Clare's parents were fighting again. They have been at it for awhile. All of a sudden she heard her dad coming up the stairs hard. He slammed my door open. "See what you have done to us! And all because of you!" he kicked me in the stomach and ran out of the house leaving for the week. Like he always did when him and mom got in fights. I was on the floor crying and holding my stomach, he kicked me hard! I couldn't live here anymore. I got up slowly and grabbed my phone calling the girl that knew what was going on. "Alli, can I stay at your house?" "I'm sorry Clare! I can't have anyone over because I'm grounded! Ok so you know..." I hung up on her I didn't need to hear her midlife crises. I was hoping she would say yes because only one other person I would call. "Hi Eli, I know this is short term but is there anyway I can come over? Just call me right when you get this. "Darn. I started to pack all my things and laptop. Eli called back right away. "Hi did you get my message?" "Yes I did and of course you can stay with me. Is everything ok?" "not really but all tell you when I get to your house." "I'll pick you up." he hung up so I took my stuff down stairs and saw my mom lying on the couch. "Mom are you ok?" "Yea honey I'm fine." she smiled at me weakly and put her head back down. "I'm staying at a friend's house for a week. I think it would be best if I'm not here. "My mom got up slowly and came and gave me a hug."I'm so sorry sweetie, I wish things would be different for you." she was shaking I could feel it. "I'll call you in the morning on your cell phone and at night before I go to sleep so you know I'm ok. And mom, I love you." she smiled and nodded and walked back to the couch. I heard the hearse so I went outside and went to the black machine. "Thank you Eli." he smirked and started driving.