MG – 1

"I can't take this anymore Grayson! This marriage isn't working!"

And there it was. The weekly fight…or should I say daily? And that's always how it would always end; one of them would come to the conclusion that their twenty year marriage was not working. Though that was abundantly clear to anyone who spent more than a few hours in their company. It was working; it hadn't been working for at least five years. They'd been trying to fix it for at least four years. But it wasn't working. So surely they should give up? They tortured each other…ripping the other apart…like it was fun, but then they'd stay together liked they loved each other too much when they didn't. It was cruel. I didn't understand it. Me, their daughter…their only child…and not even I wanted them together anymore. There was certainly something wrong when that happens. Surely I should be the one desperate for them to fix their relationship. I'd tried, I did for two years. But the marriage counselling didn't work. The vacations where it was just them didn't work. Going back to where they met didn't work. Going through awful events such as the loss of your parents, my grandparents, when they needed each other…not even that worked. So what was I to do? What was anyone to do?

They'd married young. My mum had been 26, my father 29. She'd just come out of medical school and he'd just secured a job in one of the top law firms on the East Coast. And for so long they were the ideal couple; stuck in the permanent honeymoon phase. Too much too fast…it would never last…it was impossible. Nothing that good would ever last forever. She'd moved to New York for him, leaving her hometown…a small typical American town deep within Virginia. She was a small town girl, he was a city boy. And they'd had the classic, fairytale romance. I don't know where it went wrong.

Now he was a full time lawyer, sleeping with his assistant…an Andie Starr…my only description of her was 'gold-digging whore'…pretty accurate really. And them my mum, she was a doctor with a weekly date with one of her superiors, Dr. Logan Fell. I didn't like him either; more so when I find him in my kitchen in the morning helping himself to our food like he owns the place, rather than my father who's just stumbled through the door in yesterday's clothes…like it was normal to find your wife's boyfriend in your house.

It was screwed up to say the least.

And that's how I lived. Since I was 13 it had been like this. And since I was 10 I'd seen it coming. Now I was 19 and, like I'd said, I'd given up trying to help. I was an adult…but there still wasn't anything I could do. Lucky for me they'd been in that honeymoon phase when they were bringing me up so I couldn't fall back on any awful childhood. Quite the opposite, not to the extent that I was spoilt, but I had everything I needed, which wasn't actually that much. I was always easily satisfied as a child. After I turned 10 they started to be around less; I got nanny after nanny until I was 14, all lovely but they weren't my parents. By the time I turned 15 I was fully aware of what was going on, earlier than that I think. Perhaps it was when we stopped visiting Mystic Falls, my mum's hometown where her sister lived. I'd always loved it there; I had real friends there, not these pretentious, spoilt brats at my school. Since my parents had good jobs on top of overflowing trust funds, they could afford the best schools. I'd be happier at the local high school, but no…private school it was. Back in Mystic Falls I had Caroline and Bonnie, Matt, Tyler, Stefan and his big brother Damon. Then my cousins Jeremy and Katherine…I hadn't seen any of them for five years. Life was better when we were there, even when my parents were happy…but we didn't go there anymore.

Since I'd turned 19 I'd been thinking about moving out. Well honestly I've been thinking about moving out since I was 16 but that was a little young. Just like my mum always said, their marriage wasn't working…she could take this anymore…well I sure as hell couldn't take it anymore. And right now as I'm thinking, lying on my bed in my room, they were still fighting on the other side of the wall, louder than my music.

I'd had enough.

Pushing myself up into a sitting position, I looked around the room. Double four poster bed, vanity table laden with makeup, an overflowing closet (I didn't like throwing things away), a double door window onto a small balcony floating fifteen stories above the bustling streets of New York City. I wondered if I'd ever sleep without the sounds of blaring horns and sirens. I don't think I could; I'd even put a recording of them on my iPod for god's sake…it was strangely comforting. So yeah, my room wasn't that crammed full of things as most teenagers, but this penthouse had never really felt like home to me. Lovely as it was; it wasn't homey. It was like the Vanderwoodson's penthouse in Gossip Girl…the type of place you'd see on the cover of a magazine or in a show room…the type that people would look at and admire, but could never imagine themselves living there…because it wasn't homey…I guess because it wasn't a home. My mum's home was Mystic Falls or 'Dr Fells' house. My father's home was the office, the hotel room he'd basically bought at one of the top hotels in the city, or of course 'Andie Starr's flat. My home? My home was in Mystic Falls…not here. That's where I'd always been happiest.

