⚠️Warning: Mentions of abuse and trauma, both mental & physical, ate in this chapter. If affected, please read with caution. ⚠️

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《1978》

*Mallory*

I slammed the suitcase shut before looking worriedly over my shoulder.

They should be out long enough.... I hope....

I went to my safe and looked through it.

Passport. SS card. ID Card. Medication. Birth certificate. Grandma's locket. Credit Card.... best not, they could track me.... and only $200 left....?

Ugh... they must have taken most of it when I wasn't looking!!

I pursed my lips and nervously looked over.

They must be knocked out by now.... Mother probably took enough of her medication to be out like a light and Father is probably knocked out from the scotch....

I quietly snuck out of my room, and tiptoe my way to Father's office down the hall.

I quietly walk in and hurry to where his safe is.

I gulped as I looked over and then spun the combination into the lock.

The door opened and I sighed with relief before suddenly a sharp pain overtook part of my head.

No... No no no no no no not now please!!!

I groaned quietly as I held my head, kneeling down to the floor a little.

Since I left the hospital,  the migraines come and go whenever they please, and sometimes even lead to seizures.

I prayed it'll pass as I took deep breaths.

"Please.... Please no.... Not now...."

Thankfully, it did pass. I took a deep breath as I slowly stood back up, my vision clearing up, and then looking into the safe.

A bunch of stacks of money, some stocks, documents, and some gold pieces.

I grabbed 2 stacks and then looked at the jewelry.

Wait.... No... They'll track me down if I take that to pawn... Best what they owe me and a little more.... I gotta play this safe, cash only until its safe...

I grab half of another stack before hiding it behind the others and then closing the safe and locking it, then quietly rushing back to my room.

I shoved it all in my purse and suitcase, pull on my jacket, make sure I packed everything, and then grab my suitcase before quietly exiting my room.

I make my way downstairs to the front door, grabbing my car keys on the way, and then walk out.

Just before I unlock my car, I stop and then turn around, taking a good look at the large house.

(Picture: Example of Mallory's Childhood Home)

The house has been in the family for almost 20 years now, so its not exactly ancient. Its been renovated an expanded for as long as I can remember, and pretty modern as well.

The only reason we even have such a big house is so my dad can jusy show off how much money he makes, both working and from gambling.

Yet despite how beautiful and big and amazing this house is, I only know Hell inside those walls.

Hate. Abuse. Disloyalty. Pain. Suffering.

I gulped nervously as I stood there.

Can I really do this?

I'm scared that I won't be able to this...

Then... I remembered the voice I heard before I woke up.....

"Someone needs you, sweet girl... More than you know..."
".... He will change your life from here on out..."

I sighed as I was deep in though.

".... Life will put many challenges in your path as well as his...
Though I'm afraid it already has..."
" .... Despite these obstacles, you both will survive.....
.... You need each other in order to be able to....."

That voice.... Who is this person that the voice is talking about?

"You'll find out one day....."

I sighed, before quickly tossing my  bag into the trunk and then climbing into the driver's seat.

Guess we'll find out who this is eventually.... I hope....

I start the car and the speed out, stopping so I can get the gate open, and then speeding out of the driveway and down the road.

I panted out a deep breath I realized I was holding in as I drove, seeing the house disappear from my rearview mirror.

I can do this... I can do this.....

***

It felt like I've been driving for hours.

Pretty sure its been all night since the sun was starting to already slowly starting to peek out in the horizon of the desert.

I felt so tired..... I should be getting to the state line soon......

I was focused on the rode when suddenly the car jerked a bit and I realize smoke was coming out of the hood.

"Oh no," I gasped. "No no no no no NO NO NO NO, FUCK!!!"

I quickly pulled over and pulled the hood open before climbing out.

At least I had some guy friends teach me some mechanics stuff....

I walked over and pulled the hood up, gasping as hot smoke suddenly blasted out, almost hitting my face.

"Damn it!!!" I snapped out loud, realizing the radiator's shot and there's no way I can keep going in this car.

I sighed as  looked across the desert before I turned around and I froze as noticed something a couple of feet away in the distance.

I frowned as I then took off into a run towards it, hoping its not a mirage.

Once I got there, I skid to a stop as I got there, seeing it was a large sign.

I slowly approached the sign as the large big letters read out to me.

["YOU ARE NOW
LEAVING ARIZONA"]

At that moment, my body felt weightless, and I felt like I could breathe again, and tears welled up in my eyes.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" I screamed out as I collapsed to the ground on my knees, sobbing out loud into the warm sand.

This is real.... I'm finally free....

I don't know how much time passed as I sobbed uncontrollably, crying of happiness in front of that faded sign.

I panted as I looked at the sign, sniffling and wiping my eyes before getting up and looking over at my broken down car.

I headed over and got my car open, pulling out my suitcase and bag, shoving my bag into the suitcase and then grabbing my wide brim hat from the back and pulling it on.

I looked out into the horizon, seeing the road was still pretty empty.

I'll have to hoof it and also hitchhike my way to California and hope for the best...

***

"You take care now, darlin'," the trucker, Lloyd, said as I climbed down from his truck.

"I will," I said. "Thanks so much again for the ride."

"No problem," he said as I closed the door and waved as he drove away.

I took a deep breath and looked around.

Well..... We're not in Tucson anymore.....

