Page 8 of Run Away Home: Tempered

“You know what? Let’s get you into rehab. Let’s get you into some sort of program. I don’t want you to—”

“When I’m ready, I’ll go. I’m not ready yet, but I can quit any time I want to. I don’t want to now. Okay?”

“You can’t be doing this here, Hayley. You’re not listening to me, I just said—”

“What will you do, kick me out on the street? It was supposed to be just the two of us way before you dropped this whole Danny bombshell on me. There would have been no problem if you just—”

“Hayley, I—”

“It’s settled, then.”

She grips the bag tighter as she leaves the room.

I don’t know what to do...again.

Chapter Two

Hayley

IWAKE UP IN A NEWbed. The sun shines in, landing right on my face. There’s too much light in this room. I’ll have to hang curtains, or a sheet, or something.

What will I do today? Maybe I can buy some stuff for my room, like those curtains. I sit up, looking side to side while cracking my neck. My phone lights up with a notification. My daily horoscope is ready. I pick up the phone and unlock it.

Monday, January 10th

Aquarius: right now,

you’re hoping for a miracle.

Although it may seem far-fetched,

always believe that one is possible!

Faith could be the difference between

inaction and positive change.

Positive change.Sounds refreshing.

Footsteps approach my door, so I stand. I guess Peter’s already awake.

He knocks. “I made you breakfast,” he says through the door.

“Thank you. I’m coming.”

“Take your time.”

I open the door and shiver. It’s cold in here. I cross my arms while walking toward the kitchen. Danny’s at the table with a plate in front of him. Peter’s cleaning off the stove and counters.

“Do you think I’ll like my new school?”

“Shouldn’t be too much different from your old one,” Peter says.

“All new people, though.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty scary.”

I sit, leaning toward the table while squeeze-rubbing my arms. I hope Peter made coffee.

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