Uncovering The Truth

Gently walking down the stairs making as little noise as my feet would allow, I took my last step off the stairs, letting out a small breath of relief, terrified of the consequences that would follow if my father was to catch me. To my reassurance, my father is not on the couch. I decided to pull myself together as I reached for the door handle. Opening the door quickly but quietly and making my way down the steps. In no time, I made my way through the intimidating deserted woods. Approaching my best friend Kyle's blacked out G Wagon, he rolled down the window and yelled. "Damn b***h what took you so long?" With a halfhearted smile I replied, "Sorry I was trying not to get caught, dumbass." Climbing into the passenger seat. Kyle was handsome with brown hair and dark blue eyes. He was tall and lean. He was the kind of person that would make you laugh even on a hard day. 10 years ago, I tried to run away from my dad after a fight. I got lost in the woods and ended up at Kyle's house, which was next door. He was outside playing on his swing set and wanted me to play with him. We played all day until his parents came home and took me back to my father. He was the only friend I had. I'm homeschooled and have never been in town since before my mom died, so I don't go out much. I reached over and took over the radio, putting on Taylor Swift . We both started jamming out to "Welcome To New York." Throwing my hands out the window, allowing the music to take me to a place where I am free. When I'm with Kyle I can let my guard down knowing I'm in a safe space. Never one without the other. "Kyle you are my soulmate I hope you know that." He turns to me and says, "b***h, you know I'm gay." Laughing, I reply," I know that smartass I just want you to know that I love you, and thank you for always being by my side." He put his hand over his heart being dramatic; "Aww Serena stop you're going to make me cry and yes you are my soulmate babe." Pulling up to the gate, Kyle enters the code then drives up to the 5-car garage. There, butler George awaits us at the door. "Georgie!" Kyle yells at the butler once we got out of the car. "Sir Kyle, you've returned, your parents have been asking for you, something about another camp or wait was it another counseling session I don't quite recall." Kyle groans. "Tell them I took there Bugatti and ran it into a tree or perhaps a lake, just something be creative Georgie." Kyle says patting him on the back. I give George a smile as we make our way past him and into the house; "Hurry I don't want my sorry excuse of parents to hear us." Kyle rushes out as he grabs my hand and makes our way up 4 sets of stairs to his bedroom. "Damn I'm glad my house only has one of those I almost died." I tell him as I plop down on his bed out of breath. "Omg now look at the one being dramatic." He replied with an eye roll. He plops down beside me. "There planning on sending me to another one of those camps to pry the gay out of me," he tells me with a groan. "I don't understand why they can't love me for me, like damn I'm there only child, being gay isn't something they can change about me." I hugged him. "I'm so sorry Kyle I wish there was something I could do." I reply. "Anyway, how's things at home with your dad." He asked trying to change the subject. I was glad to change the subject, knowing the pain and resentment Kyle has towards his parents. I can fully understand his pain. "It's the same way it's been for years now since my mother died, nothing's changed," I tell him honestly. He sits up and hugs me. "I'm so sorry Serena, I know it must be hard for you." His face switches from sad to excited. "I know what we need, I'll be right back girlie." He tells me, hopping off the bed and leaving the room. I sat in silence for a few minutes just thinking about how our lives are so messed up. Wondering if there's more out there for us. When he returned, he dropped a big tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream, 2 spoons, popcorn, face masks and a movie on the bed beside me "Movie night?" he asked. I picked up the movie lying beside me. "The notebook!" I squealed, "of course what else would we watch, babe" he said. I curled up under the covers and grabbed the ice cream while Kyle started the movie. "You better share bitch." He said while curling next to me on the bed. "I wish it could always be like this." I said laughing. "Me too," he said smiling, and then his face grew serious. "What if it can?" he asked. I just stared at him for a long moment. "What do you mean?" I finally asked. He shrugged his shoulders and replied, "we could just leave, there's nothing holding us back." He grabbed my hands. "Serena lets runaway. I know we are only 17, but we could go somewhere faraway like Hawaii or Mexico, anywhere you want. No one will find us. We could be free just the two of us like it's always been." His eyes were hopeful. Seeing the hopeful look on his face was the only conviction I needed. Not allowing the fear of what ifs holds me back from a future filled with endless possibilities. Not giving myself a chance to overthink it, I responded, "Hell yes." Kyles' eyes grew big, "Wait, are you serious? Please tell me you're not joking." "No Kyle, I swear I'm not joking, I really want to leave." I told him. "Okay then its settled, now we just have to decide when. Oh! How about in a couple of weeks? That way we have plenty of time to pack what we need, and I can find a way to get money without my parents knowing." He speaks. I replied with shaky breath. "Okay that sounds perfect." Moving on from the subject, I replied about the movie and enjoyed our snacks while cuddling together. At some point during the movie, I must have dosed off. Next thing I know, Kyle is shaking me and shouting. " Oh God Serena, wake up, we have fallen asleep, hurry up. I have to get you home before your dad notices your gone." Jolting up, I quickly put my shoes on as we rushed down the stairs. Taking two steps at a time, I shouted, " Why the hell do you have to have so many stairs!" I can't believe I fell asleep. My father was definitely going to know that I was not home. I groaned at the thought. Finally, making it to the car, both of us jump in. Kyle starts the car and races down the road. Good thing there are only woods between us . Kyle knows my father is drunk and temperamental. When we made it to my house it was 8:00 in the morning when Kyle parked the car at the very end of the driveway. I was dreading going in when I knew what was probably waiting for me. I'm honestly surprised he hasn't beaten me to death yet, but for some reason, I heal very quickly. Kyle was the first to break the silence. "I'm so sorry serena." " It's not your fault, I'm sure everything is going to be fine." I assured him. I kissed his cheek. "I'll text you when I can, love you. See you later!" I said to him as I climbed out of the car "Love you!" he yelled as I shut the door. I began walking down the driveway, every step getting closer and closer to that monster.