First Things First
Some say that it doesn’t matter where you come from or where you are. The people you are running from will never find you. That isn’t always true. Another thing that isn’t true is when people say that it doesn’t matter who you tell things about your life to. In my case it does. If I tell someone everything that is happening in my life, it can cost them theirs.
The only I am aloud to do is write everything down. When I’m done I have to give it to my foster parents so they can hide it. I get it back at the end of each day to write more things down in it. That doesn’t always help, I actually need someone in my life that can help. I might be able to find that person in Wolverhampton tomorrow when I go. If I do I still can’t tell them anything. Everything I say can and will risk their life and their families lives.
It just isn’t fair how I can’t tell anyone anything. None of it is, a kid my age shouldn’t have to go through any of this alone. In fact no one should even have to go through what I have been through. I’m 14, almost 15, and have been abused ever since I was 5.
“Ash get down here this instant,” My foster mom Eve yelled.
“Coming,” I yelled back.
I have to get down there with my bags or I’ll be abused again today and not be able to go to Wolverhampton.
I grabbed my back and went down to the living room for a lecture from my foster parents.
“Remember the rules,” My foster dad John yelled.
“Yes sir,” I said
“Don’t forget, no failing classes or you move. Understood?” Eve said
“Yes, ma’am,” I said
“Good now get out of here,” John said pointing to the door.
I got up and grabbed my bag ready to leave when my foster mom said something else before I left.
“No singing,” Eve said
“Yes, ma’am,” I said before walking out.
I ended up texting an old friend, who was also my boyfriend, to pick me and bring me to the airport. I always told my foster parents that he was just a friend from school and that I never told him anything. In reality, I told him everything. Every little detail about my life, everything that went wrong, and the small things that made life great.
“So you’re finally free,” Charlie said.
“Yeah, I guess so,” I said
“So…..” Charlie said.
“What?” I asked
“You’re free!!” Charlie yelled.
“Yeah, so?” I asked
“You should be happy,” Charlie said.
“Oh, just shut up and drive,” I said pointing at the road.
Meet Charlie Puth. I’m 14, almost 15, and he is 19. Not that big of an age difference. His birthday is December 2nd, mine is January 3rd. No that anyone cares. My foster parents never even asked, or tried to make me feel welcome. Charlie was the first person that did that. He asked when my birthday was, made me feel welcome at school, and he even would take me out on my birthday to celebrate with me. That is when he could, he has a busy schedule. He lives in LA during summer break, his parents live here in New Jersey, and he now goes to college in New York. I’m surprised he is even here to take me to the airport.
Soon we pulled up to the airport and I got out. I missed spending time with Charlie everyday. Now we are going to be even farther apart.
“Text me when you land please,” Charlie said.
“I will,” I said
“Promise?” Charlie asked
“Promise,” I said before kissing him on the cheek.
I got out of the car and went through security. I couldn’t believe I was actually leaving to go to Wolverhampton. I was free for the time being from my foster parents. I knew that wouldn’t last long though, it never does.
After I landed I looked for the family that was supposed to be taking me in. I found a girl that looked to be around my age with a sign that said ‘Ash Payne’. I walked up to her and introduced myself. She did the same not long after.
“My name is Gemma Styles. That is my mum over there,” she said pointing to a woman that was talking to a young man a little older than us.
I think I ended up staring and Gemma noticed and so did the guy her mom was talking to.
“That’s my brother,” Gemma said snapping in my face.
“What is his name?” I asked
“Harry,” Gemma said.
“Why is he wearing a hat?” I asked.
“He just landed also and is kinda famous. He has to try not to get noticed,” Gemma said
Next thing I knew she had pulled me over to her mom and brother.
“Hello,” Harry said while holding out his hand.
“Hi,” I said shaking his hand.
I saw him looking down at my wrist and I quickly pulled my hand away. I pulled my jacket sleeve down to cover my wrist so he wouldn’t asked questions about the scars. I knew someone would see them sooner or later but not this soon. I think my face got bright red after that since it always does.
“Are you ok Ash?” Gemma asked
“Yeah,” I said looking down at my feet.
“Well, this is my mum Anne and my brother Harry,” Gemma said elbowing me.
“Hi,” I said getting quiet.
“Mum, I better get going before I get spotted,” Harry said.
“Okay, but you’ll be home for dinner right?” Anne asked Harry.
“I think so. I just have to check with Paul to make sure it is okay,” Harry said before walking off.
“Bye Hazza,” Gemma said after Harry walked away.
“Anyways, we better get going so we can get you situated in your room,” Anne said.
After that the whole ride back to their flat was pretty quiet. After Harry was looking down at my wrist I didn’t really talk much. I usually don’t talk to people so they don’t ask questions. I didn’t need this family to get hurt how the last family did. Turns out I wasn’t even staying with this family. They were just doing the family I am staying with a favor by picking me up. The family I am staying with still has a daughter my age though. So it still could be a little fun here.
