Ready or Not.
At 17 if you would have told me that all the years I spent working to get out of the small town I grew up in wouldn’t matter by my senior year of college. I would have laughed in your face while explaining all of the reasons why I’d never be back. But here I am. Halfway through my senior year of college, tail tucked between my legs, hoping my brother will let me sleep on his couch until my new apartment is ready.
I didn’t know back then just how awful the world could be. When you’re in a small town the worst possible thing you could experience is the group of old ladies that always hang out in the café catching wind of something you’ve done.
Out in the real world? There are so many reasons to have to look over your shoulder while walking to class. There are landlords that have keys to every room in your home.
Then, there are people like Charlie, if that’s his real name.
He worked at the coffee shop on campus, and I guess smiling at him when he told me to have a good day was just enough to convince him I was his. I was his to call, follow, threaten, obsess over, and break. There were no lengths he wouldn’t go to show me that he and I were meant to be together. Including breaking my arm. That’s why the dean gave me the rest of the year off. I’m now enrolled in online classes that will keep me on track for graduation, and Charlie is in a holding cell until he comes face to face with a judge.
My biggest problem though?
My brother and his best friend work for the police department here in town. They don’t know the challenges I’ve faced in the last six months.. I hope.
**Dominic’s POV***
Reading the police reports for my best friend’s little sister has my blood boiling. How could she be so reckless as to keep this from us? I’m lucky, one of my closest friends is the officer that took her statement while she was laying in a hospital bed with a concussion, broken arm, and multiple other injuries.
“Your sister will be staying with me.” It’s taking every bit of training I received in the academy not to flip this table over and go find this guy. “And I need the rest of the week off. Only call if you absolutely need me!”
Lucky my best friend knows that everything I’ve done since we were teenagers was to make sure I was the man I needed to be when his little sister was ready.
Right now. Ready or not. She needs me and I WILL be there.
The journey from a small town to a bustling college life can be overwhelming. Many young adults, like the protagonist, often dream of escaping their hometowns, only to face unforeseen challenges in the big world. The realities of urban life, including the potential for violence, unexpected relationships, and the complexities of familial connections, can leave lasting impacts. In this narrative, themes of fear, resilience, and the search for safety are prevalent as the individual grapples with trauma. Relationships evolve, revealing how support systems can both empower and complicate recovery. For readers who relate to overcoming personal hurdles or the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, this story serves as a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability. Empathy, understanding, and the importance of reaching out for help in times of crisis are highlighted, showcasing the critical role family plays in healing. In a world that can feel intimidating and unsafe, the importance of community and support cannot be overstated. Every step taken towards recovery and safety is a testament to one's strength and determination, emphasizing that no journey is too hard when you have those who care by your side.
