Stella

It took a lot in me to leave my brother and my friends and move to Baltimore. I've never been out of my home state. Father wouldn't let me. He kept me at home, and only allowed me to leave to go to school or work. But on certain occasions, not wanting to seem suspicious, he let me out.

But I still couldn't tell anyone what was happening with Mother. Only David, my brother, and I knew what was happening. My best friend Vicky didn't even know.

I tried my best to help her. Ever since she was diagnosed, Father's been drinking and has become unbearably strict. I used to use my pay checks to help her chemo, but ever since she went brain dead, I saved up for my plane ticket to Maryland.

I don't want to be dragged back. I came here to start new. But how can I do that when I meet him? My name is Stella Christian, and I am no longer going to let other people tell me what do you.