A Date with the Devil *SAMPLE*

Six: Returning to the Scene of the Crime

One step.

One step was all it took to begin to put my life back on track.

One step was all that was holding me back from everything I had ever been—everything I could ever become.

Once I faced my fear head on and came out on top, it was as though all of my inhibitions about leaving the house simply faded away.

Tyson and I spent Sunday morning walking around my entire neighborhood for hours. We could go anywhere, do anything, but he was afraid of pushing me too far, too fast. I was just excited to be able to feel normal for the first time in what felt like forever. I wasn't confined to the house I had grown up in.

When my parents came home and I greeted them from the front porch, my mother broke down. Cried like I've never seen before. Then she began thanking God that a miracle happened. I had to tell her it wasn't God that made it happen, it was all me. I had it inside me all along...I just needed a little push.

It's Tuesday evening and now that I don't feel like a prisoner anymore, I want to get out and simply do something. I pull out my phone and call Tyson. He's the only person I can think of celebrating with. He's the only person I want to be celebrating with. When he doesn't answer, I don't let it stop me. For the first time in over a year, I take care in picking out what I will wear. I pull out one of my favorite dresses, it is black and white, with small polka dots on top and large ones on the bottom. It is sleeveless and I pair it with my favorite thick black belt, tights, and cardigan. I haven't had a reason to wear heels, but tonight is reason enough, so I slip on my black studded heels and give myself a once over in my full-length mirror.

Not half bad.

I don't wear any make-up other than eyeliner, mascara, and blush. I've always considered myself lucky that it takes me only fifteen minutes if I don't need to shower. High-maintenance and I don't mix, and I am thankful for that.

I pass the living room where my parents are seated in their usual spots watching television. "Bryce, is that you?" My mother calls out when she hears the tapping of my heels.

I pop my head in and notice Mikey is also in the room, deeply lost in his Gameboy. He doesn't even bother looking up.

"Oh my gosh!" my mother gushes when she sees me, her hands going straight to her mouth. "You look beautiful!"

This warrants Mikey's attention as he curiously looks up from his game's small screen.

"Doesn't she look beautiful, Tom?" my mother exclaims.