name.

(Claire-italics/ Ren-bold)

Hey.

Hey. Are you coming?

I don't know...I would, but I don't really have a ride.

I could drive you :D

Really? Thanks!

No problem. I'll be by around eight.

Okay. See you then :)

I turned off my phone.

"I can't believe I just did that. I'm sneaking out! I've never done this before!" I thought to myself.

It was only 5:00, so I had to wait 3 hours before he came to get me.

My parents always do the same things. Very predictable. Every night, at 7pm, my mom sits on the side of her bed and sobs into her pillow. My dad holds her, and by 7:30 they fall asleep.

I stayed dead silent until they crashed on to the bed.

I grabbed a sling bag and packed with a change of clothes, my phone, and some emergency money.

I put on mascara and eyeliner, and wore a cute outfit. I put a few pillows under my covers and switched off the light.

I pushed up the window and felt the rush of cool winter air on my face. I stood on the ledge and looked down to the ground below. It was a long drop, but I wasn't scared anymore. I was ready to break away from my parents control, and live my own life. Besides, they never loved me.

I closed my eyes and jumped.

I was free falling, until my ankle crashed into the hard ground.

"Ah!" I groaned. The pain would have been unbearable, but I was full of pure adrenaline.

I saw a black car pull up in front of me.

"Hey." I could not have wished to see anyone else.