I flew under the stars, under the bright full moon. Flapping my wings hard against the wind, the wind blowing against my eyes. I looked down as I flew and I could see lights down below.

The lights that belong to a human town.

I flapped again and I looked straight ahead. I had a glum look on my face and sighed.

Don't even think about it. You know it's a bad idea to go down there.

I started to glide down, when I saw the woods near that town. I glided down slow and calmly and I started to circle them, when I was close to the trees.

I found me a big round clearing in the woods as I circled, and then I started to glide down towards it. My feet sticking out for a landing.

I flapped my wings to slow myself down and finally I landed on my feet to the ground. After the landing, I curled my wings on my back. I took a glance to the left and saw the lights from the human town.

Honestly, I couldn't resist looking at that place some more. I...I haven't been to that town for...Ancestors knows how long. But it does feel like a long time.

I sighed. I remembered for a long time that humanity and my kind have co existed once.

But now....We're not.

I hung my head and had a sad look on my face. I still don't understand it.

Humanity and dragons have become friends. Our species were together in harmony.

But why did things change suddenly, years ago?

Both of our kinds have talked together, joked together, hung together.

Then one day humanity has just...Forgotten about my kind. They have forgotten that dragons are not evil and that we're friendly.

They suddenly turned their backs on us and...We're now back into hiding.

The whole thing was weird, but it was also sad. Sad for my kind.

My kind had accepted humanity and humanity had accepted us.

But why did they suddenly forget and turn their backs on us? Why go back to call us monsters?

I raised my head to stare at the human town and shot a glare at it. I growled in anger.

My kind hasn't done anything to yours, and you suddenly turned your backs on us?! HOW DARE YOU?!

We have feelings too, and we have been friends to your kind. And this is how you repay us?!!

My claws dug deeper in the grass beneath me. Anger boiling in me. Wanting me to let it out.

My eyes went wide and then I closed them. I took a deep breath and let it out. Don't dwell on it.

Don't bother dwelling on it, there's no point.

I whirled around and opened my eyes. I started to walk away from the round clearing and heading deeper in the woods.

I calmed myself down after my moment of anger and now had a pity look on my face. I still can't even begin to understand it. Come to think of it, everyone that I know still doesn't understand it. Understand all THIS.

Both humanity and dragons have become friends, then humanity have just changed all of a sudden.

I wish I knew why they've changed, then I wouldn't be so confused anymore.

I let out a breath. Well...Might as well just go find a lake to bath myself in. Since I've went hunting tonight. Then I'll head back to the cave and go to bed.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Since I know these woods by mind and heart, I padded to where the lake would be at. No need to fly to it, since it's not far away. No rush at all.

I licked my chops, tasting the blood that's still stained on my jaws. I know that I'm a female and all, but hey I really don't like it when blood gets my face dirty.

Well dragons usually hunt when they're away from the dragon city, so no big deal anyways.

I ducked low under a tree branch, that thing almost took my head off!

I looked back after walking past it and I hissed. Damn trees! I looked back up ahead and I could see the lake up ahead. I padded towards it. There it is!

The full moon reflected brightly off the lake's surface. I have to admit, this time of the year the full moon is always bright like that.

Even the moon rays are always shining off of me brightly off my black scales. I always did look beautiful beneath the moon.

My mind always call that moon, The Hunter's Moon. But the only thing that I like about the moon is, because it always shines off of my scales.

I walked closer to the edge of the lake and looked at my own reflection. I can see red stains on my jaws. I glared at my own reflection, at my own image. I hate it when blood does that.

I softened my look. Oh well, it's like one of my friends have said to me once. Getting clean always makes you pretty again.

And now it's time for my bath.

I started to walk in the lake, putting one paw in the water at a time, the cold water making me shudder and shiver. Pretty cold tonight!

But the water started to warm up as I walked deeper in it. My paws touching the bottom of the lake. My body is now chest deep below the surface. My long tail went underneath the surface.

I started to submerge my whole body and my head in the water and came out of it. I raised one paw to my face and started to clean it.

I was looking at my reflection again and saw that all the blood has been washed off. I grinned at myself. That's better. A female dragon has got to look her best. At least, I don't look scary anymore. My black scales are shining off of me with pure beauty. My two small grey horns sticking out of my head. A few frills near my ears. And I have a red underbelly.

I started to walk out of the lake, after staring at my own self for my own amusement. I shook myself and my wings, drying myself. I flapped my wings a bit and curled them up on my back again.

