The Demons We Try to Outrun

Running

The same drop-top Chevy had been parked outside my dorm room for a couple of days now, stirring up my worries. I felt a creeping sense of fear, reluctant to leave for class or meet up with friends. I just knew TC was watching me, his presence palpable. From that moment on, I made a vow to myself to leave that life behind and focus on my education. But there was something about the allure of the fast life that kept pulling me back. The thrill, the danger lurking around every corner—it was addictive. The banging on my dorm room door shattered my thoughts, causing me to jump in fear. I could sense it was TC; his presence had a distinct aura that I could recognize from miles away. He was my lover, but also a controlling and manipulative figure in my life. With each booming knock, I could feel TC's patience wearing thin. My back pressed against the wall, I faced a daunting decision—confront him now in private or risk a public altercation. As I approached the door, turning the knob slowly, my mind raced with the consequences. Forty minutes later, my memory of the encounter was a blur. I couldn't recall the words exchanged, only waking up in a pool of my own blood. The pain seared through my body as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings. Slowly, I made my way to the bathroom, bracing myself for the extent of TC's brutality. Examining my battered reflection, I could barely recognize myself. TC had crossed a line, leaving me with blackened eyes, a swollen nose, and missing teeth. The violation didn't end there; he had taken advantage of me in the most despicable manner. It was a stark realization—I had to escape from TC, not just for my own sake, but for the new life growing inside me.

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Chapter 1

"Dang, it's scorching out here!" Renee's voice echoed from the floor above, breaking the tension of the morning. As I prepared Jamir for his first day of school, I couldn't help but feel a rush of pride. These six years with him had been the best of my life, a testament to the strength of our bond. After sending Jamir off, I decided to head home and tidy up before my night shift. Since the day I found out I was pregnant, I made a promise to protect and provide for my baby at all costs. Despite the challenges, I had managed to navigate through life as a single mother, shielding Jamir from the darkness of my past. Unicorn City buzzed with excitement, especially on Money-Making Mondays. Tonight, promised big names and even bigger paychecks at the club. Working tirelessly to secure a future for Jamir, I had become a mainstay at the club, leveraging every opportunity to maximize my earnings. Walking into Jamie's office, I knew just how to play my cards. Using my allure to secure a spot in the lucrative sessions, I capitalized on Jamie's infatuation, knowing he would bend over backward for me. By the end of my shift, I had amassed a substantial sum, a step closer to fulfilling Jamir's dream birthday at Disneyland. His happiness was worth every ounce of effort.

Waking up the next morning, anticipation bubbled inside me as I prepared to share the news of our upcoming trip with Jamir. His joy was infectious, filling the room with warmth and laughter. As his 7th birthday approached, the excitement mounted. The trip was booked, the tickets secured—a world of magic awaited us. Seeing Jamir's smile was a reminder of the life we had built together, far from the shadows of our past. Returning home from our unforgettable trip, I was greeted by an unexpected visitor on my doorstep—Sheena, my baby sister. Despite the complexities of our past, I couldn't turn her away in her time of need. As we settled in for a heart-to-heart, Sheena's words stirred a familiar ache within me. Her struggles mirrored my own, a constant battle against the demons of our shared past. The days blurred together as I juggled my responsibilities, from caring for Jamir to supporting Sheena on her journey to recovery. Each day brought new challenges, but also moments of hope and resilience. With each passing day, the weight of my past grew heavier, threatening to consume me. Memories of TC haunted me, his reappearance a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows. Fearing for Jamir's safety, The uncertainty loomed large, but my determination to protect my son propelled me forward. As we settled into our new life in California, questions about TC lingered in the back of my mind. His sudden reappearance had unearthed painful memories, forcing me to confront the demons of my past. With each passing day, I grappled with the reality of TC's return, unsure of what it meant for our future. But one thing was certain—I would do whatever it took to keep my son safe, even if it meant facing the ghosts of my past head-on.