Something New

Prologue

I made my way to the last class of my senior year. Zoology was fun but, I would rather be anywhere else. They had already sent my diploma to me and I didn't need to walk at graduation. That's what Brett told me. My boyfriend had me get as many classes as I could with a friend of his. He wanted him to keep an eye on me. All my friends well, not my friends anymore, had decided that we weren't friends anymore. They saw how I acted and how I wouldn't go places anymore with them. they stopped calling and texting me updates eventually.  Brett didn't like it when I talked to anyone else, he told me that he was my only friend. 

"Natalie I saved you a seat," James exclaimed across the room.

I nodded my head and sat next to him. I took out my materials and homework from the night before not saying anything. If spoke to anyone I would hear it when we got to Brett's place.

Yes, we live together. My parents died and since I was eighteen already I needed somewhere to go. I moved in with Brett back in October and it has been hell. I didn't know what else to do. Three more months, maybe sooner honestly, I wouldn't see him every day. None of my old friends knew of what he has done. I won't tell a soul. All my family was gone. No siblings, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents. I didn't want my friends involved because they didn't know I was still grieving my parents.

James shook my shoulder "The bell rang " I looked up from the desk "Let's get you home " he told me.

I got up and got my things. I followed James to his car and got into the passenger seat. 

He turned on the radio listening to Jack Harlow. I just looked out the window as he drove. He isn't a bad guy. He just does whatever Brett tells him. 

When we arrived I grabbed my bag and went inside. The house was in pieces almost. I didn't look back to see if James was leaving or not. 

"Natalie, I have people coming clean this shit up," Brett yelled.

I rolled my eyes and started cleaning knowing that if I didn't it would end well. He has left in bruised enough the times to know not to mess with him. 

I started in the living room. I cleaned up all the beer bottles and the leftover food that was all over the place. I brought a couple of trash bags to help make it more efficient. I went into the kitchen and started throwing the trash from there away too. Once I was satisfied with all the trash I moved to the dishes. I started washing all the dishes by hand due to the fact the dishwasher was full of dirty dishes.

'Brett could've at least started it ' I thought to myself

Once the kitchen and living room were done being cleaned. I went into his room. Yes, I called Brett my boyfriend but, it's because I have nowhere else to go. He uses me as a front in front of his friends. I am pretty sure that Brett is a drug dealer or something. He uses me as arm candy when they come. He also will sell me to them for a night. 

I shook my head and started cleaning up Brett's clothes. Putting them into his laundry basket and made my way to the washing machine. Once I was done putting his clothes into the washing machine. I knew I could go back to my room. 

As I entered my room, I see that Brett decided to go through my things. I am glad I took my phone with me today because if he saw that I had one he'd be pissed. I just shook my head and started cleaning. Once I was done reorganizing my room I got some comfy clothes to take a shower. 

I started undressing and turned the water on. There was a knock on the door.

"Natalie you better open this door. I didn't tell you were done" Brett said on the other side.

" I'm sorry, I thought I cleaned up everything good enough for your friends" I explained.

I didn't hear anything so you opened the door covering yourself with a towel. When I opened the door I saw Brett red in the face with his nostrils flaring with anger. He raised his hand and punched you in the face.

"Great look what you made me do. Now you're gonna have to stay in your room tonight" Brett told you.

While holding my face I nodded my head. My eye and cheek stung. I tried to keep my tears at bay. I went to close the door so I could get into the shower. 

" Just remember that next time you forget to ask," Brett told me walking away. 

I closed the door finally having some peace. It was the only time I could cry. I took the towel off and cried in the shower. I knew what I needed to do and had saved up enough money. College was now only a few months away. I planned on escaping tonight while his friends were here. I had bought a train ticket to Georgia. It was a twenty-one-hour ride from New York to Georgia. I packed a duffle bag full of things you might need along with some essentials. Had a waitressing job secured near my college and an Airbnb booked for myself.

As I finished washing up you got out to see my face. I wiped the mirror of the fog that was on it. My eye was swollen and already turning black. 

I sighed and opted to put on a bra along with a hoodie and sweat pants no matter how hot it was outside. I walked into your room listening to Brett's friends arrive. I locked the door and grabbed the last items I  needed. I listened for them to start watching the baseball game to know it was time. They get louder as the game goes on so I figured it's time. 

I took the bag and threw it out my window. Luckily it faced the back of the house where no one could see it. I crawled out my window being very careful to not make a sound getting out of it. My room was on the first level so I didn't have to jump and risk getting hurt in the process. I grabbed my duffle bag and made my way to the back of the fence and opened it and made my escape. I was so happy to be leaving.

I felt something wet hit your cheek and looked up. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. I realized you were crying but I wasn't sad. I was happy.  As I made my way to the train station I  made sure had I a ticket in my pocket. It was a ten-minute walk from the house and I practically ran there. 

The train was supposed to leave at seven thirty at night and it was six fifty.  When I made it to the station you put your hood up and handed the ticket checker my ticket. 

He looked at the ticket and smiled " Have a great ride miss," he told me.

"Thank you," I replied not looking up.

I  walked onto the train and sat down. I did it. Hopefully, he won't know where you're going. I decided that when I get to Georgia you're going to change my name. I wanted, no, needed a new start.

After debating for a while I finally thought of a name.

Natalia Landreau. It was perfect, I could say I go by Nat and not be confused when people call me a different name. They're practically the same.

The train was starting to move so I looked out the window. As I looked I realized I'd miss the place I grew up. But was excited to finally be leaving. As the train kept moving I decided it was time to get some sleep. I did have a long ride anyways. I  got a hoodie out of my duffle bag to use as a pillow. I laid my head against the window and watched the scenery. I watched until my eyes began to flutter shut. Taking me into a peaceful sleep.