I looked up at the full moon again and had a sad look on my face. I sighed.

I know that we look like monsters, but we're not. We have feelings, just like you humanity.

Why humanity? Why did you just turn your backs on us? Why did you just suddenly forget about us?

What happened to you?

*****

I walked on a dirt trail. For some reason I've just ended up in the woods.

I can't remember why I'm here. All I know is that...I'm here.

I walked and walked, until I came across a cave. I stopped where I was at and just stared at it. I frowned at the mouth of the cave.

Hmmm, for some reason I feel like...I'm suppose to be in that cave.

But why? What's so special about it?

I have a weird feeling about this. A VERY weird feeling.

I decided that I better check it out. So I took very slow steps toward the cave and entered inside it.

The darkness has washed over me after I've entered. I shuddered a bit and I started to rub my arms. Since a chilling feeling suddenly came.

I walked deeper in the cave. Not knowing what I'll find. Then soon I could see a light in the tunnel and I've kept my trek toward it. After another minute of trekking, I've ended up in...Some kind of chamber deep within the cave.

On the walls in the chamber, there are torches lit and something else on the walls are on there. The walls in the chamber have several depictions on them.

Weird looking drawings. Several of them showing...Creatures with wings. I frowned at the depictions. Those creatures with wings. They look like...Dragons.

I walked closely to one of them and looked straight at one. It's a depiction of a dragon being confronted by...A small figure. It looked like a human. A knight, judging by the looks of it.

I backed away from the wall. What is this place?

I backed into something and I yelped in surprise. I jumped and whirled around to face whatever it was I bumped into. I gasped in fright. The torches went out, but I could see the figure.

It looked like something big was towering over me. A big creature with wings. A dragon.

Now my whole form was shaking and trembling in fright and I started to back away from the thing. Since I could see that I couldn't run away from it. It's blocking my way.

The dragon was hidden in the shadows by the darkness as it came toward me. Growling and taking one paw at a time. Making its way in a threatening way.

I ended up backing to the wall, don't have anymore space to back into. I was taking short trembling breaths as I stared at the dragon.

It's eyes were glowing all white. It doesn't have any pupils at all.

As the dragon looked down at me, I shook my head and pleaded, "No...Please no..."

That's when I could see some smoke coming out of its mouth. And that's when I began to realize it's going to blow fire at me.

I shook my head furiously, "No, wait! NO!" I held out my hands and begged, "Please, don't do this!"

But it was no use, the dragon was about to do it. Its glowing eyes, narrowing down at me. It opened its maw and I could see the fire coming.

I screamed in terror, "NO!!!!!!"

Then it finally breathed fire down at me.

I jerked up in bed with a loud scream, "NO!!!!!!" I opened my eyes and I just took short, trembling breaths. Fear in my eyes. Sweating in bed.

I looked around and I realized that I was in my own bed. I let out a calm breath and shut my eyes. It's a dream. It was all a dream.

But...God, what a nightmare.

I heard a knock on the door and heard a voice full of concern, "Brandon? Are you okay?" The knock came again.

I sighed, knowing that my scream woke mom up from bed. Well crap.

My mother Diana, came through my bedroom door and walked up to me. She had a very worried look on her face. She turned on my bedside lamp and she asked, "Are you alright?"

I took a breath and said to her, "Yeah, I'm fine."

She crossed her arms, "Let me guess...Another nightmare?"

I nodded and looked up at her from bed, "Yeah, another one."

Mom reached down to stroke my hair and she asked, "What was it about? Do you want to talk about it?"

I shook my head, "No. Besides, it's just a dream."

Mom then crossed her arms and frowned, "Well this is the third time this week that you've had a nightmare. I...I think you need to go to the doctor."

I shook my head again, "No, really mom I'm fine." I sighed, "I just need to go back to bed."

Then we both heard a voice coming from mom's bedroom, "Diana, come back to bed!"

I glared at the voice. Gerry.

Mom looked down at me and nodded, "Alright, we'll talk about this later in the morning." She bent her head down to my forehead and gave it a kiss. She said softly, "I love you."

I said back, "I love you too, mom."

Mom stood over and gave me a smile. Then she turned around and walked out of my room.

I sighed once more and reached out to turn off the lamp. Then I laid back down in my bed. Hoping that my dreams won't come back to scare me again.

God...It really was quite a nightmare.

