Tamara's POV

Where am I? This place looks familiar though. I was in a familiar park or maybe mini forest but I think I remember the way home. But how did I even get here? I walked around until I saw a route on my left, it wasn't one that cars would use just a walking way if I could call it that. By just looking at it I was so sure it leaded home, I used that route and thirty seconds later I was in my neighborhood. That was quick. I walked home thinking how I even got there? Was I kidnapped? Why was I even walking alone to that area. I searched my pockets for my phone but I couldn't find it, dammit I must have left it a home.

I walked another 2 minutes and I arrived at the gate. Wait. This isn't our house. Why is this house painted in dark brown? It kinda looks like those haunted homes in the horror movies we always watch. What happened here? Am I lost? I looked around but everything was still the same, same neighbors, heck I even spotted Mr Clarkson's red car. Then I'm not lost. Mom must probably know what's going on I should ask her. I opened the gate, got in and started walking to the door. I opened the door and well it felt like my eyes were deceiving me.

Everything inside the house, the furniture the paint even the stupid smell said Rick was here. It smells Rick here I can never forget the scent of the man I hate so much. He's here. I ran into the kitchen to grab a knife but when I got there the devil was laughing with mom. What? I stopped and rubbed my eyes to make sure I'm not dreaming or something.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE" I shouted and they both were startled by my shouting.

"Tamara why are you shouting? Honey you scared us" Mom said softly.

"GET AWAY FROM MY MOM YOU MONSTER!" I looked around for a knife but I couldn't spot any.

"Tamara stop it this is your fath......"

"THAT SCUMBAG IS NOT MY FATHER MOM. HE IS NOTHING BUT AN ABUSIVE BASTARD WHO WOULD BE DEAD IF ONLY I COULD SPOT A MOTHERFUCKING KNIFE" I started searching the drawers until I felt a hand on my shoulders. I glanced quickly to see Rick touch me.

"Get away from me!" I moved back but he didn't flinch. It was as if my words were not making sense to either of them. What is wrong with them are they brainwashed?

"Baby it's me daddy. Don't be scared. I only wanted to fix things with your mom and we're all good now. Let's forget about the past shall we? I really want you guys back in my life"

"STOP! just stop with the lies." I was on the verge of crying right now but this loser wasn't about to see me cry. Never. "Isn't this what you said when I was 7? You said you wanted to fix things and that you were a changed man but no because as soon as Tyler was born you started changing and when he was three you were worse, beating my mom in front of me. Raping her some nights, I heard it all Rick. She would beg you to stop but you wouldn't you cold hearted monster" I started crying, damn Jas has made me weak with all this letting it out sessions of hers.

"I heard it all. I'd go to the door and listen to her crying saying she's not well but you'd force yourself onto her like she was nothing but your slut. I hate you so much. I HATE YOU." I couldn't stop the tears.

"Honey"

I heard my mom's voice but when I looked where she was I couldn't find her. Wait where did she go? It was all black and I couldn't see anyone.

"Sweety" my mom called me again.

Where is she? The whole dark place started to vibrate like it was an earthquake, oh no I'm gonna di......

"Tamara! Tamara wake up" mom was shaking me, waking me up.

What? That was a dream? I was breathing heavily. I looked at my mom and I couldn't be more happier she was next to me not next to that monster. I started crying again. I wished I didn't remember that monster I used to have as a father anymore.

"Hey, baby talk to me what's wrong?" She knelt down next to the tub. The water was even cold now I must have been asleep for so long.

"Tamara please talk to me" she was also about to cry.

"Towel" that's all I managed to say

She handed me my red body towel I hung on the sink before I soaked myself in. I stood up from the tub and wrapped the towel around then got out. My mom looked so worried. I sat on the floor with her facing her, cross-legged.

"I had a memory dream about the past" I looked down at my thighs. I felt her hand touch my knee.

"It's okay honey it was just a memory, he won't hurt us again I promise"

"I never told you mom" I looked at her "I know. I know he used to not only beat you but he'd rape you as well."

Her eyes were so wide I thought they were gonna pop out.

"Tamara that....."

"Mom I heard you cry almost every night. Begging him to stop. I heard him call you nasty names as he beat you for saying no." Her eyes were filled with tears now, I hadn't stop  crying as well. "Mom" I took her hands into mine "I was always by the door crying cause he'd lock it and I couldn't get in to save you."

"I'm sorry you used to hear that sweety"

"Don't apologise mom that monster should have apologised a long time ago but he didn't. I wouldn't have forgiven him anyway." I wiped my tears.

"Tamara I think you should see a therapist or something these nightmares can't go on" here we go again

"Mom I'm not losing my mind" I stood up "and besides you're my therapist" she chuckled "seeing you happy and remembering he's dead gives me all the joy in my life." I started gathering my stuff.

"I just hate it when you have these drams baby" I also do

"They'll go away one day" I kissed her cheek. "I'll be in my room doing my homework." I turned to leave.

"Okay just be ready by 6:45pm okay?"

