Chapter one

Dazed and out of my mind. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and I turned to rum to ease the pain. Anything to flash away the horrible memories, and the shame of feeling abandoned. 

That's how I spend most days. Trying to escape reality, and run away from my life. You can't always run from your problems, no matter how fast you move, your problem seems to move faster and always win the race. 

 Opening the door, I have no desire to see her. I don't care about her feelings or what she thinks or wants. She gave up those rights when she couldn't put down the whiskey bottle and stay away from the heroine. 

 She sits at a long table, which is used for meetings in the group home. I watch as she uncomfortably moves her fingers around each other. She looks up at me and smiles, that smile I used to adore as a kid. 

 "Gatlin." She eyes me. I can tell she is nervous. She runs her fingers uncomfortably through her hair. 

 "My name is Smoke."

 "I didn't name you Smoke, son."

 I turn to leave, obviously this meeting isn't going to work. She lost the right to name me, to tell me how to live my life. She lost the right to be my mom. 

 "Fine, Smoke." She half smiles, saying my new name.

 I walk over to the table and take a seat at one of the chairs. She does look sober, that's more than I can say for myself. 

I see Tara walk in, she runs the group home. She was a very sweet lady, she saved my life. I believe I would be in more trouble if it wasn't for her. She tried her best to keep me up with my schoolwork and off the streets. But for some reason, I feel a chip on my shoulder and a demon in my mind.

 "Smoke, you turn 18 tomorrow, which means you can legally leave."

 I feel the grin take over my face. 

"But I highly recommend you stay and we keep you on track for college."

 "I have other plans."

"Like?" my mother urges. 

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, I don't think I'll ever get over my resentment towards her. 

"I think you lost your rights to opinions Mom, or should I even call you that?"

I see her eyes suddenly hit the table, and it was clear that I hurt her feelings. 

"Smoke," Tara looks at me, shaking her head. 

I swallow hard. "I'm just ready to close this chapter of my life."

"Then I guess it's settled then." Tara offers me her best smile. I know she was right, and I would benefit from staying in the group a little longer. But I'm ready for this new adventure and whatever it may take me. 

****

"But what about me?" Allie asks me. Her face was red, and her eyes were filled with water. 

"What are you expecting me to do?"

"Stay until I turn 18."

"That's one more year, Alls."

"I am not worth the extra year?"

This is the very reason I didn't want to get into a committed relationship with anyone. 

"I guess you're not worth the extra year."

"What!? I see the water linking out of her eyes. I know this is devastating to her, but I have to hurt her feelings. I have to close this chapter of my life and that means Allie.