I wonder why I had that dream? More importantly, why have I been having dreams about dragons lately? Especially when it comes to that cave.

This isn't the first time I've been dreaming about that cave. Mom was right, this is the third night this week it happened.

I closed my eyes and went to sleep. Well, it'll be just another day at school and another day after school with mom and...Gerry.

I groaned and finally fell asleep.

*****

I went to the dining room this morning. Having breakfast that mom made. My dream still in my thoughts.

I just don't get it. Why do I keep having these dreams? Why am I dreaming about...Dragons? And that cave too? Why did I feel like I was supposed to be there?

Of course, in my life, I sometimes had dreams like that. But those dreams were different than the ones that I have sometimes.

Like one time, when I was a little boy, I dreamed of a boy that'll get pushed off the slide in the playground and break his leg. Then the day after that dream, I've seen it happened. And it felt like..Deja vu.

I don't know what it is, but one time when I did my research on a computer, I've found out that I'm one of those people who sometimes have...Visions. I think so anyways.

Mom never knew about my research and I've only found that out maybe since...Dad....

I remember a few times in my life before I found out what's wrong with me, a few times my dreams actually came true. Like that playground accident.

I hope I don't wonder in a cave one day and get attacked by a dragon. It's ridiculous.

Dragons don't exist. That's impossible.

But why am I having that dream lately? I don't understand it at all. Those dreams...They felt so real. Like I was really there.

I looked down at my scrambled eggs on the plate. My fork just digging in them.

Mom's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Brandon?"

I shook my head and looked at Mom and mom's boyfriend Gerry Graham who are sitting in the table with me still, "Sorry mom, what?"

Mom frowned at me, "Are you feeling okay? You haven't ate your eggs yet. They're always your favorite thing to eat."

I stared at her and said, "I'm alright."

Gerry nodded and said to mom, "See? I told you he's fine. You need to quit worrying about him."

Mom looked at Gerry and said, "Gerry, I'm only worried about my son. He's just-"

Gerry narrowed his eyes at her and said in a sarcastic tone, "Well maybe you should just take him to the doctor already. And hopefully they can just give him drugs so he'll abuse them."

I glared at him, "Hey."

Gerry then shot a glare at me, "What?"

We both just glared at each other. Then mom said, "Guys, relax."

Gerry looked at mom again, "Don't tell me to relax. Since I'm in charge of this house, I do the instructing, got it?"

Mom had a bit of a frightened look on her face and went back to eating.

I muttered while I was eating, "You know what? I think you should lay off of mom. She was just trying to be helpful."

Gerry said without looking at me, "I know what I'm doing." Then he looked at me, "And don't tell me what to do either. It's punk ass kids like you, that are making our society a living hell."

I was fuming now, but I didn't say anything. What's the point in saying anything back to him? He would just...Hit me again. Then hit mom too.

Why are we even with him? Why is she even with him? Doesn't she even know that he won't change? All he does is scream, boss us around, hits me and her. He's such a control freak, not to mention he's a alcoholic, doesn't have a job at all. He's a deadbeat. It has been two years now and she still doesn't want to leave him, I don't get it.

I don't get it!

He's not dad and he never will be!

I sighed and then Gerry shot a glare at me again, "Do you have a problem?"

I answered without looking at him, "No."

That's when he got up from his chair, the chair scrapping against the floor. He angrily shouted, "You got something you want to say?!"

I glared back and shot up from the chair as well. Mom got up slowly from her chair and said in a calm tone, "Gerry, Brandon, please calm down."

Gerry then reached out across the table and slapped her across the face. When I saw him do that, I shouted, "Get away from her!"

He pointed at me and threatened, "You stay out of this. Or I'll kick your nuts so hard, you'll be pissing blood. Got it?!"

I was just glaring at him, not taking my gaze off of him at all. Me and him have fought before, and not a total surprise, he always win.

I finally softened my gaze and sighed. I mumbled, "Yes."

He asked, "Yes, what?"

I let out a growl a bit, "Yes...Sir."

Gerry softened his gaze and nodded, "That's what I thought." He picked up his plate and went to the sink to drop it in there. Then he came back and said to mom, who's still rubbing her cheek that Gerry hit her at. He said, "I'm going for a walk, I'll see you home after work."

Mom nodded and smiled weakly, like she was a dog being obedient, "Sure, honey."

Gerry came and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. He said to her, "I love you." And with that, he left the dining room, and we both heard him leave the house, the front door slamming.

