Leave This Town

Leave This Town- Ch 1

Guess what!! I've had two snow days!! So with the extra time and no homework, I've finished the next chapter. So here ya go enjoy!! 

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Ch 1

September 27th, 2010 

It's been four years since my parents died, since I became an orphan, since everything went wrong.  

Mom and Dad, 

If you were only here, maybe I could have a normal life, maybe I would have friends. Four painful years of running from place to place, foster home to foster home. I wish today would end cause it was my fault you died.....

"Bradley," called my social worker, Amanda, "your foster parents are here." Grabbing my few belongings, I tucked away my journal, and walked to the front door to meet my new, unwanted, foster parents.

Just outside the door stood a tall, lean man with sandy brown hair. Next to him stood a shorter athletic lady with sparkling green eyes that stood out against her bleach blonde hair. "Hello, Bradley," said the lady, "my name is Emily, and this is my husband David." 

I stood closer then I would have liked, so I took a small step backward, but bumped into Amanda. "Just go with them," whispered Amanda, "they know what they're doing." Without realizing Amanda pushed me forward, making me stumble toward my waiting foster parents. Remaining quiet, I just followed Emily and David to their Mercedes.

I hated cars, no, scratch that, I hated any vehicle. Anyone could have died in the accident, in any car, truck or van. Flinching away from the door, I didn't get in. From my reflection, I saw sadness and fear engulfing my eyes. Emily rolled down the window, "Bradley, get in," she said. Reluctant I opened the door, and got into the car. Squeezing my eyes shut, I closed the world out from seeing my tears.

After a 3 hour ride to St. Louis, which was thankfully a long, quiet car ride, I wiped the last of the tears from my eyes. Trees covered the sides of the hilly roads reminded me of my one year in Cincinnati. Opening the door, I climbed out of the cramped Mercedes. My eyes passed over the house as I glanced at the scene. White fluffy clouds filled the afternoon sky. Those days where I would just stare at the sky and daydream made me smile, and for the first time I believed I could live for the memories. Handing David my handbag, I said, "I'll be inside in a couple minutes."

Laying down in the leaf covered lawn, under a old dogwood tree, I just stared into the sky wondering. What would happen if they could come down? If they took me with them? If... or... there's so many options, but I can't live for what's past or what's coming, I can only take one day at a time. Closing my eyes, I tried to imagine not only what life would be like if my parents were still alive, but if I had died with them in the accident.

"Bradley," came a soft whisper from in front of me. I opened my eyes to realize the darkness outside. Had I fallen asleep? Looking in front of me, a silhouette in the distance outlined Emily. Standing up, I dusted the leaves from my black silky hair, and headed toward the silhouette.

The house was in the distance, not really in a neighborhood. Trees surrounded the house in a mini forest. Keep walking, I thought, no matter how much I wanted to run, I tried relax myself. When we reached the house, I waited for Emily. Delicious smells wafted from the house, when Emily opened the door. "Are you hungry?" asked Emily. My stomach answered for me as it growled loudly.

Pictures splashed the entry way as Emily led me to the kitchen. David stood at the stove, stirring the spaghetti, and sauce, but his eyes were glued to the tv. Some sport's team, I think the news' caster said the Cardinals beat some other rival baseball team, but I didn't care anyway. My eyes swept the kitchen, and just like any other house family pictures lined the walls. I took a seat at the table staring at the tv; however, not listening. Clanging of bowls interrupted me from my thoughts as I dug into the spaghetti and meatballs.

Food slid down my throat without tasting anything. I couldn't believe I wanted to live here, but it was so welcoming. Ok, I thought to myself, I can stay here a couple days.

By the time dinner was over, my thoughts went elsewhere. "Emily, could you show me where I'm staying?" I asked, trying to be polite.

"Yeah, one sec," she replied as he finished cleaning off the table. Leading me up stairs, I found myself in a large room. A balcony stood out in the corner, what a great get away, I thought. Other then that the room was painted solid black, but all the furniture was white.

"Awesome," I said, without realizing, but Emily had already set down my belongings and left. I tried to settle in, but how was I suppose to when I'd always run away within a couple days?

The only picture I had left of my parents, I pulled out. My fingers traced every detail. Letting out a sigh, I carefully laid the picture on the night stand, and pulled out my journal. Rereading the entry, I began writing where I'd left off... 

I wouldn't care if we still moved from place to place, well ok maybe I would, but at least my life wouldn't feel so empty. Knowing you'd still be here if I'd stayed awake, makes me feel sick. All I know is I wouldn't be here trying to be a normal kid, trying to close off all the pain because there would be none. I wouldn't have to act like the good kid, I'd be the good kid. Without you here, I don't know, I don't feel I belong.  

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