There was a suitcase under my bed, a big black one with wheels…a typical suitcase, there's no need to describe it. I'd pulled it out into the room a while after they started shouting tonight, as I tended to do every time they went off on one. The Daily Domestic…that's what my friend said. Aalia Karim was my closest friend at school, and in New York. She was beautiful and rich and popular and everyone wanted to be her, like the Blair Waldorf of New York. I wasn't sure where all these Gossip Girl references were coming from. She had that little group of girls following her around constantly, trying to be her new best friend and she hated them…they were like infatuated lost puppies. Anyway, she was probably the only person I'd miss if I left…when I left. It should be my parents…

Letting out a long sigh, I stood up, walking to my wardrobe and opening the doors, a few shoes falling out as their support was lost. I really needed to throw some of these things away. See I had a job; it wasn't amazing by any means, but I waitressed three or four nights a week at a diner round the block. Yes I got an allowance from my parents, but I didn't like feeling like they gave me everything; that I couldn't survive on my own. I paid my own phone bills, I bought my own clothes…I didn't ask for things from them. The only thing they paid for was my education, food, the house…but as parents that was their responsibility. I guess I was ungrateful, but I knew what they'd given me and I was thankful for all of it. I'd had a good childhood, as I'd said…but I just couldn't deal with it anymore. This wasn't my home and they gave me those things just because they had the money, my father had once told me that I was just another person living in the house…not their child, I was like a lodger. He'd been completely drunk when he'd said it, but it didn't take from the fact that it was absolutely true. They didn't care to be my parents and I didn't care to be their daughter. It wasn't that we didn't like each other…we just weren't a family like we used to be.

I began pulling out clothes, folding them and placing them on my bed. I liked order, and packing was strangely therapeutic. With Ben Howard's 'The Fear' playing on the speakers on my bed side table, I made my way through the many clothes. There was room for a lot so I took as much as I could. A few pairs of shoes, some jeans, leggings, tops, dresses, skirts, underwear of course. Everything I needed and something for all occasions. Unlike what many people thought, that I got all my clothes with my parents platinum AmEx card from the top designers, I actually bought a lot from charity shops and some of the better things from eBay (you can get nice clothes there). Of course not all my clothes, I did splash out occasionally. I mean, I loved buying shoes and dresses…and I had a lot of them. Pack, pack, packing…I sang along to the music as I did so, my iPod on shuffle so right now it had managed to put a load of White Lies song's together, 'Come Down' being the current song. My friends all thought my music taste was weird, since it was predominantly English…I listened to XFM via the internet…it was just better than everything else I thought. I mean, who else would call their breakfast show the 'Re-Fried Breakfast'…seriously.

Once the suitcase was packed; clothes, makeup, bathroom necessities et cetera, I zipped it up and pulled out another bag; just a dark navy gym bag. In that I put all wires and chargers, my white Apple MacBook, the book I was currently reading, another change of clothes since it would be a long drive. I almost forgot my purse in which was my driving licence, fake ID, passport, money, credit cards, insurance information…everything. I had two…I wasn't about to carry all that around with me. That slotted in the side pocket of the gym bag and I placed all the luggage by the door. One more look around the room, remembering to take the photos stuck around my mirror, tucking them into the bag. I'd never made this into a home; it was just where I lived. There wasn't anything to suggest it was permanent. So now that my things had mostly been removed, it just looked like a hotel room with someone staying in it. The few clothes left in the wardrobe etc.