I sighed and then I looked at mom with concern, "Are you ok?"

Mom nodded and smiled at me, "Yeah, I'm fine." Then she picked her plate and mine to take them to the sink. I had a determined look on my face. I need to talk to her about this now. Living with him is very toxic and she knows it.

I trotted my way to her, while she dropped the dishes in the sink. I said, "Mom, we need to talk."

Mom whirled around from the sink and looked at me, "Yes, Brandon?"

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at her, "Mom, we really need to leave him. We need to stop this crap."

Mom's eyes went wide and she shook her head, "Brandon-"

I shook my head and uncrossed my arms, "Mom, you know he's dangerous! He has hit you and me, time and time again. He doesn't change and he never will change!"

Mom argued, "Brandon, you don't understand! Gerry's not like that all the time. Gerry just has some....Problems."

I nodded, "Yeah, problems controlling his anger."

Mom walked up to me, "Now Brandon, you just need to give him a chance. He really isn't as bad as you think."

I glared at her, "Not bad, my ass."

Mom shot a glare at me and said, "You watch your mouth."

I patted my chest, "Mom, why won't you listen to me?!" I let out a frustrated groan, "Can't you see, he doesn't care about us! He's your boyfriend and he doesn't care about you, don't you get it?! He doesn't!" I sighed, "We need to call the cops again, you still have a red mark on your cheek, that'll be enough evidence to put him away now. Then we'll file a restraining order against him and-"

Mom shouted, "No Brandon, he loves us! He just needs some help from us!"

I shouted, "Why are you compelled to defend him?!" I raised one finger, "He doesn't have a job." I raised two fingers, "He drinks a lot." I raised three fingers, "And lastly, he just doesn't give a crap about what we want and he just abuses us." I let my hand fall to my side, "And for what?! He just does what he wants with us and gets away with it! He should've been in jail by now!"

Mom had a pleading look in her eyes, "But I don't want him to go to jail! I don't want to lose him, just like I've lost your father!"

I just stared at her and said, "If dad were alive right now, he wouldn't let us live with him. He would want us to get rid of him."

Mom sighed sadly and said, "But your father's gone, Brandon. It's just us and Gerry now."

I said to her, while taking a step back from her, "Mom, I'm tired of this. I...I...I just wish you would listen to me. I wish you haven't met Gerry and I wished that...Dad's alive."

Mom shook her head and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Your father's not coming back."

I honestly felt like I was about to break down in tears, just thinking about dad. Dad...

I shut my eyes and said, "I'm going to school now. This is pointless." I opened my eyes and said to her, "I wish you would've just listened to me just this once. I know we can live out on our own. We can-"

Mom then started to walk past me, ignoring the subject now, "I'm going to miss work! I'll see you after school!"

I called out to her, "Mom I...Arrgg." She was already heading upstairs to her room. I sighed as I was left alone in the kitchen.

Mom...Why won't you listen to me?

But as usual, she doesn't listen to me about Gerry. She keeps defending him, thinking that he'll change. But I seriously doubt it.

Every time I try talking to her, she keeps defending him!

She won't listen to her own son!

I wish that I wasn't seventeen and that I'm not in school anymore. Then that way, I wouldn't have to live in this place.

But then...Mom wouldn't be with me. She would be stuck here with Gerry.

I would've gone to the police, but Gerry is very good at covering up his messes. Including, making mom put on her makeup. That's why he's not in jail. He's a very good liar and a bully. Hell, I wouldn't surprised if he'd get an Oscar for his acting. Then maybe he would leave me and mom the hell alone.

I sighed to myself. I better go to school right now. I'll deal with this as usual when I get home.

I grabbed my backpack and school supplies from the kitchen countertop and I ran to the front door. On my way to school.

*****

I slept peacefully on the furs in the cave. My body curled all around. I moaned when I opened my eyes, groggily. I moaned again and raised my head slowly off the fur. I shook my head, shaking all the sleep out of me. I sighed.

Well talk about another night living alone here.

I slowly got up on all fours and started to let out a big long stretch across the ground. I moaned after I did that. I stopped stretching and just looked around in the cave. I could see a wooden shelf nearby. I grinned at it.

A friend of mine used to live in this cave, years ago. She was the one who kept that shelf for a long time and kept her belongings on it.

She brought me here one time, showing me around. Making me see what kind of life she lived in. Before her boyfriend found her in this very cave. Before they lived together in the dragon city.

Her name's Sierra. 

