I roll on to my side completely forgetting the sharp pains that remind me of last night. It took me ages to get comfortable, everywhere aches in such awkward places. I slowly turn to my other side, that's equally as painful. I sigh as I give up. What's the point. I sit up and ignore the pain as I've got through this many times before, so I can get through this again. I can hear my Sister talking way too loudly, and now my Mum is matching the pitch level.

I slowly get out of bed and make my way down the stairs, I flinch at the pain as I know this isn't going to get any better until a couple of days. I glance at my reflection in the mirror hung up in the hallway. My face is bruised and my cuts are covered up by the dried blood I never cleaned up. I look away and dodge the suitcases as I make my way to the kitchen. Wait a minute, suitcases?

"Harry!" My Mum says as she looks at me, she looks nervous.

"Morning" I say as I look at Gemma, my sister who is leaning against the kitchen counter. "What's up with you?" I ask as I try no to laugh at her grumpy face. She shakes her head and looks to Mum.

"Harry.." Mum says as she walks up to me. "Can you sit down a minute?" She asks. I nod as I take a seat at the table, slowly sitting to get comfortable. Gemma folds her arms.

"Alright, where you off too?" I ask as I roll my eyes as they land on Mum, she frowns. "The suitcases, you're going somewhere?" I add and Mum looks away to Gemma. Mum has done this before, when things have got a bit too stressful, she's booked a hotel somewhere and stayed away for a few nights.

"Oh come on Mum." Gemma sighs as she sits down next to her. I frown as I look between them. "They're not for Mum Harry." She adds. Mum looks at her to stop and Gemma shrugs.

"They're for you Harry. I've packed some of your things as you slept last night." Mum says and she takes a deep breath. I look at her and shake my head in disbelief. Before I can ask any questions Mum continues. "I've called Susan and Ryan. They are willing to take you in for a couple of months. You need a fresh start." A couple of months? Is she crazy? This had to be a joke. She starts to ramble on about how worried and scared she is for me. I shake my head and she stops. Now is my time to talk.

"No way! How can you possibly send me off somewhere? I'm not living in a house with strangers? That's ridiculous Mum. I mean, I get in a lousy fight and now I'm being punished by you?" I ask as I try not to get too angry, I still don't have the strength.

"I'm not punishing you Harry, I'm helping you. Susan and Ryan aren't strangers, they are lovely people who live in a lovely area which I know you would love. You've known them since you were born, you used to play with their kids when you were younger. Don't you remember?" Mum asks with a pleading look in her eyes. I shake my head and look away. I do remember some occasions but I play dumb.
"Ryan has a music studio and he's willing to take you on and train you up, get you learning how to do what he does." Mum says and she gives a sympathetic smile. "I think you need a job that will take your mind off things!"

"I don't give a shit about a music studio, or where they live or how nice they are! All I care about is how my own Mother wants to get rid of me!" I snap and look away as my ribs ache. I can't believe this is happening. Mum doesn't say anything as she silently wipes her tears. Gemma sighs.

"Harry, Mum doesn't want to get rid of you. You know how she hates it when she doesn't know where you are, but we both can't keep seeing you like this. What if I walked through the door looking like you several times, wouldn't you want to help me?" Gemma asks and I look at her and shrug. "That's all we want to do for you is help. You've lost your way and we need to get you back. Ryan and Susan offer so much to you that you're interested in. Their son Jed is on their local football team and he supports Manchester United, like you. You love music and Ryan's studio will be so good for you. Like Mum said, you know these people. I remember them." She adds. I look away and think about it but I can't help feeling so hurt about this. Why should I have to leave? This is my home.

"Well, I'm twenty years old so you can't make me do anything." I say and my Mum nods, she clears her throat.

"I know, that's why we're hoping to convince you on going. " She says. "It's for the best and I know you will understand eventually." She adds.

"This isn't right!" I shout as I smack the table, I stand up and quickly walk away. Fuck the pain, I don't care about anything anymore. They are going to wish they never did this.
I head upstairs and go into the bathroom. I turn the shower on and get undressed, I step in and feel the burning hot water touch my skin. I turn it hotter and grit my teeth. Pain is the best punishment, not sending me away to what sounds like a perfect little family. They will regret this.

---

"I'm so sorry!" Mum says as she lifts the other suitcase into the boot of my car. I look at her and sigh. "Please let me drive you Harry, you're not in a fit enough state!" She begs.

"You've made the decision. Like I said, I'll only go on my terms, I'm driving." I say as I shut the boot and walk round to the drivers seat. There is no way I'm going anywhere without my car, my own little bit of freedom that I will have left. I open the door and stop. I roll my eyes as I know I can't leave without a proper goodbye.

"Here's the directions and Ryan is meeting you at this road which is about twenty minutes away from their house." Mum says as she points at the directions, I take the piece of paper and look at her. "I am sorry Harry"

"I know" I say as I give her a hug. She hugs me tight and I flinch as it hurts. I hate being mad at my Mum. She's been through enough shit, but I hate how she just won't listen to me.

"Sorry.." She says as she lets go of me. She kisses my forehead and I nod. Gemma walks up to me and just hugs me, I hug her back.

"Enjoy it Harry." She says before pulling away. I look at her and nod I force a smile.

"See you in two months" I say as I get in the car and Mum looks at me as she holds the door open.

"Go steady, any pain, pull over and call me. Okay? I love you" She says as a tear falls down her cheek. I nod.

"I love you too" I say and she smiles, she shuts the door and covers her mouth as she starts to cry more. Gemma puts her arm around her. I start the engine and I look at them once more before accelerating away, I wave and exit our drive. I place the directions on the passenger seat as I concentrate on the road, I glance back and forth, I can't believe I'm doing this.

As I get a little more into the drive, my mind wonders back to last night. Did Naomi get back safely? and what was she thinking the way she acted towards Aaron. It suddenly starts creating assumptions in my head. Have they been secretly seeing each other? Does she fancy him? I shake my head trying to get rid of these thoughts.

My phone beeps and I glance over as I come to a holt at a traffic light. I quickly open the text. From Naomi:
Are you okay? I'm so worried about you, please call me!! xxx

I look away back at the lights as they flash Amber before turning green. I'm not texting Naomi back. she doesn't deserve to know if I am okay, like I said last night it was all her fault. She's the reason why I'm on my way to the 'May' Household. Right now, I hate her.

Notes