Taking my iPod off the small fold-up speakers and putting them both in the bag, I paused, not hearing anything around the flat. It wasn't my intention to sneak out without a word, but I didn't especially want to see them tonight. Another deep breath and I slung the gym bag over my shoulder, making my way out into the dark main area of the flat, my suitcase wheeling silently behind me. I got to the kitchen, grabbing some paper and scrawling down a note to my parents. In short hand it just said that I couldn't deal with their arguing anymore; that I was an adult and was legally allowed to go. I got to the private lift beside the kitchen before there was a noise. I jumped at the sound of a deep bark, relief and guilt filling me at the same time as Saxon, my oversized puppy all black German Shepherd bounded around the corner, tongue flopping out of the side of his mouth. I laughed, "Sax! I almost forgot about you." I whispered, crouching as he trotted over, stuffing his nose into my hair and licking my cheek. "Ew…" I smiled. How could I forget my gorgeous puppy? He was only two years old and a present from my mum on my sixteenth birthday. He didn't like anyone but me, but then I guess German Shepherds get really attached to their owner, more so than any other breed. Well I was equally attached. "C'mon, we're going on a little trip."

His lead was hung up on the coat pegs so I grabbed it and attached it to his collar, telling him to sit and stay since his claws made such a racket and were sure to alert my parents. His bed was just a massive cushion really, easy to fold up and stick in a bin bag so easy enough to carry. And about ten minutes later we'd ridden the lift all the way down to the underground car park beneath the building. It wasn't the nicest place ever, but there was always a security guard there; tonight it was Jerome, a friend. My parents were always too self-absorbed to take the time to even acknowledge the people who worked in the building (or 'the help'), but I wasn't like them. I said goodbye to him, thanking him for everything. My car, a black Range Rover Sport. It wasn't my choice! It's my dad's old car, old being a three years…he just had to have the latest fashion. I happened to need a car and so I found myself with a great black beast; tinted windows, the lot. Of course my friends and Saxon loved it. I threw my bags into the boot and shut it before opening the passenger seat, my smaller bag went on the floor while Saxon somehow managed to leap all the way up onto the seat, scrambling a little as he underestimated the height and I had to push him a little, laughing quietly as he wagged his tail happily. Shutting that door, I made my way to the driver's seat, getting in and switching on the ignition.

Deep breath…here we go…I was finally getting out of here. It was easier since I turned 19, now that I didn't have to go to school anymore so I didn't have that tying me down. Had I left while school was on, my parents would have more reason to drag me back. Also since I'd turned 19 I now had access to a humongous trust fund, so university would be fine too. And even by myself I'd raised a fair amount of money. None of my friends understood why I even had a job…a job which I'd resigned from a few days ago, much to the regret of Mary-Anne who ran the place. But I couldn't just disappear could I?

The streets were surprisingly quiet…well…as quiet as they could ever be for New York City. But I managed to get out of Manhattan in under an hour which was a feat in itself. The windows were rolled down, Saxon's head stuck out…he'd always loved having the wind on his face…weird animal. I'd set my iPod to The Killer's album, plugged into the cars speakers, singing along quietly. About two hours out of the city, I pulled over by the side of the road, reaching for my Blackberry and dialling a familiar number, pausing the music in the car as I did so. She picked almost instantly and I heard the sound of talking and a heavy bass in the background, "Hot Shot! Where are you!?"

I smiled, "Hey Ally,"

"Hey Len," I could hear the smile in her voice, "We're at Traffic, you need to come it's amazing tonight! I swear I just saw Tyra Banks!" she shouted over the music.

"I can't…Aalia I did it…" I told her; she'd know exactly what I was talking about.

She was silent for a minute, only the sound of the club in the background, "Shit…" She said after a moment, "Are you kidding?"

"Nope, I'm currently two hours out of New York, car packed…the lot…I did it." I did feel bad for not telling her before, but we'd gone out last night and hell it had been a good night…I think I knew then that I was leaving today, but I hadn't said anything. Whenever I said anything I ended up not going.

"Wow…you've gone. I can't believe it! Thanks for telling me!" Under the amused tone I knew she was a little hurt…I'd grown up with her…I could literally read her like a book.