I then spotted a nearby convenience store and decided to get something to eat before finding a motel or something.

I walked in and looked around.

"Welcome," a bored voice said from the front counter.

"Hey," I said, looking around.

I decided on some chips, fruit, a sandwich, and a well earned bottle of Jack.

I carried what I needed to the register and went for my cash.

"Let me get a packet of menthols," I said to the long haired blonde register boy.

"You new here?" he asked as he reached over for the box.

"You could say that," I said. "Know any motels nearby?"

"Bunch of the motels on the Strip are gross, the strippers and their johns use them for their services, cleaning crew is shit," he said as he rung up my items. "Cleanest one here is the Rolland Inn across from the Sunset Plaza, just three blocks from here. Prices are cheap, too and they got a nice pool."

"Thanks...." I said, then read the name tag embroidered on his shirt. "..... Frank....."

(Picture: Young Frank Feranna Jr., a.k.a. Nikki Sixx - age 17 or 18)

He smirked, handing me my bags. "See ya around, stranger." 

I smiled and took it before putting the things in my suitcase and headed out.

《Almost 3 Weeks Later》

I sighed as I laid in my bed, my stomach groaning in pain.

So hungry....

Its been almost 3 weeks since I arrived to the Sunset Strip and it hasn't been so easy.

I expected as much, but wasn't hoping it would be bad either.

I checked into the hotel that guy, Frank, told me about and its been okay.

However, I only arrived her with a little bit of a thousand dollars, more or less, and have used it for housing, laundry, and food, but a few days ago I cut down on food a bit to save money.

Its not the healthiest choice, but I don't have much of an option.

I've tried looking for jobs so that I can join a medical school, but no luck anywhere.

I'm close to resorting to the strip clubs, maybe even the streets if I can.

I sniffled as I slowly sat up, groaning at the ache in my stomach.

If I don't get any food soon, my stomach's gonna cave.....

I sighed as I sat up, looking at the newspaper article with all the scratched out red ink.

How the hell is this the place where dreams come true??

I groaned and tossed it aside before reaching for my medication, realizing I was running low.

Ugh.... I need a break... It's late already....

I take a pill dry, then slowly got up, and checked in my bag how much money I have left.

$150

I sighed worriedly.

I knew I should have grabbed more money from those assholes...

Soon I won't have enough to keep paying for this room.....

I guess one meal for today can't hurt... I'll figure something out tomorrow...

I pulled on my jacket, combed my hair a bit, and then pulled my boots on before getting

I headed over to reception desk as I headed out of the motel.

"Hey, ummm.... Know anywhere I can get a hot meal at this hour?" I asked.

"Rainbow Grill across the street is open late," he said. "Tell them Benny sent ya."

I nodded. "Thanks," I sighed tiredly as I walked out.

I wrapped my jacket closer around me as the cool night air gave me chills, then crossed the street over to the diner.

I walked in and saw it was a pretty slow night, but only 2 waitresses were working.

One of them, an older one with her light blonde hair in a bun, looked over at me and seemed surprised.

"My god, sweetheart, you're almost skin and bone!" she said. 

I gulped and looked down. "I'm from across the street... Benny told me I can get food here....."

"Come on in, I'll set you up with a plate. On the house," The woman said.

"A-Are you sure? 'Cause I can pay," I said.

"Don't worry. Benny's a good customer here and a friend of mine," she shrugged it off. "Plus, Dale ain't here to raise any hell, and you look like you've been through a lot, hun."

I pursed my lips and looked down. "You're not wrong...."

"Come on in, you can pick a booth, I'll get you a menu," she said, motioning me over.

I nodded and took a nearby booth, and she approached me.

"You ain't from around here, aren't you?" she asked as she handed me a menu.

"No... I came in from Tucson a few weeks ago," I admitted.

"Tucson? Huh... You're far from home..." she said worriedly.

I looked down. "Stuff happened there to me.... Bad stuff.... Came here to start over," I said. "Tried find a job, get money for school, but... Nothing of luck..."

"Huh.... Well.... Would you want a job here?" she asked.

I furrowed my brows and looked up at her.

"One of our waitresses quit, so we're short staffed. Its not much here, but its something, and we get good business especially on the weekends, and tips aren't so bad..." she said.

I thought about it.

Huh... I guess being a waitress in a diner can't be a bad place to start for now....

Plus, this woman reminds me a bit of my grandmother... She was so caring and kind, clearly cares about the well being of others.

I feel like I can definitely trust her.

"Okay... Where do I sign up?" I said.

She smiled. "I'll get you an application in a bit. "First, some food."

I nodded. "Yes, ma'am?" I said, opening the menu.

"What's your name, by the way, honey?" she asked as she got her notepad and pen out of her pocket apron.

"Mallory..." I smiled. "And you.....?"

She smiled and pointed at the nametag.

"Pleasure to meet you... I'm Dottie..."

~~~~~

Figured I'd make a deleted scene on Mallory's back story, give a little bit of insight on it. Hope you all enjoyed it! 🌻

Also wanted to get this deleted scene up today since it is Nikki Sixx's 62nd Birthday, so hoping he has an awesome day and many more amazing years!!! 🎂🎈🎉♐🤘🏻🖤🌻

🎹Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Deadmau5 ft. Gerard Way
"Professional Griefers"

♡~ sapphire.