AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll try not to,” she says.
“Don’t you worry about me or Kyle,” I tell her. “We’ll be fine. You raised us well.”
She smiles, but I can tell that she’s struggling not to break down. She has a lot of regrets, but I blame our father. He was the one who choose to become the head of a mafia. He's the one who chose money. If he thinks he can bully us into accepting that lifestyle, he's wrong. Mom needs to leave and never look back. She needs to do what she needs to in order to be safe.
I take her hand in mine and give it a squeeze."Even though you'll be far away, we'll still have each other's back," I murmur.
"I know, honey."
“We’ll make sure you get updates on everything, okay? And if you ever need anything, just call or text, and we’ll be there as soon as possible.”
My mom sniffles and nods before she pats my leg.
I drive the rest of the way in silence. I park where I have to drop her off, and we hold each other for what feels like an eternity untilshe has no time to lose. She walks away with her ticket in hand, her luggage in the other.
I take a deep breath and turn around. Today is a new day, and my mom will have a chance for a fresh start. Tears fill my eyes. Just now might have been the last time I ever see my mother again, but she is beginning an amazing journey in life that no one can take away from her, not even her abusive husband.
As for me, it’s time for me to start my life on my own terms now, free from my father's controlling ways. As I drive back home so I can finish packing for college, I think about the future ahead of me. My mom will be safe now, and I can focus on building a new life for myself. Although scary at times, it is also exciting knowing that anything is possible.
My thoughts turn to the cruise and, of course, to Rob. That night had been legendary between us. He really had been a legend in my bed, the bed that had been his, mine, and ours. I never even learned his last name, but that doesn’t matter. We’ll never see each other again.
I’ll just have to find another legend. That’s all. Studies first, though, so I don’t end up like my mom, feeling trapped. Once my life is in order, then I can find a guy. I’m not about to settle for anything or anyone.
My life is about to start, and I can’t be more excited.
* * *