I giggled to myself. Of course, I wouldn't say her real name anyways, since no one would understand it. I couldn't even tell you mine!

Then I had a glum look on my face and sighed. Sierra...

It has been awhile since I've seen you. A long time, I'd imagine.

I haven't even talked to the others as well for awhile either.

But...There's a reason why I'm living in this cave right now.

Of course, I don't live in the cave all the time. When I feel homesick, I go back home to the city, and see my friends.

I sometimes lose track of how long I've been living here. I think it has been....Months...I think.

But hey, I was kinda of a loner before I met my friends, so yeah being alone is not new to me.

But...I hate being alone all the time.

But I can't stop...Thinking about...HIM.

I...I miss him.

I miss...My friend.

My best friend. The best thing in the whole world.

Why? Why did you...?

I sighed. Maybe I better try to see him, see how he's doing.

I know I can't talk to him. But...I can't stop thinking about him.

I started to walk off the furs on the floor and made my way out of the cave. The morning sunlight shining brightly on my scales. I closed my eyes and hummed in satisfaction, as the warm sun hit my black scales. Feels good.

I opened them and sighed. Then I looked around the woods and I started to walk in them. My frame pushing away all the shrubs and bushes.

I made my way to the pond nearby, wanting to get a drink. I feel like I haven't drank for a few days!

I lowered my head to the water and made a few laps with my tongue. That water feels good for my throat. I raised my head off the water and then my stomach growled. My eyes went wide. Wow...I'm hungry now!

What I wouldn't give to eat at the Braveheart right now? I could eat something good!

But hey, even I could use some real food, that my kind hunts outside the dragon city and it's the good little creatures in the woods!

And speaking of good little creatures, in the distance I could see a big antlered deer. At the other side of the pond. My eyes went wide and then I licked my chops. Oh, lucky me! A deer is standing right over there!

The deer saw my presence and it just stared at me. Before it started to run off. When I saw it run off, I put on a determined look. You're not getting away from me!

I started to run after it, running away from the pond. My frame has went through several low tree branches, breaking them as I ran through them.

I could see that deer still running away from me.

I let out a loud roar, showing that creature that I'm after it.

I would've flown after it, but the trees in this area weren't making this hunt any easier on me! So now, I'm sticking to chasing after it!

My head went through another tree branch, but it didn't slow me down one bit. I still kept going after it.

Finally it ran out of the edge of the woods and out in the open. Out on the meadow. I ran out on the meadow too.

I smirked as I ran after it, now's my chance!

Since I have more room to fly after the thing, I started to flap my wings, jumped of the ground and flew after it.

I didn't fly very high off the ground, just a bit. I was about to catch up to the deer now. I flew over it and then I landed my feet in front of the damn thing. I turned myself to face it, "RAWR!!!"

The deer looked like it had fear in its eyes and without wasting my time, I swiped my claw at it. Knocking that thing about thirty feet away. Its body rolling on the ground a few times after it landed in a crumpled heap. It didn't get up afterwards.

I was breathing heavily and then a grin formed across my face. Well...At least it didn't get away from me.

My breathing became normal and I started relax myself. My wings curling behind me. I started to trek my way to the deer on the ground. I looked down at it, as I got close.

It's breathing still, but I think I broke its legs. So that's why it's not moving after that.

I placed a paw on it and I bared my teeth. Then I drew my jaws into its body, killing it.

Since I'm out in the open with the deer, I decided to open my jaws to let go of the deer and I placed both my front paws on it, getting ready to fly off with it.

My wings went wide and I started flapping them. I'm off the ground with the deer in my paws not long after that.

I flew back to Sierra's cave, which it's now mine. I flew down to the spot near the cave, dropped the deer and landed on the ground.

I looked down at the deer after I landed and said to myself, "Breakfast for a dragon is served."

After I said that, I looked up at the morning blue sky. Seeing the puffy white clouds. I sighed to myself. Having something in mind.

Mom...Dad...

You would've been shocked and happy to see that humanity and dragons have been united before. But I'd imagine you'd feel sad that we're not anymore.

Guys...If you know why humanity turned their backs on us and called us monsters, if you know why HE turned his back on me, then please....Tell me.

I closed my eyes in sadness. I missed all the good times I've had.

I even miss HIM.

Why? ....Why did you change?

Why?

I opened my eyes and they were welled with tears. A few of them fell down off my cheeks.

I don't want to cry mother and father, but...I can't help it!

