Los Angeles…the city where I live. The city where dreams come true.
But not for everyone. Not for people like us.
I grew up with my mom after my dad walked out when I was ten. It wasn't easy. She did her best to keep things together for me, but life eventually wore her down. The pain in her heart turned into something else. something reckless. She started going out late, meeting men, and leaving me alone more often than not. I went hungry many nights, counting the hours until she came home.
"Mira, I'm homeee!" She called from the living room.
I dragged myself toward her, exhausted from working all day.
"Why haven't you done my laundry and my shopping like I asked?"
She can't be serious right now, I thought.
"Lost your words? Or are you just like your father, nothing useful to offer?" she snapped.
I never really knew why my parents separated. One day, I came home, and Dad was just… leaving. No explanations.
I sighed, climbed the stairs, and shut myself in my room, searching for a moment of peace.
Buzz buzz.
Hey girl, a party's going on tonight. Want to hang?
Nah, I'm good. Thanks.
Later that night, I got up to use the bathroom. On my way back, I glanced out the window at the stars. Down below, in the dim streetlight, I saw one of Mom's flings with another woman, tangled up and laughing.
"Oh dear!" the woman shrieked.
"She's not home, is she?"
"No, she isn't," he replied.
"Oh good. When are you going to kick her out and tell her about us?"
"Soon. Be patient," he whispered.
They walked off into the night. I stood there, torn between disgust and pity for my mom, then slipped back into bed.
The next morning, I walked into the kitchen to find Mom and her boyfriend in a cozy embrace.
"Ahem," I coughed. They quickly stepped apart.
I started making myself breakfast, hoping to avoid another argument.
"Don't you have any manners? Can't you see me standing here?" He barked.
"Cook something for me now," he retorted.
I turned to him, boiling inside.
"Just because I don't tell Mom you're cheating doesn't give you any power over me."
He smirked. "Go ahead and try. She won't believe you. She loves me too much."
"Oh no, he didn't…" I muttered, furious.
Mom walked in just then.
"Cook something for me now!" he yelled.
"That's what Meredith is here for!" I snapped.
"That's Mom to you," she retorted.
"Sweetie, thank goodness you're here," he lied smoothly. "She's been disrespectful. I told her to go to her room."
"Mom, don't believe him! I didn't—"
"Well, why aren't you in your room then?" she interrupted coldly.
"What?! This is ridiculous! And so are you," I shouted. "I'm moving out!"
She laughed bitterly. "Oh, silly girl. Where will you go? To your father? Ha! He abandoned you. He doesn't even love you!"
I ran to my room, tears burning my eyes. Outside, I heard her say, "She'll come back after she learns her lesson. And with her out of the way… more time for us."
I grabbed my phone and dialed Dad.
"Hi, Dad."
"Sweetheart! How are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine… Actually, no, I'm not."
"What's wrong?"
"It's Mom. She…she kicked me out."
"What?! How dare she! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. But, Dad… could I come live with you?"
He hesitated. "Oh darling, you know Daddy is always busy. I won't even have time."
"Mom was right," I whispered.
"Right about what?"
"She said you wouldn't accept me. That you didn't love me."
"What the hell?!" he burst out. "Sweetie, of course I love you. You can stay with me. I'll send my driver to pick you up tomorrow at 7 a.m. Okay?"
"Okay. Bye, Daddy."