Baleigh's POV

I groaned as I tried to roll over. Everything hurt. I had forgotten to make Dad dinner tonight and he beat the crap out of me for it. His girlfriend thought he was having a little chat with me. I don't think she would expect this unless she came in. 

My already injured arm was worse, but I don't think it was broken. At least one of my ribs probably were though. I checked my face by lightly touching it with my fingers. I found a swollen eye, a bruised cheek, and multiple bleeding cuts on my forehead and chin. 

I sighed. It was time. I couldn't stay here any longer. I needed out. I grabbed a cinch-sack and stuffed a couple outfits and a few of my favorite books. I grabbed my stuffed turtle that my mom bought me before she died. I stuffed her in my bag and quickly ran to the window. 

I felt like I was forgetting something. I turned my head to my closet to see two scared, yellow eyes. Crap. I forgot my cat. 

I grabbed Kato and opened my window. I had to pull the screen off before I rolled open the window. I turned around and got one last look of my room. A place that I never wanted to come back. I shut my eyes before turning my head back to the cold, winter breeze. 

Snow began to fall in the room. I shivered. I quickly grabbed the only coat I had and slipped it on. Everything hurt. I put the hood over my head and climbed out. Snow pelted my face and hands. Kato meowed. I knew he was cold but I didn't have anything for him. 

I decided to open up my coat and place him inside. His head stuck out just a little. I held him close, trying not to crush my broken rib even more. 

I gave a light jog through the snow. My dirty sneakers beat against the concrete like the beat of a drum. I wanted to go faster but just this pace made my insides hurt. 

I ran for what felt like forever. I wanted the sun to come up and the snow to pass. I wanted my pain to go away. I wanted everything to go away and start all over. I wanted my mom back. I wanted so much. So much more than what I had. But I couldn't. This is the life God gave me. I needed to do what he said I had to do until the day I die. 

I was deeply lost in thought that I didn't realize I ran out into the road. I didn't see the car speeding toward me. All I saw was bright lights coming close to me real fast. Then I saw black. 

Sorry this one was short. Kind of a filler chapter but there also wasn't much going on when you're running away in a snowstorm. Kinda left you guys in a cliffhanger! Hope it didn't kill you too much. I'll post soon! Hope you all liked it!