-August 13-

"This is in our price range, on the cheaper side. Two bedroom, one bath, a kitchen, and a living room that's all pretty spacious." Grant noted as we walked around the fifth apartment that day. I nodded.

"Then we should get it. Every other one was basic and cramped." I said, turning to look at Grant.

"Brilliant!" Grant said smiling.

It didn't take us long to settle in. Neither of us had furniture, besides what my mom had that wasn't stained, nor did we have the money. All the money left over went to rent, which meant we didn't even have enough for food.

"I'm going to see if I can get a job at the Central Park Aquarium. And apply to college, hoping for a whole lot of scholarships. Do you think NYU will take me?" I asked Grant. My brother shrugged. 

"I think it depends on what you use as your college essay, and how you fake transcripts and stuff. I mean, I didn't fake mine but I already got accepted there." He said. The tone of his voice implied it was a sub reason for being in New York in the first place. I'd have to see if I could convince my old high school to graduate me early. 

I'd have to deal with the technicalities later, and find a job now. I wanted to get rid of the brand on my arm, and pretend that the last six years of my life hadn't ever happened to me. I grabbed my jacket and left Grant sitting on the floor rapidly texting someone on his phone. 

Surely the aquarium would take me. I hadn't told Grant that I sent in an application back before I was kicked out of my whole world, and had an interview today. I'm good with marine animals, and the science always interested me, despite my lack of good grades in the past. 

I prayed to whoever decided to listen that I'd get the job. I then added an apology to my parents for letting them down, even if I wasn't the one in the wrong. I took several deep breaths before heading into the aquarium. This would be the deciding factor for the rest of my life.