-Prologue-
I sighed, pulling back the curtains again and staring into the darkness. Nothing. Just a long stretch of road that was lit by several streetlamps. I slouched into the beige leather couch and tried to pay attention to Jay Leno on TV. It was no use waiting for her anymore. She was going to continue to get drunk. She was going to continue to be abusive and there was nothing I could do anymore.
The low volume on the TV and the pitter patter of the rain outside had almost lulled me to sleep until there was a deafening knock at the front door. I jolted awake, panicking as the TV remote flew out of my hand. I looked out the window to see red and blue flashing lights. Oh no. Nearly tripping over the coffee table, I stumbled to the door. Standing on my doorstep were two police officers, and I knew instantly that my mom had been caught.
"Young lady, I'm afraid you're going to have to come with us," one of the officers said, his tone deep.
"Why, what's going on?" I protested as they tried hurrying me out of the house.
"Is your mother Amber Diamond?" The other officer asked.
"Yes, but-"
"We have her in custody at the moment and we're going to have to arrange different living situations for you. This environment is no longer safe for a young girl like you," he continued.
I felt the tears sting in my eyes as I dreaded the words he would say next.
"Your mom is going to jail."