Chapter 1 t

Gone with the wind

The wind was howling outside as if it was screaming for someone , the shutters on the windows slammed against the wall.

The rain poured down loudly , the storm was strong . But that didn’t stop Allison she closed the suitcase latching it in place.

Grabbing the suitcase , keys and her phone she left the house . Allison popped the trunk throwing in the suitcase then quickly closing it she hopped in the drivers seat . Turning on the heater and rubbing her hands together to warm up. Allison’s phone began to ring , the caller id said it was Sean again . He had been calling all day . Allison quickly pushed the decline button crying she tossed her phone into the passenger seat . Starting the car and blaring loud music she drove off into the night . The only thought she had was she had to get away no matter how much it hurt the ones she loved . Nobody would ever forgive her for what she had done. They would never understand. They would hate her for life . It was better this way she told herself. Leaving was the right decision. The only decision. After several hours of driving in the rain Alison grew tired her eyes were starting to close . Knowing she needed to rest she pulled off on the next exit. Driving until she saw a motel . Alison rented a room for the night and quickly settled in for the night . Drifting off to a deep sleep beneath the warm blankets .

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A loud blaring woke Allison the next morning . Waking up groggily she looked over to see the motels alarm ringing loudly.

9:00 am it read across the screen, whoever stayed here last sure was an early riser she thought yawning . Climbing out of the bed she took a quick shower and dressed for the day . Reaching for her phone she had 30 missed calls ,15 Text messages and 20 voicemails. Putting her phone to her ear she began listening to the messages.

“Allison it’s mom where are you ? This storm is getting worse please call me or come home honey just come home I’m worried “ her mother cried into the phone

Crying she waited for the next to play

“ hey babe it’s me again . What’s going on ? Why are you ignoring everyone? Where are you ? Your moms worried sick she called me I’m getting scared babe I love you call me “ Sean pleaded on the other end

Alison couldn’t take it anymore she slammed her cell down and cried . After what felt like an eternity she gathered her things and hit the road again.

She didn’t know where she was headed just as far away as possible . No one could ever know of what she did . No one could ever know about that night . She had to leave to keep them all safe from the truth.

Driving a few more hours Alison read a street sign that said welcome to Alabama. Alabama she thought that’s as good a place as any . “ map the way to Anniston “ Alison said to her car gps. “ best route to Anniston selected the radio responded

Alison remembered Sean speaking about a vacation in Anniston he had with his family. He told her how beautiful it was so that’s the place she would go she thought.

She pulled into a motel in Anniston at midnight. Walking into the front desk a tall woman stood with a phone to her ear . Placing her hand over the receiver she mouthed “ I’ll be right with you “ to Alison before finishing up her call.

“ hello welcome what can I do for you ? “ she asked

Alison smiled “ hello I’d like to rent a room for two weeks .”

“ very well hun it’s $80 per night and you have to be 18 years of age to rent a room “ she looked Alison up and down “ you look a bit young my dear “ the woman answered

Alison laughed “ it’s my best and worst feature “ “ I have an id to prove my age “ she handed over her fake idea claiming she was 21 years of age .

“ perfect full this out dear my name is Mellisa i am the owner “ Mellisa said handing her a clipboard and a pen “ you will be in room 205 it’s upstairs “ she said handing her room key cards.

Alison filled out the paperwork and handed it back with her credit card . Then quickly headed off to her room . Once inside she collapsed on the bed phone in hand. Before she could talk her self out of it . The phone was ringing , but it was late he probably wouldn’t answer anyways she told herself.

“ hello ? “ his voice rang loud and sleepily

Allison was silent

“ baby ? “Sean said wide awake now

“ Allison baby are you okay ?”

“ hi babe I’m fine “ she replied

“ where are you ? What’s going on Allison ?

He pleaded for answers

“ look I can’t tell you that Sean , but I wanted you to know that I’m safe . I had to leave it’s complicated.” Alison answered

“ what does that even mean ? Alison please tell me where you are . If your in trouble I’ll help you “ he pleaded

“ I I I I’m sorry Sean I shouldn’t have called I love you “ Alison hung up quickly turning her phone off

Crying hysterically she curled up into a ball on the bed until she fell asleep.

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Chapter 2

A new beginning

“ make sure to lock up Alison “ her boss Malcom yelled as he walked out the door

“ I will “ Allison hollered back while mopping the floors . Once she was done with the floors she counted the cash register closed it out and locked up for the night .

It had been a month since she left home she found a job at a little coffee shop and had enrolled in online high school to finish her schooling . She was still staying at the motel but she finally had enough for this studio apartment she had been looking at.