I woke to the annoying sound of my buzzing alarm clock. I squeezed my eyes shut wanting the noise to just fade away, but of course it didn't. Slapping it with my hand it turned off, and I forced myself into a sitting position.

It had been three days since we moved here. Where's here exactly? Flagstaff Arizona, halfway across the country from where I was born. South Carolina. Rubbing my eyes I pushed myself to my feet. Glancing at my clock I read the time. Three O'Clock in the morning. Yes, that was the time I got up each day.

Scrambling around my small corner of a room, I threw off my robe and pants. Quickly skimming through my small crate of clothes, I selected a pair of jogging shorts made of light material, and a solid black long sleeved shirt. Grabbing my crummy shoes I slipped them on my feet. The fabric was worn and the soles had little grip. I would have to get a job soon, if I wanted to keep from going bare foot, I would need a new pair of shoes.

Quietly I headed to the window of the small apartment, I lived in with my family. Unlatching the window I clambered out onto the fire escape. The bitter November air nipped at my skin. After shutting the window I bounded silently down the stairs. I couldn't afford to make a noise, if my father found out what I was doing there's no say in what he would do. The only thing I know, is that he would definitely be angry, that I could not afford.

Once my feet touched the pavement I glanced back up at my window. The lights weren't on which meant he hadn't heard the alarm. With a grateful sigh I ran a hand through my wavy brown hair. It was long and sometimes drifted into my eyes, but I was used to that. Turning I jogged away from the apartment complex.

The night was still dark barely a hint of light except for the moon and stars. I was running a beaten path that I had discovered on one of the first days we were here. I was not very familiar with the area in which I lived ,so this was pretty much the only place I ran. I set a nice even pace at first watching my breath cloud in front of me. My muscles were tight still from spending so much time in a car, and I was determined to fix that problem.

Eventually my path intersected with the woods that usually ringed most of the areas here. With a quick look over my shoulder I ducked under the barbed wire that kept animals from getting out. This was a change in footing, the ground was rougher, less even. Dried pine needless crunched under my feet and I quickened my pace. I found, in the few days that we had been here, that I especially liked the woods. I had a knack for exploring, and here I could run free. I didn't have the worry or restrictions of my father.

Quickening my pace I set off into the night, dodging trees and bushes. When I reached the familiar clearing I stopped. My breath came out in heavy puffs, and my muscles had a slight ache. I was determined to join the track and cross country teams at the school I was going to attend tomorrow. In case you didn't know, I was currently part way in my Junior year. Another reason as to why I was angry for moving. Sure, it wasn't like I had friends before, but I was never really allowed to. It was a vow my mother and I made. We didn't want people to see our home life, we didn't need there pity.

With a deep breath I eased myself down onto the cool grass. It was nice here, quiet, something I didn't have enough time of. Lying on my back I gazed at the stars, making up shapes. I remember something my mother told me when I was little. 'If it weren't for the dark, we'd never see the light of the stars.' I smiled at her words and closed my eyes. The sweet smell of the forest, and the sounds of animals comforted me.

Sometimes, I wished that I was a bird. That I could escape into the clouds, and just fly away from my threats and problems. I imagined what it would be like to go anywhere you wanted, to be able to share a song with others of your kind. A sense of sadness filled me. I never had the chance to discover, not like my brother. He often snuck out at night when I was to tired to join. With the thought of him, I bit back the urge to cry. Liam, was kind. He had cared for me when things were rough. We were only two years apart, but I was grateful for him. When things started getting bad with my dad he would always keep me safe. As we got older, and things got worse though, I could tell he was struggling. He always had a free spirit and it was being taken away from him. Neither of us were aloud to go outside much, this was father's orders, and we had to lsten to them, or else. Once he reached his Senior year he joined the military.

He had told me that I had to be the strong one now, that I was the one who had to keep things together. I remember crying the day he left. His words to me were I'll come back, I promise. When I come home I'll take you and Mom with me. We can see the world Blake. Just like we wanted to when we were little, remember?' It hurt me and Mom the most, as for dad, it was one less person he had to care about. A few months later we got word that he died during combat. I still remember feeling empty, not understanding that the one person who would do anything for me was never coming back.

The next phase was anger. I was angry at him for not keeping his promise, and I was angry at myself for letting him go. He was right though, I had to be the strong one now. I still do. I feel like I'm barely surviving sometimes.

