I shot up from bed, realizing my mistake. I must've dosed off reading... Algebra 2.0? Okay then. I quickly swung my legs off the bed and hopped down, feeling the familiar comfort of my pink rug. I paced over to my closet, found something decent, and slipped it on. I unplugged my phone from it's charger, knowing I'll need to call mom later.

I slipped on some converse and headed for the door. It was when I had gotten to the stairs, when I realized I had forgotten my bag. I padded back to my room, slipped the elephant-like bag across my shoulders, and headed back downstairs.

When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I noticed my mom. She was dressed in an 80's styled apron, flour sprinkled here and there.. leaning over the counter mixing something in a bowl. I quickly checked the clock. I wasn't late-- or even near late. As per usual.

"Hey honey!" My mom smiled sweetly, brushing some flour off of her hands onto her apron.

"Hey mom." I acknowledged her presence.

Technically, I'm supposed to still be pissed at he about the move, but I can't. I've always been sort of a 'Mommy's girl' or whatever the term is. Meaning; I can't stay mad at her for long.

"Mom...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that yesterday... and I feel awful.." I trailed off. "I was just hoping we could.. I dunno.. come to an understanding? Maybe see things from my side?"

"Of course, baby.," she said, grabbing my shoulders gently and seating me on the couch. "I know how hard it is, losing your father, but you have to understand why I did this. If I hadn't have taken this job, we'd be homeless." She gave my shoulders a reassuring squeeze.

"Well- Oh crap! Mom I have to go! like... now!" I yelled, seeing the time.

I pecked her quickly on the cheek and ran for the door, ignoring her questioning pleas.

~*~

I made it to Mario's safely, fortunately. Mario's has always been in that 'terrible neighborhood'. You know the one where old women get jumped late at night? Or young, defenseless girls get deflowered in an alleyway? That kind of neighborhood.

I hugged my elbows tightly to my chest and headed for the door. I hadn't gotten past a blue Range Rover before I was shoved up against the hard cold wall.

"Ello' sweet lil' darling.." a man whispered.

His voice had a certain.... rough accent to it that made everything inside me go numb. His hot breath was tickling my ear as he leaned over me.

"Whas' Your name?"

"T-Tinsley.." I stammered.

"Ery' pretty one you are.." he whispered, chuckling softly.

Suddenly he was pulled off of me. His body slammed to the ground with a sickening thud.

"I thought your mummy told you not to mess with women?" Harry smirked, pulling the guy up by his collar.

"Arry'! Blimey Arry' I didn't know she was your lass!" the man forced a smile.

"Well, she is. And if you touch her again, I'll shove my boot up your ass."

Harry released the man, shoving him to the direction of the streets. The man stumbled a bit, then bolted into the shadows. Harry came over to me, hesitantly.

"Did he hurt you?" he spoke slowly.

I shook my head. I was too shocked to speak. From the man practically raping me to Harry calling me 'his lass'- well he had already done it before- but to tell someone else? That's different.

"We should go in, yeah?" he smiled softly.

This is a side of Harry I can get used to.