It All Started With a Diary

loving

After a couple of months, Kade claimed he wanted me to try a restaurant with him, and blindfolded me on the drive there. When the car stopped, we were at a new apartment, far larger and pristine than my own.

I nearly burst with happiness until he opened the door, and what was awaiting me in the middle of the room was a five-month old, black kitten. That was when he let me know that while he claimed to be at a business meeting, he was actually at the adoption center. He had done every single thing he promised in the hospital and more.

Even today of all days, he managed to keep me sane. Having a meeting with my mother, I didn't think it was possible to.

I had a plan, though. It might not be a good one, but it was one, nonetheless.

I was going to drag her through the dirt, then leave. That was it. I wouldn't let my emotions rule over me, nor could I let her control them. I was an adult now, with the life that she thought she destroyed. I had nothing to be upset over, nor would she believe I did.

Apparently, Kade had been working this entire time, even while we were broken up. It was a shock but the satisfaction that followed was worth all the surprise.

Over the past two years, Kade had slowly ripped her wealthy rug right from under her. From his fathers' ties, he knew the right people and left her penniless. He did the same to my brothers', who had gotten the worst end of the deal. Kade helped me cast their judgement, fully removing their credibility among the wealth. From the frauds and drug charges, they would be in prison before we knew it. It happened so quick, my mother seeped right back into the drugs and buried herself until she was a breathing corpse.

I wanted her whole for this moment, but this was better. She had already destroyed herself. All the easier.

I wasn't too worried about her getting physical. Kade taught me well, and even if she was my mother, I deserved one good punch at the very least.

If she was able to hit a helpless child, I was more than glad to return the favor now that I was capable. I needed to show her what she did, what I made of myself after her attempt of ruin.

"Kimberly," Kade called my name until I blinked up at him. His voice softened as he eyed me. "Are you ready?"

I nodded firmly, and he went to my side. I smiled at him as he opened the door, before softly tugging me into a hug.

I fell into his hold, but I couldn't stay in its comfort forever. Not when evil was only a couple of feet away.

"My strong, brave girl," he whispered into my hair. "You can do this, alright?" He released me, only to tip my head up seconds later. His eyes roamed mine with determination and strength that slowly edged into mine. "Okay?"

I nodded, pecking his lips. I can do this.

Kade booked the hotel for our meeting, a couple of hours away from town. We didn't want her to know anything about our house or us in general, so we decided this was the better option. As soon as we left though, Kade was going to get her kicked out by the staff. She wasn't even worth a free night in the hotel; she would never fend off of me, again.

Kade's hands gently supported me around my waist, but he had no idea that his very strength was one of the ones holding me upright. The door was right there. My stomach was twisting in nerves in spite of the anger.

I was going to speak to the woman I swore never to lay eyes on again. It felt like an out of body experience.

I didn't even bother to knock; she didn't deserve a single thing from me. I didn't want her to think she even had the right to lay eyes on me as a mother ever again. Her narcissistic privileges were long gone. I was in control, now.