When I’m With You by Danielle Dickson

I’m far from your typical girl-next-door. My piercing blue stare coupled with the ink that winds its way around my arms throws people off, judging who I am before they’ve even spoken to me.
It doesn’t bother me anymore… I’m used to it.

Putting up a front and wearing my steely exterior like a wall of armor is something that I’ve perfected.
I’ve had to become this way. Everyone that I’ve ever met has treated me like dirt and thrown me to the side like a piece of trash. So what’s the point in making an effort just for me to get hurt?

There isn’t… and that’s exactly why I am the way that I am. Protect myself first… always. My past has taught me that much.
The very people that were meant to love me unconditionally turned their backs on me when I needed them the most. With their lifestyle and the company they kept, I shouldn’t have expected anything less.

But… I never expected him to turn his back on me. The one person who made me feel safe. The only one who ever really cared.
I’ve moved across the country to get as far away as I can… from all of them… but deep down I know that they aren’t finished with me yet. I know it’s just a matter of time before they finally catch up to me, and when they do, I just hope I can make it out alive.