I slid open the window to the richest house in the neighborhood.
"How fortunate." I mumbled to myself as I crept silently into the living room. For being the richest people here, you'd think they would get a better security system. 546Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3piVMlFib
I unzipped my black duffel bag slowly in order to put as much items in there as possible. I sneaked around the bottom floor collecting things I thought would be worth something. Then I moved up into the bedrooms. After my bag was totally filled with stuff, I reopened the window I came in through, and disappeared into the dark of night.
----------------------------------------------------
"All right!" Bastian exclaimed as he pat me on the back. He was grinning widely as he looked through my bag full of someones precious items. He ruffled my dark brown hair and hugged me.546Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2n7QJ15LA
"So when am I getting paid?" I stuffed my hands in the pockets of my black hoodie. 546Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwCnlJCega
"As soon as I get the cash from these."
"Which will be..?"
"Sometime tomorrow. You know how Jack gets."
I let out a snort, "Yeah, of course I know."546Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJW7hE6fof
"Go home kid. Get some rest."
I nodded and hugged him goodbye. Then I walked over to the window of his New York apartment and slipped out onto the balcony. Looking up at the moon I decided I would go and stay at my house tonight. For the first time in weeks. After all, my 14th birthday was tomorrow. I kind of wanted to spend it with my family.
I walked through the busy streets and down all the alleyways until I found myself walking up the brick stairs. Thinking it was best not to knock, I pulled out my key and unlocked the door. Inside my mom was there, sitting on the couch, looking teary eyed and depressed. Confused, I took a closer look at her and decided it was best to leave her there. She was never there for me much after all. I climbed the carpeted stairs and turned the doorknob to the room my dad and mom share. He was in there looking stressed.
I knocked softly on the door and quietly asked him, "What's going on."
He whipped his head around so fast I'm pretty sure he got whiplash.
"Where have you been?"
"I was out. But I'm here now. That's all that matters, it's not like you guys cared ever so why now?" I looked up into his eyes and saw a flicker of regret but then the anger was back. 546Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua5ZeDOYF7
"You had us worried sick- never coming home. Always out and now stealing Cassie?"
I hated when he called me Cassie. Acts like a dad even though he's never around, partying and doing drugs. Its not fair how he treats me like crap and at the end of the day still has the nerve to call himself my father.
"Maybe if you wouldn't toss money around to buy drugs- i wouldn't have to steal to get the things we need!"
"You're 18 Cassie. Get a job."
"Don't go there with me. You never cared for my wellbeing before so why start now? You don't get to show up after years of neglect and act like a father."
I stormed out of their room and walked past my little brothers all the way to the end of the hall- into my room.
I slammed the door and locked it. I forced the tears pricking at the back of my eyes to not fall. I told myself not to cry. After everything I've been though, crying isn't going to get me anywhere. I slid my drawers open and got my backpack. I filled it with clothes, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and anything else I thought I needed. I'd just go stay with Bastian.
I took the stairs two at a time and as I put my hand on the doorknob, I heard someone call my name.
"Cass.."
I turned around and forced my brown eyes to meet my mothers.
"What?" I deadpanned.
"Don't go.. Please. Stay with me."
She studied my face and slowly got up from the couch.
"No. Not as long as you two are here."
"What about your brother huh? At least stay for him. He needs you Cass."
"He'll manage. Until I can come back for him. I don't expect you guys to be parents so I'll be back for him. Don't worry." I rolled my eyes and pushed her away from me. Then I grabbed the handle and threw the door open.
It was raining by now and I had to pull my hoodie up again. I took the same streets back all the way to Bastian's place. He wouldn't mind right? I've known him ever since I could talk. He was the parent mine couldn't be. Although, I didn't know if he had any children of his own.
I knocked on his door and a very tired looking Bastian answered the door.
I cringed, I woke him up.
"You good?"
"Oh- uh- yeah. I was wondering if I could stay with you for a bit. My parents-"
"Say no more. Of course you can stay with me. You're practically family." He opened his door wider and allowed me inside.
"Thank you. So much."
"No problem." He pulled me in for a hug which I gladly returned.
He told me I could sleep in the guest room. Down the hall to the right.
I walked down the hallway and forgot where I was going. So instead of turning right, I went left. When I opened the door I was met with the face of a boy I've never met that looked almost exactly like Bastian.
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