I sighed, leaning back in the seat and glancing over at Saxon who'd curled up in a ball on the seat, watching me with his little doe eyes…what a babe, "I'm sorry A. You know if I'd told you I wouldn't have done it and it was kind of a spur of the moment thing." I reached over and ran my fingers through his thick black coat; his fur was so soft and shiny…I was a little jealous to be honest. He was one good looking dog

"I understand…no worries. But I didn't get to say goodbye! We'll have to Skype." I laughed, agreeing. She lived not a block from the flat but we still Skyped every night…before we went out together every night that is…we were a little inseparable sometimes, "You'll have to call me all the time still. Have you kidnapped my baby?"

I rolled my eyes, smiling, "Yes, And Sax is mine!" At the sound of his name his ear pricked up, "Yes we're talking about you."

"No! You can't steal my baby! How am I meant to survive without some Saxxy Lovin'?!"

I couldn't help but laugh, "I'm sure you'll manage. And you can come visit whenever I'm sure. You're dad does own a private jet after all."

"Well of course. Where are you going? Or don't you know yet? Please say California…I love that place! Even though it's on the other side of the country, I could come over and we could have the best holiday ever and it would be awesome. All those surfers…" She faded off and I could almost see that familiar dreamy look on her face.

Sigh, "I'm not going to California, I'm sorry. But we can go on a holiday there sometime." She let out a squeal of happiness at that and I laughed, "No I think I'm gonna go back to Mystic Falls." She'd understand that, I mean, sure it wasn't the most interesting place in the world, but I loved it and I had my friends there too. That is if they remembered me…which I kind of doubted…ah well…it would be nice to see my family anyway. Katherine and I looked strangely alike, not sure why but we'd always been quite close anyway, "I haven't been there in ages."

For a moment she didn't answer, "Well I think that'll be good for you. But you do realise that that'll be the first place Grayson and Miranda will look for you. They know you want to go back there."

I nodded, "Yeah…but I'm 19; we're adults now. I have no legal obligations to live with them. People can leave home at sixteen…I don't have to be there anymore and I don't want to be there anymore. I wrote them a long letter so hopefully they'll realise that."

"You mean you didn't tell them you left?"

"Nope…they'd just had one of their domestics and my dad left. I think he was drunk and my mum went to her room. And I figured out a long time ago not to talk to either of them after a fight." The bruises said it all. I think I accepted that I should talk to them afterwards when my father back handed me across the face. Having been wearing a ring I still had the tiny white scar beneath my eye. It wasn't very noticeable luckily, but I knew it was there.

Yawning, I said, "Look, I need to keep going or this is going to take forever. I'll text you when I stop at a motel and when I get to Mystic Falls. Have fun tonight though."

"Sure, you better do. And it's just no fun without my Lennie!" She exclaimed, "Drive safe! And I love you!"

"Love you too A. Bye." I said before hanging up. I let out another sigh before setting off again, pressing on the accelerator a little more. Another hour, three hours from New York, I was halfway there. I found a motel on the outskirts of a small town, getting a room and locking up the car. When my father got it he had loads of extra security added to it so it was effectively impossible to break into or steal. Saxon came into the room with me, settling on his cushion by the side of the bed. Back at home I would let him sleep on my bed. I know it's not the most hygienic or polite thing in the world and most people would probably recoil at just the thought…but he was just so cute! And for a dog he was surprisingly clean. One of my parent's rules was that he had to be spotless whenever he entered the house so he had a fair amount of washes. Besides…one look at his face and it was impossible to resist; I just couldn't say no to him. But this wasn't my house and the man at the desk had been reluctant to let him in the room anyway.

By the time I lay down though, I was absolutely exhausted. Within seconds sleep had overcome me and I slipped through into a world of darkness. I had the same dream…nightmare, almost every night. Being caged…locked up with no escape. I was always trapped, just like how I was back in the city. But for once…it didn't come tonight. To sound cliché…this was like freedom. Escaping from my parents…it was freedom…and I was officially a cliché.

So what do you think? Not really like anything I've done before but I was bored and the idea sprung into my head…please review and tell me what you think of it.

Not that it does anything but I'm going to throw in a disclaimer here. I don't own Vampire Diaries or any of the characters…though a girl can dream.

Hope you enjoyed it

-M