The cop offers me a ride back to my house. I take it without any hesitation, I need to get out of this hell hole. I’m still in shock at how lucky I am, and how much danger I was just in. Ruth could have killed me. I get into the passenger seat and begin to think about everything.

Ruth could have killed me, but she didn’t. I got out by my self, with no help from anybody. And then it hits me. Me.

Not Ethan, not my dad, or my mom, or Mary. I got out of this mess by myself, like I do everything. So why was I still putting out? Why was I still relying on others; Ethan’s love, my parents’ money, to survive in life? I’m an independent woman and I need to start making good decisions. Not only for me, but for the baby. It’s never too late to start new and that’s what I need to do.

But not here.

Not in this town. Not with all the bad memories.

“Could you drop me off by club Majesty? I need to meet a friend by the diner across the street.” I somewhat lie.

I need to say goodbye to my second family first.