Page 23 of Run Away Home: Tempered

“And why’s that?”

“Because I know he’s on the same shit you’re on.” He reaches into his pockets and holds up Tristian’s bowl.

“Oh, wow. Marijuana. Yikes. That’s some serious shit. Don’t act like you’ve never smoked it. I remember. It wasn’t that long ago.”

“I don’t want him or anyone smoking marijuana in my apartment whenwehave a teenager!”

Uh. No. Wrong. Wrong. So, so wrong.

“We have a teenager? I don’t think so. You have a teenager, Daddy of the Year. I’ve told you this multiple times. I’m not a parent to Danny. I am not his mommy.”

“Doesn’t matter if you’re his ‘mummy’ or not. I’m telling you not to smoke marijuana in this apartment. Also, I know the both of you are doing way more than marijuana.”

“And? You have something to say about me?”

“I just want you to know, if it comes down to it—between you or Danny—I’d choose Danny every single time. Don’t press your luck.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“You’re a smart girl. You know what that means. I’ll do what I have to do to make sure that Danny is safe. If that means evicting you from this apartment, don’t think I would hesitate to do it. Okay?’

“You can’t evict me!”

“I didn’t say I was going to. I said if this continues, I have the power to and I will. It’s a fair warning.”

“Because I’ve had my boyfriend here a couple of times, you would kick me out on the street?”

“You still don’t get it. It’s absolutely incredible.” He walks back into the kitchen.

“Get what?” I jump up from the couch and follow him. “Get that you’re trying to sabotage my relationship because you want me for yourself? Because you’re a manipulative, controlling little man?”

He stops what he’s doing and turns toward me. “So that’s what he says to you about me?”

“What? No...”

“Really? Because he called me a ‘little man’ not too long ago, and I don’t like it. Think what you want, though. I won’t stand here and be insulted. Keep pressing your luck.” He begins wiping down the countertops.

“Fuck you!”

He sticks his middle finger up. I storm out of the kitchen. I don’t want to look at his ugly-ass face anymore. I grab my phone and head to my bedroom. I slam the door behind me so he knows how mad I am. I’m shaking from anger. He can’t treat me like this! He can’t threaten me!

I flop down onto my bed, belly first, and hold my phone out in front of my face. I have to tell Tristian what just happened.

Im freakin the fuck out. U were right.

Y?

Peter said he’d kick me out if u ever come back her again.

Here***

Im so mad. He just wants me for himself.

I no what u meant. That motherfucker!

Can I stay with u if tht happened?

I been sleeping on ryans floor.

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