I sat down on my haunches and I started to sob, shutting my eyes real tight.

Why?

You were my best friend and you...You....

Then I crashed my whole body down to the ground and cried in my paws. Sobbing real loud. Now I feel like I'm not hungry anymore.

Oh ancestors...Give me strength.

*****

I sat around in the bar, since school is over for today.

I know I should've went back home after school, but...I just couldn't deal with the drama right now.

Honestly, I'm not in a real good mood since this morning. Because of Gerry. Him slapping mom in front of my eyes.

I sighed and put both hands to my face. I muttered in them quietly, "Oh my god."

I'm tired of dealing with it. I just want to have some me time right now. I don't know how much stress I can take!

I removed my hands off my face and looked around the bar. I know I'm not really suppose to be in a bar, but the owner knows me.

The only reason why I came to the bar...Is to sing.

See, this bar is holding karaoke day today, and it does so every once per week.

Horace the owner of the bar, knows my mom and we both ate here together. And since Horace has heard from my mom that I like to sing, he decides to let me sing here. He even knows my...Father as well.

Which I think it's great! I don't have a lot of things to do in a small town of Leon. I mean, not a lot!

I really like to sing and I'm very good at it. And why I'm so good at it? Well...Lets just say it's because of my father. Nothing more.

So yeah, I come here after school once per week, just to sing here. Which I still think it's great.

I like to sing mostly songs from a band called Survivor. And my most favorite is...I Can't Hold Back. I really liked their lead singer, Jimi Jamison.

Too bad he died a long time ago, before I was born. I really wanted to meet him!

But hey, at least Survivor's music still lives on in the old rock music station. Even up to this day, they still play their songs.

I honestly feel like I want to be like him. Just to have a band of my own, just to...Get away from everything here.

Get away from my dad's death. Get away from my mom's abusive, jerkoff, asshole boyfriend.

Maybe even I could take mom with me, if she would let me, which I doubt it.

I wish she would let him go already! He's no good for her!

But she won't listen to me, her own son.

I'm trying to protect her, but I can't deal with it anymore.

Three years, dad has died and it has been two years, since mom has been going out with Gerry.

I hate living in this life right now.

If dad was still alive, none of this would be happening.

I...I...I wish....

I sighed and drank some water from a glass.

My eye caught a particular person sitting at another table. A girl.

I could see a girl about my age with long blonde hair, with some dyed pink tips. Good looking one at that.

I was smirking at her. I've seen her at school a lot. And her name's Jessie Dobbins.

Of course, I don't really talk to her all that much. Come to think of it, we don't talk to each other at all.

Why? I guess it's...Look I'm only going by what I've heard about her.

Her family's actually rich, and I know she hasn't lived in Leon her whole life like I did. Jessie and her family were originally from Los Angeles, but they moved here about...Six years ago, I think.

And why they decided to live in a small town, I'm not sure.

But I do see her a lot in school and more than once I wanted to talk to her and...Hang with her.

Well okay, maybe I do LIKE her that way. But, what would a rich girl see in a poor boy like me? What would she want from a guy like me?

More than once, I thought she would show off her money, just like any rich person would do, but...She hasn't done that.

But knowing me, when it comes to talking to a girl like that...I kinda suck at it.

I wish my dad was here to give me advice. That would help me a lot.

Jessie saw me and then she scooted back in her chair. She stood up and walked up to me. My eyes were kinda wide a bit. Wonder what's up?

Jessie then pulled a chair across the table and sat down in front of me. She grinned at me, "See anything you like?" She brushed her hair off her face.

I stuttered a bit, "Uh...Uh..."

She laughed and she slugged my shoulder, "Oh relax. I'm not angry. I'm just having a suitable conversation with someone my own age."

I let out a breath and relaxed, "Whew, well it's the way you just strode over here, I thought you were mad at me or something."

She shook her head, still grinning, "No." Then she frowned, "Why would I be mad at you?"

I shook my head and waved her off, "Nothing, forget about it." I glanced away from her.

Jessie tried to bring up another conversation, "Nice place to eat and drink here, huh?"

I looked at her with a frown, "Excuse me?"

Jessie said, "I could imagine that's why you're here. But..." She pointed at me, "Aren't you a little young to be drinking?"

I shot back while grinning at her, "Aren't you? I'm sure you go to school too."

Jessie laughed and remarked, "I don't even drink here. I just eat my favorite chicken tenders and drink sprite." She shrugged with her arms, "Nothing more."

