86

~ ROMEO ~

I pulled into the parking lot and I saw that my dad's car was not there.

I heaved a sigh of relief. The monster was not around, and I would not have to see his horrible face and get angry all over again. I turned off the car engine. I reached for my phone and dialed my girlfriend's number. The only person who had been making me smile lately and giving me the will to keep going.

Ivy answered on the second ring. "Hey, baby!" She muttered, her voice echoing in my ears. Her voice was soft and soothing, and it calmed my nerves.

The corners of my mouth curved, giving a wide smile. "Good girl," I uttered.

"Bad boy," She said with a chuckle in her voice.

"I am at my mom's house now," I told her.

I almost said "my parents' house," but that didn't feel right when it was really my mother's house.

"That is good," She said, her voice reassuring. "Take a deep breath and go inside. Just talk to her. She is your mother, and she deserves to know everything that is going on with you.