Chapter 2

“Mia, your dad just had a long day and too many beers with his friends after work. It will get better.”

I looked at her with shock written all over my face. Am I still dreaming? Am I really awake? Did she really, really just stand up for him? I cannot believe what I just heard. I have lived through this nightmare for 18 years. I knew no words would change her mind about him. You know what they say. Love is blind. Yea some people are more blind than others. But all I know is, that I am done. As soon as I’m done with high school I am out of here. I love my mom more than anything, but she has to leave on her own accord. Maybe, things will get better for her once I am gone. I stood up and went inside the house with my mom. I first took a quick shower and climbed into my bed. That night I made myself a promise. I need to get stronger. I need to learn to fend for myself if I want to go live on my own after school. Because I know. I will not come back to this house, and I will never have someone to rely on. I have seen it too many times, if you do not stand up and fight for yourself you will get trampled on. I will not be like my mother I will not let any man control me, with this promise I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

The next morning. I quickly got dressed for school. Grabbed something to eat on the way and ran out of the house. My best friend Carolyne normally comes and picks me up at the end of the driveway. She is beautiful. She's outgoing and everyone loves her.

“Good morning, my Mia, come quickly get in.” Carolyne sang through her open window.

I quickly got in and took a big bite out of my apple.

“So are you ready for today?”Carolyne asked.”

"What is happening today?” I asked her while

trying to tie up my hair.

“Aiya Mia, you already forgot?” She looked at me with those, I cannot believe you forgot eyes.

I really tried hard to remember “Nope” …” I really got nothing. What is happening today, Carolyne?”

“We my dear friend are going to watch super, super hot guys beat the living crap out of each other.”

“So, I guess I'm sleeping at your house this weekend?”

“Yes, you are!!”

I quickly texted my mom telling her I'm staying at Carolyne’s house this weekend. I only got an okay, in reply.

We stopped in front of the school, climbed out of the car, and headed inside. Normally I would just stay at Carolyne's side, okay more like behind her, being like her shadow. Keeping my mouth shut and going through the day only talking to her. She hated that I looked down on myself and did not want to engage with others in their conversations. She normally nags me, telling me I'm beautiful and I should stop hiding behind her, that I need to show everyone what an amazing person she thinks I am. I remembered the promise I made to myself last night. I told myself for once she is right. I need to get out of my shell and start growing a backbone.

We have most of our classes together. Luckily, I got a full scholarship to attend school. I don't think Richard would be happy if he needs to use any of his money on me. My dream is to become a doctor. I think it is due to me being hurt so much when I was younger. I got my arm broken when I was eight, by Richard. He was so mad at me for standing up for my mother when they fought. My mother wanted to take me to the doctor, but he refused. “We can’t waste the doctor’s time on trash” he told my mother. My mother had an old school friend who is a veterinarian, that is how we normally got treated. Small wounds I would normally fix on my own.

We made our way to our first class. Before we took the corner someone shouted from behind.

“Hey Carolyne, wait up.”

Carolyne turned and looked at Mike.” Hey Mike, how is it going?”

Mike quickly jogged to us. Normally I would hide behind Carolyne, but I decided to be brave. He gave me a weird look because I did not hide behind Carolyne but stood next to her.

“Hi, Mike.” I Said.

I do not know who was more shocked. He or Caroline. The look on their faces was priceless. I almost giggled out loud.

”Did, did she just speak to me?”

Mike looked back and forth at me and Carolyne. Carolyne was still in shock and kept staring at me.

“It seems like Carolyne lost her words, why did you stop us, Mike?”

Okay, now they both looked even more shocked. I never knew a human’s mouth and eyes can get so big.

“Guys we are going to be late for class. Can you two please stop looking at me like I grew two heads and start walking, I really hate being late.”

Carolyne was the first to respond.

“O my bananas, Girl! FINALLY!!”