The One That Got Away

Beach Week

It's May 23rd. One more night in this hell hole, and then it's time to travel.

I lie on my bed, for the last time, my wet hair reaching down to the small of my back. I look at pictures of my dad and John. I can't wait to look at them, hug them, tell them I've always loved them and never wanted to leave them behind.

In the distance, I hear Peter and mom having a drunk argument, per usual. Definitely not going to miss that.

I set my alarm for 4am. I'm leaving early, to get past Peter and my mom. They don't know i'm leaving, but they won't care anyways. I'm 18 tomorrow. They can't stop me after the clock reaches 12am.

I turn off my bedside lamp and roll over. I shut my eyes and dream of what the outer banks looks like. I've never been to a beach, obx for sure. Everyone says it's beautiful there. I'm sure it is.

I slowly doze off, ready for tomorrow.
——
My alarm rings, it feels like I literally only slept for 10 minutes. Fuck my life i'm tired. I turn it off and roll out of my uncomfortable ass bed.

I go to the bathroom and brush my teeth and brush my hair out. It's time to fucking leave this place. Finally.

I throw on a white tank and some bootcut jeans. My boots to go with it. I also put on some mascara. I'm meeting my dad and brother, I want to look a little nice, so why not.

I throw all my last minute stuff into my duffle and grab my keys.

I take one last look at my bare room. So many bad memories. Nights of nonstop crying, screaming mom, i'm perfectly fine leaving this place.

Looking at the house from my truck, I start to think I might miss my mom, the one I knew as a kid. She used to love me unconditionally. I don't know what I ever did, but I will miss her, she is my mother.

I throw the truck into reverse, with salty tears rolling down my cheeks. It's for the best, I say to myself.

I roll out of the gravel drive. My old chevy will get me there. It's a long ass trip, almost 2 days, but I got all my money in my savings ready for this. I've been saving my money since I was 15, for this exact moment.
—-
I've been driving for hours, it's almost 11 AM. No calls from Mom or Peter. I think they have a feeling where I was going.

This highway is so bare. I can't wait for the scenery once I get to the east. I hear it's beautiful.

I just got to keep on going. Red bull's and Reese's Cups from old run down gas stations will get me there. I know it.
—-
2 Days Later:

I finally see the sign. Paradise on Earth, The outer banks.

I broke into tears, of happiness. I get to see this beautiful island. I get to see my real family.

On my way across the bridge, I see a blue ford truck on the side with some guys. They all look close to my age so I stop and roll down my window.

"Hey." I say in a soft voice.

"Hey," the one guy with brown hair and bright blue eyes says, "are you lost girl?"

"Kind of but not really, just looking for some people." I say nervously. This guy's kinda hot, and i'm not good with the flirting game.

"Who are you looking for? Do they live on the island?" He responds.

"Yeah, for a long time," I say, "I'm looking for John Routledge"

"Oh, you're here for pouges? A pretty little southern girl like yourself deserves to be with guys like us. I didn't catch your name, sunshine?" My eyes widen. Pouges? what? and did he just call me what I think he just called me?