Mila-(Mee-Lah)

Frank's P.O.V.

Smash. The sound of what sounded like a vase being thrown woke me up. I heard another similar sound and my father yelling.

"If you hate me so much, then why don't you take your bitch son and get outta here?" he shouted.

"Fuck you, Frank. You've made this nothing but a living hell for me and your son. Do you know how many phone calls I get home from school about the bruises you leave on him?" my mother spat back.

I heard a sick smacking sound, which caused me to wince. All was quiet.

"L-Linda, I didn't mean-"

"Shut up!" she yelled. "Just shut up. I'm taking Frank and we're going to my sister's. If you follow me or call me or even try to make contact with me or him, I'll call the police. Got it?"

More silence, minus the footsteps up the stairs leading my room.

"Frankie, honey, pack your things. We're leaving." she commanded calmly.

I swallowed hard and nodded, getting up from my bed and walking over to my closet. I pulled out two bags and started packing all of my stuff. I looked at my guitar hanging on the wall. Pansy, it read in all capital shiny letters. I knew I couldn't bring her with me. I touched the letters one last time, grabbed my bags and headed downstairs to my mother's red station wagon.

I threw my bags in the back, and looked around the yard.

"Ma, where's Mila?"

"Frank, we don't have time-"

"I'm not leaving without here."

My mother sighed. "She's in the back yard."

I ran to the back yard, scooped up my puppy and ran back to the car. I slid into the passenger's seat, gently placing Mila in the back.

It was about a fifteen minute drive from Clifton to Belleville, where my aunt lived. It was about ten at night when we got there. We pulled up to the front of my aunt's house.

It was pretty big. Two story, white siding, dark red shutters, nice neighborhood. I grabbed my two bags in one hand and Mila in the other.

So, I guess this is where I'm living. I should've brought my guitar, now that I think about it. Sure, Ma would've yelled and refused, but it would've given me something to do here.

At least I'm away from my father.