I opened my eyes , staring at the sky. My eyes burned, but I fought back the tears. Climbing to my feet I brushed myself off. I had wasted enough time. I had to hurry home.

The trip back was quick and easy just like they way to the clearing. Once I reached the fire escape I hurried up the steps as quiet as possible. When I reached the window I threw it open and hurried inside, closing it behind me. Dad, always got me up at four thirty to do all of the chores. I had less than five minutes to hide all of the evidence of my night run.

Scrambling around I flopped down onto my mattress. I worked on steadying my breathing. I lay still as I heard his door creak open. I eased my eyes shut relaxing my face and taking low steady breaths. He fell for the rouse because soon I was yanked out of bed by the arm. It hurt a little ,but it was nothing out of the ordinary. I opened my eyes pretending to still be half asleep. My father's breath stank of alcohols.

"Get going kid. No sleeping in. You know the routine. I'm getting ready for the day and I expect everything to be finished by the time I'm done. I'm going out this morning." With that he turned taking his rancid breath with him. I glared in his direction and cursed lightly under my breath. I never did anything huge, just small acts of defiance.

Quickly I made my bed, which consisted of a mattress on the floor, a blanket or to, and that was pretty much it. I changed into a simple shirt and pants before grabbing the cleaning supplies. I hurriedly wiped down the kitchen before heading to the bathrooms. Well, the one that wasn't being used. However, to my surprise my mother was already dressed and scrubbing away. She must have heard me because she looked up from her work and winked at me. I smiled mouthing a silent thanks before starting on the floors.

My Mom did that sometimes, she would help me even though it was my job. I did the same for her and most of the time we never got caught. When Dad was home it was our way of saying a silent I love you.

I finished my chores early, like every day. Dad took his time getting ready in the morning, so his threats were usually idle. When he came out, I never got a side look. As he was about to shut the door I called out.

"Love you pops." He no longer responded to that, he hadn't for a while, but I wanted him to know that I still cared about him even though he didn't care for me. I smiled as the door closed. Besides, sometimes it got under his skin. It was nice to see him uncomfortable every once in a while.

Once I had eaten breakfast I headed out to the parking garage and hopped in my old beat up truck. I had gotten it cheap with my own money. I had never seen mom so proud before. With that thought I pulled out and headed to the bookstore. Apparently they were hiring.

Once I got inside I told the man behind the counter, that I was here to apply for the job. The old man with weathered skin and gray hair smiled warmly at me.

"Of course son. Follow me." I did as he asked and we headed to a spare room at the back of the store. I saw two other employees rummaging around. Both were girls. One looked older with her blond hair pulled back into a high pony. She seemed to be in her early late teens. As for the other, I could only make out the side of her face. She had short black hair that was to her chin, it was full of uneven layers, causing some of it to fall in her eyes. Though her hair obstructed her face I could see a small splash of freckles.

Looking away I followed the old man to a desk. He pointed to a chair on the other side and I gladly sat down. He peered at me from the corner of his eye as he rummaged in his desk. He eventually pulled out a piece of paper, giving it a once over, before looking back at me. He slid the paper with a pen across the desk to me.I realized that this was probably some sort of background information.

After a minute or two I filled it out handing it back to him. He looked it over seeming satisfied and folded his hands together.

"All right young man. I am going to ask you a series of questions, and please answer honestly." I nodded with a smile leaning back in my chair.

"First of all, do you like to read?" He asked. I smiled at the question.

"Oh, yes, very much."

"What do you like about reading?"

"The different worlds it takes you to.It's an escape, an adventure. You can explore different dangers and paths without putting yourself in harms way." The man nodded at my answer and I saw a small gleam in his eyes.

"Favorite genre?" I laughed.

"Well let's see, adventure, fantasy, disitopian, and any thing with adventure."

"How good are you with people?" he asked. I swallowed hard at this feeling slightly uncomftorable.

"To be honest sir, I'm not really allowed to talk to people. I also just moved here. Besides, my father likes to keep things private." The man didn't react at first. I could see the gears turning in his head.

"Well, based on your interaction with me I'd say you have good manners, lad." I let out the breath I had been holding in. "Do you get bored easily?"