I giggled a bit. Then Jessie frowned again, trying to get a good look at my face and she asked, "Do I know you?"

She stared at me for a moment, before her eyes went wide and she said, "Oh, yeah. I know you. You're Brandon Long, right?" I nodded and she placed a hand to her chest, "You know who I am?"

I nodded again, "Yeah, you're Jessie Dobbins. The...Rich girl."

Jessie sighed and nodded, "More or less, well known for a rich girl." She looked away and said, "Sometimes, I feel embarrassed to be rich. It just brings too much attention towards me."

I put on a frown for her, "You don't like to be rich?"

Jessie gazed back at me and she just changed the subject, "So...What are you doing here?"

I decided to just roll with it and I answered with a grin, "I'm going to sing on that stage over there." I pointed at the stage nearby. Then I pulled back my hand and went on, "I'm just waiting for my time to get on there."

Jessie smiled and asked, "Really? Well why haven't you got on there yet?"

I sighed and my eyes glanced down at the table, "I'll admit, I sometimes have stage fright." Then I shrugged, "But I sometimes put up with it in the end. I usually sing here on karaoke day."

Jessie said, "Ah well, I hope you put down that stage fright. Don't want to keep a girl like me waiting."

I asked, "Well in that case, maybe I'll just do that." I added, "Since you're here in the audience."

Jessie looked around the bar, "Well there's not much of an audience in here. There's only like seven people here, including us."

I waved her off and got up from the chair, "I think it's good enough for me." I looked at her standing up, "Be right back."

I walked to Horace, who's behind the bar and said to him, "Hey, I'm ready."

Horace smiled, while cleaning a shot glass and said, "Alright! What song are you singing here this time?"

I whispered to him and he nodded, "Alright kid, get on that stage!"

I nodded and then I ran to the stage. I grabbed the microphone off the holder and held it in my left hand. Waiting for my song to start. I brought the microphone close to my mouth. I'm getting ready to do karaoke.

And the song that I'm singing, is 'Eye of The Tiger' by Survivor. I looked at Jessie, who just winked at me while sitting at her chair.

I nodded at her and looked at the few people who are here in the bar.

I looked at the small screen near me and soon, the instrumental music for Eye of The Tiger started. The familiar music ringing out over the building.

The guitar, the drums, and the keyboard synthesizer were being played in the intro, as it went on.

I looked at the screen and the words for the song appeared. My cue to sing came and I raised my hand high in the air and sang, "Rising up, back on the street!" I dropped my arm to my side, "Did my time, took my chances!"

I shook my body repeatedly in rhythm, "Went the distance, now I'm back on the street! Just a man and his will to survive!"

"So many times it happens to fast! You trade your passion for glory! Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past!" I pointed at Jessie, her eyes went wide, "You must fight to keep them alive!"

I clenched my fist and threw it at the air, "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight! Rising up to the challenge of our rival!"

I stopped shaking my body and went on, "And the last known survivor, stalks his prey in the night!" I shut my eyes tight and raised my arm in the air, "And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger!"

I let my arm fall to my side and opened my eyes. The song continued on and I sang, "Face to face, out in the heat! Hanging tough, staying hungry! They stack the odds still we take to the street! For the kill with the skill to survive!"

I'm tapping my foot in rhythm as the song went on, "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight!" I raised my arm in the air, "Rising up to the challenge of our rival!"

I let it drop to the side, "And the last known survivor, stalks his prey in the night! And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger!"

I sang, "Rising up, straight to the top! Had the guts, got the glory! Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop! Just a man and his will to survive!"

I shook my body in and tapping my foot in rhythm at the same time, "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight! Rising up to the challenge of our rival! And the last known survivor, stalks his prey in the night!"

I shut my eyes tight, "And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger!"

I opened my eyes and the music still played. It went on about ten seconds and I sang, "The eye of the tiger!"

Another ten seconds came and I did I again, "The eye of the tiger!"

"The eye of the tiger!"

"The eye of the tiger!"

The instrumental music faded away as the song ended. And the few people that came here, started clapping. One person cheered. Jessie clapped as well.

I smiled at them and said through the microphone, "Thank you." Then I put the microphone back on the holder and went back to sit with Jessie.

*****

Me and Jessie walked out of the bar. So now me and her are standing on the sidewalk, face to face.

She had a smile on her face and said, "Well I have to admit, that was fun. Watching you sing."