"Okay" I shut the door and went to my room. I had forgotten she said she's taking us out tonight. Well I better get started on my homework so I finish in time. What am I even gonna wear though? I will probably look for something later.

Darin's POV

I arrived at home exhausted. We live in Calabasas. I didn't even do much today just went to a few classes then went to the park with Candice and.... I stopped walking to the front door...and that's where I saw Tamara. I sighed. Why did she have to be so stubborn? I only want to be her friend not hurt her.

I took a deep breath and opened the door and got in. The smell of freshly roasted garlic and turkey hit me. Is it Thanksgiving already? Oh! Mom said we're having guests today. One of their business associates that stay in Malibu and his family if I remember correctly. I decided to take a shower first and probably get ready mom doesn't like tardiness. I climbed the super long staircase slowly. I reached the top and headed towards my room.

"Good evening Darin"

I didn't even see Mary come my way I was miles away.

"Hey Mary" I smiled politely at her. She was one of the nicest people I know. She's been here since I was a kid really.

"How was today?" She gave me a careful smile almost as if she sensed I wasn't in the best of moods today.

I walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I've had better days, I just need a shower and some sleep after this dinner I have to attend" she sighed.

"Yeah you better get ready before your mom comes looking for you" I walked towards my room and got in.

Mary is 40, she and my mom met when I was 6 so she's basically like a mom to me. I consider her my second mom. She doesn't have a family, she used to live in a shelter, she doesn't know her parents nor did she go to school. Mom took her in so she could help her find a job but she said she'd be happy to work here. A few years later dad decided to school her so she's a little learnered now and that's why she's still here apparently she loves her job and will forever be grateful.

I got in my room and started undressing instantly. I went to the bathroom dropped my clothes in my basket, as much as Mary didn't allow me to do anything I was a neat freak. I was raised to always keep my things in order. I hoped in the shower and started washing myself.

I couldn't get Tamara out of my mind. She mentioned something about being on the run. What did she mean by that? Who could she be running from? Aghhh I hate how she won't let me near her or at least be nice to her. Why was I being nice to a total stranger anyway? Darin what's wrong with you man? Since when do you get emotionally attached so quickly?

I finished taking a shower and wrapped a towel around and went to pick some clothes for tonight. I didn't even ask mom what I should wear tonight. I'll text her then.

Me: mom should I be casual or formal?

*two minutes later*

Mom: casual son it's just a friendly dinner

Oh okay that's even better

Mom: please don't be long honey they're outside already.

Well let's get ready then. I went to my walk-in closet and looked at my shirt's section. I pulled out a black shirt and then looked over the other section with jeans. I took out a washed-blue skinny jean. I'll put on black Adidas sneakers later.

I looked myself in the mirror and was satisfied with my look. I even smelled good too. My mind went to the park when I was talking and laughing with Candice then all of a sudden I got a lavender scent. I looked at the direction of this beautiful smell and I saw this beautiful girl. She's probably still in high school I thought. Her curly black hair was in a high bun. She was a little short with a curvy body covered by high waisted black jeans and a white long sleeved crop top and an oversized denim jacket. Her face was round and cute, small eyes, perfect nose, rosy cheeks and plump lips. I bet her skin is soft. I was brought back from my thoughts by a knock on the door.

"Darin you have to come down now" Mary announced.

I took my phone and walked towards the door. I opened it and saw Mary waiting for me.

"You look very handsome" she's an angel

"Thank you Mary" I kissed her cheek again and headed downstairs. Let's get on with this dinner.

I arrived downstairs and heard voices coming from the dining room. I went there and saw everyone was already getting seated. I went and sat next to my mom, she was sitting opposite dad. They were sitting on the far ends of the eight seater table.

"Good evening everyone" I said as I sat down. "I'm so sorry I'm late" mom smiled at me softly. Her smile is beautiful.

"It's alright son we just got seated as well" dad said and I nodded. "Darin, I want to introduce you to Mr Scott and his family. This is his wife Wendy then their two lovely daughters Ember and Lisa."

"Nice to meet everyone" I said and Mr Scott nodded. The girls were teenagers I thought.

"Nice to finally meet you Darin. Your mom talks a lot about you" Mrs Scott said.

"Does she?" I smiled and faced my mom on my left.

"Well any mother would if they had you as their child son." I took her hand and kissed it. She's amazing.

My mom was everything to me. Even dad too, I love my parents, they don't spoil me like you'd think a rich kid was treated instead they let me earn everything I have, through respect.

Our food arrived and we started eating. I wasn't part of their conversation that much. I couldn't stop thinking about Tamara. I don't know but there's something about her that I feel like I should know. It's really hard to get her off my mind especially since she practically showed that she didn't want anything to do with me.

After dinner I went to my room, took off my clothes went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I washed my face too. I then went to bed. I just laid there facing the ceiling. I don't know what that Tamara girl was thinking but if she thought I'd give up on her then she has another thing coming. I'm Darin Kalanick and I always get what I want.

I made a decision to go pick her up tomorrow, for all I know she could be lying about her mom picking her up.

See you tomorrow Tamara.

I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.