"No not really, if I have nothing to do..well.. I imagine." The man smiled at my wistful words but it was true. If I was ever alone or bored, I imagined far off lands with dragons, magic, daring sword fights, anything and everything I could think of. I guess when your voice has been taken from you, when you've been cooped up for so long you need an escape. He nodded scribbling something on a piece of paper. He continued to ask me multiple questions, some were of my opinions, what I enjoyed, others were sstrongly random questions, some were completely for business purposes.

When the questions stopped he stood shaking my hand. His hands were worn and leathery but strong and seemingly firm.

"Well, give me some time to think about it and I'll get back to you." I nodded standing up and pushing my chair in. As I turned to leave the small room his voice rang out with a warm tone.

"I'm just messing with you. You're hired. You seem like a good lad. Come back tommorrow night and I'll give you the information." I spun around fast, and I noticed that the two other girls had lifted their heads slightly. They were probably listening.

"Thank you sir! This means a lot. I mean, I know I'm new here,but I'll get used to it I promise!" I exclaimed in excitement. His eyes twinkled with an emotion I couldn't read. Though I didn't waste time figuring it out. This was great! I rushed out of the Barnes & Noble, and headed to my car. I couldn't wait to tell Mom, she didn't think I would be able to find a jjob this fast.

The whole ride home I was filled with excitement and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. When I pulled into the parking space I sprinted up the stares to our apartment, and practically tore down the door. I ran inside to see my mom sitting at the table with a cup of coffeee half way to her motuh. Her brown hair was pulled back and her warm brown eyes were wide in surprise.

I plopped down at the table, practically bouncing in my seat.

"Guess what?" I asked, slightly out of breath. She set her cup down and leaned forward intently.

"What?" She asked.

"I got a job! Barnes & Noble! I get tto work in a place with dozens of books. How cool is that?" I asked. Her eyes lit up with excitement and a smile stretched over her face. She stood tackling me in a hug.

"That's great honey!" She kissed my forhead and I beamed. For a moment I forgot about everything that had happened. The move, everything. Yet, of course, our little celbration was ruined. The phone rang,my mother sighed, and turned to go pick it up. I left her in the kitchen and headed to my bed that was just across the way in the corner of the living room. I was blocked from view by the couch. Dad thought it was great, he claimed to hate looking at me.

Scooching my matress aside I pried open a loose floor board and took out a leather book. It was a journal. My journal. I put all of my happiest moments in here. It was a way for me to not forget the good things. The next couple of hours I spent my time writing in my journal and bubbling with excitement.

As the time for dinner drew near though, my excitement slowly faded. I had just set the tale when my Dad threw open the door. A gust of cold air followed and he slammed it shut behind him. He staggered in the direction of his bedroom. Mom and I gave each other nervous looks. When ever father came home this drunk nothing ever good came out of it. I sat down at the table with my fork in hand, and bowl of spaggheti in front of me.

A moment or two later father joined us at the table. His eyelids drooped, and he slurred his words.

"Spagghetti? Who the heck made his?" He asked, appalled. Mom opened her mouth to answer, but I cut her off.

"I did." I watched as she shot me a warning glance. I knew she was the one who made it, but I hated when Dad took his anger out on her. I watched as he took a bite and his face morphed into disgust..

"This tastes like crap!" He exclaimed. No one said a word, and I watched as he got up and threw the food away. I was slightly angry at him for that. Mom had put a lot of effort in that, and wasting food was like mocking starving children. I watched as he stumbled back over to his chair. His eyes roamed the table until they landed on me.

"Give me your bowl." He demanded. I narrowed my eyes. I scooched my food farther away from him. I hated when he did this. I saw his face turn slightly red. "I said give it."

I could tell by the way his words were formed, through his slur that he was angry. I lifted my fork to my mouth determined to actually eat, and ignore him. I had learned that sometimes he would forget about it if I ignored him. This was not one of those times. He smacked my fork away, before lunging for my bowl. I reached for it but he slammed me back into my chair. With that he got up and left.

"How on earth does he think that is going to taste better?" I grumbled. Mom got up and pulled out another bowl from where she put it in the cupboard. When she set it in front of me I realized that it was usually some of the extras left overs in the pot. I looked up at her and she had a small smirk on her face. She just tricked Dad. This was a small victory.

"You're a genius." I mused. With that we ate quietly. Once finished I took a quick shower before heading to bed. As I lay on my matress staring at the cieling I realized that maybe, just maybe, life wouldn't be as miserable here. That was when I remembered what I had to face tommorrow. School.