I shrugged my arms and replied, "Thought I put on a good performance. It was nothing."

Jessie shook her head, "Are you kidding me? You really are very good at it. I....I'm surprised that you aren't some lead singer for a band or something."

My eyes went wide. Wow, she really likes my singing.

Guess I should do this in front of her more often.

I said, "Well...I don't know about being a lead singer. I...I'm not sure if I could do it."

Jessie just stared at me and she nodded slowly, "Well...I guess it's only you who can decide that." She raised a finger, "But for the record, I know you're great at it and I know you can do it."

I glanced up at the sky and I looked at her. I said, "Well...Maybe one day when I graduate from school, I'll think about it."

Jessie leaned her head forward and planted a small kiss on my cheek. She pulled her head back and said, "Well...It was nice talking to you, Brandon." she waved at me, "See you in school tomorrow." And with that, she whirled around and walked off. Until she disappeared around the corner.

I was standing there, blushing a bit from that kiss. I said to myself, "Oh boy."

I can't believe it.

Maybe...I might get a girlfriend after all. One day, it might be her.

I guess, I don't really care if she's rich or not. I like her.

And who knows...Maybe it'll work out.

After Jessie left, I started to walk back home on the streets of Leon. The afternoon sun going down for the night.

I walked on the sidewalk for about maybe five minutes, until I see my house in the distance. I hope that Gerry's not in a bad mood. I just got home from having a good time. Don't need that crap now.

I went to the front door and I could hear screaming in the house. It's Gerry's voice, "Why don't you just shut up for once and leave me alone?!"

I heard mom screaming, "Wait! Gerry!" Then I heard a slap and I could hear her cry out. I gasped.

Mom!

I barged through the door and saw mom on the floor, holding her face. Then I saw Gerry standing over her, with a glare on his face.

With a furious look on my face, I shouted, "What did you do to her?!" I strode up to him and shoved him real hard in the chest.

He stumbled back a bit, but he held his ground and shook a finger at me, "You stay the hell out of it, you shit!"

I shouted, as I balled up my fists tightly in anger, "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY MOTHER?!"

Then Gerry threw a punch at my face and he hit me hard in the cheek. I fell on my back to the floor and looked up at him. Fear and shock in my eyes.

While Gerry was advancing towards me, mom cried out, "Gerry, stop it!"

He stopped where he was at and glanced down at mom, who is still on the floor. He looked at her for a moment and he looked at me. He pointed a threatening finger and said to me with a warning, "If you ever do that to me again, I'LL KILL YOU." And with that, he went to the living room and sat down on his chair. Pretending like nothing had happened.

I slowly got off the floor and so did mom. We both looked at each other and I asked, "What was that all about?"

Mom shook her head, "Doesn't matter, it was my fault." She gave me a pleading look, "He's not all bad. I'm always making him angry. Please Brandon, understand."

My eyes went wide. Is she freakin kidding me?!

He just hit her again and she's saying it's her fault that he's angry!

That's complete bullshit!

She's defending him again!

I HAVE HAD IT!

I glared at mom and I walked past her. She said after I passed her, "Brandon, wait."

I heard Gerry's voice saying to mom, "Let the punk ass kid go." I ran upstairs, taking two steps at a time. I went to my bedroom door and I slammed it behind me. Pretty much just fuming now.

I walked to my bed and picked up a pillow. I threw it hard against the wall, in anger and frustration.

I just stared at the pillow on the floor. While what just happened still ran through my mind.

I can't believe you mom! He abused you again and you're defending him!

When are you gonna freakin learn that he's no good for you and he won't change?! Because he sure as hell won't!

I walked to my bed and I sat down on it. I sighed and hung down my head, looking at the wooden floor.

I'm tired of this.

I can't take it anymore.

If she won't listen to me and if she won't try to get rid of him. If she's going to let her feelings blind her for what's important. Then I'm done.

I'm tired of living in this life. It has been two years since this started and I don't want to live THREE years in it!

I'm done! I'm so freakin done!

The cops can't help me and I don't know who will. I'm out of options.

No...There is one option left.

It's crazy, but I don't care anymore.

If mom won't do something and stand up for herself, and if she won't leave him and if she won't listen to reason, if she keeps defending him, well I'm not dealing with this. I'm done with all this. I can't take it anymore.

I looked at the wall in front of me, with a very determined look.

I'm going to run away from home.

And I'm doing it tonight.