I watched as the rain slid down the fogged window, leaving steady trails in its path for more to follow. Outside I see the neighbors loading furniture into a moving truck. I scoff slightly. "When will I ever leave this house? I've been here my whole life." Glancing around at the small attic room. The walls a light blue gray, much like the weather outside; Soft beige carpets littered with stains from the times I've spilt something. No posters on the walls, no special knickknacks. The room felt barren and cold, the only sign of life being the purple bed spread and stains upon the floor. "I will never understand why we moved here. So cold. So alone." I think back to my mother; always so careful to bring me places. Her hair was like the sun, golden and shimmery; her laugh alone could fill the room with love. "I wonder when she will be home? It's been so long since I've seen her. "
"Clara!"
"Coming uncle jay!"
I rush down the stairs nearly tripping at the bottom. "Stupid bottom stair. Gets me every time. " I enter the living room slowly, as of to not startle him. "What do you need? " I look at him standoffishly, unsure if he's been drinking yet today.
"What I need little Clara is dinner." His words mumbled and mused together.
"Fantastic! He's been drinking. I already know this won't turn out well."
"We only have bread." whispering softly in hopes he won't feel threatened.
"Is that a problem? I give you food. Your mother left me here with a little brat who's ungrateful to have bread. Figure something out."
"Okay I'll just do that" "fucking toast it is! I wonder if I can sneak away in the back of the neighbors moving truck. " Grabbing the toaster I see the neighbors out the window. "I wonder where they are going? Hopefully somewhere far. " "Here uncle jay." I hand him the toast and smile.
"There, now was that so hard? "
"No uncle jay, I was wondering; can I go say goodbye to the neighbors? "
"What for? " he said sarcastically, bread crumbs flying from his mouth.
"Just to say goodbye" "and to find it where they're going before I sneak in their truck" Glancing to the window I see they're almost done packing up.
"Fine knock yourself out. "
"Thank you" I hurry out the door and across the street. I walk up to Nathan, in hopes that our age similarity will get him to talk to me.
"Hey. "
"Oh hey clara,what brings you over here?" He looks up at me causing is tousled brown hair to fall slightly.
"Not much just wondering where you guys are going." My hand gestures to the truck in a small swoosh.
"Oh were going to Texas. Why? Wanna sneak on the back of the truck? " I smile crept across his face.
"Maybe." I laugh as if it wasn't what I was thinking. Suddenly he grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side of the house.
"Clara. I've seen what your uncle does to you. I don't blame you for wanting to go. So many times have I sat there thinking of a way to help you. This is how. " his look serious. Almost pinning me to the spot.
"That's what I came over for in the first place. But how? How can I sneak with you guys?" "Uncle jay will notice the second I leave. "
"Clara, you're eighteen years old. You can leave. I already talked to my dad about it yesterday. I told him if you where to come over here for help, we where to do what we can." Smiling softly he grabbed my hand. "Get a small bag of things tonight and throw it out the window when your uncle isn't looking. I'll pick it up and put it in the car. Come back over in the morning and we'll leave."
"O-Okay, are you sure this will work? He's already drinking and you know how he gets when he drinks. "
Wide eyed he gripped my arms
"If he lays a hand on you in anyway tonight. Just run here. Don't grab anything just get out and over here. The back door will be unlocked in case." His tone so stern, it made me feel safe like I'd be okay.
"Okay nathan. " with that I turned and left back to my dreadful house in hopes of a better tomorrow. Upon entering I found my uncle was passed out drunk. I crept up to my room and packed a bag, containing Bathroom supplies, some clothes, and all the money I owned. "I'm almost free of this place !" I tossed the bag out the window to see nathan look up and nod. Smiling I shut the window and locked my bedroom door in hopes my uncle won't break it down again tonight. "Tomorrow will be better" I lay in my bed and close my eyes for the night. Wholeheartedly believing that for once.
