only grab the essentials, the things I truly cannot leave without, because I have no plans of ever returning.
I know of a place where it may be okay for me to stay, even if only for a little while. I run out of the house with my small bag of possessions and jump into the Jeep.
My–Jeep.
I look back and see my dad who isn't really my dad start running after me and almost reaching the door. I throw the car in drive as quickly as I can and push on the gas. He reaches the door enough for his fingers to skim the handle, but I’m quicker. Before he knows it, I’m gone and he just stands there in the middle of the street. I continue looking back and watch him get smaller and smaller, all the while my burdens seems to get lighter and lighter.
Chapter 40-Charlie
As I drive away, the place I steer Lexie to, is Tori's house. Her mom was so nice the first and only time I’ve seen her in person. As I near her house, I know it’s time to come clean and explain everything. They deserve to know. Tori deserves to know. I’ve kept quiet long enough. I pull into the driveway and sling my bag around my shoulders as I walk up to the door. I ring the doorbell and try to pat my hair down, so I don't look like a nutcase the minute the door is opened. The minute the door is opened, I realize I never even took the time to assess the damage done to my face. Oh, my.
The minute the door opens and Tori looks at me I know it must be bad, the look on her face says enough.
“Oh, my gosh Charlie, what happened?”
“Well, my dad's hand made it’s way across my face.” I respond.
She steps to the side and grabs my hand, carefully pulling me inside. She’s being extra careful with me, like I might break at any second. What she doesn’t realize is that I’ve learned something about myself tonight. I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought possible. If I can deal with this, then I can deal with anything.
“Charlie what happened that he would ever raise his hand to you? No one deserves this ever. Mom,” she hollers, “We need you in here please.”
Without so much as a question, in walks Tori's mom, Shelby. The moment she walks in, she immediately stops in her tracks and gasps, “Oh, my gosh Charlie, what happened?”
“Well it's a long story, you may want to sit.” Tori immediately pops up from the couch. “Nope, we have got to get you ice girl. Have you even looked at yourself yet?”
All I can do is shake my head. “Come on, follow me. We'll stop in the bathroom so you can look and then we’ll head into the kitchen for an ice pack..
I had stopped crying on the way over to Tori's. I think I was somewhat in shock to be honest. However, the moment I walk into the bathroom and look at my reflection, I start crying all over again. Not bawling, but silently crying. It’s red, puffy and swollen as all get out. In fact, he hit me so hard, that he left a massive imprint of his hand and it’s starting to turn different colors. It’s in the first stage of bruising and it is only going to get worse. I don't want to look at myself anymore, so I immediately turn around and follow Tori into the kitchen.
As soon as we are settled back onto the couch, I start my tale. My long depressing tale. I tell them of the abuse that I had finally realized wasn't normal. How I had taken the name calling and the blatant ugly and weight comments longer than I ever should have, and for as long as I could remember.
Tori muttered, “Well that sure explains it.” She doesn't even have to embellish, because I know exactly what she means.
Meanwhile, Shelby sits there horrified beyond belief and reaches for my hand, holding it the whole time. She never looks at me with pity though. Only caring. I get to the confrontation that I had with mom when I was in the hospital and how she had nothing to say and never batted an eyelash. Shelby is listening intently and silently crying for my pain. I think the worst part for them was hearing about my dad slapping me. Telling it to Shelby