A Different Escape

By Danielle Roberts

One stifling town

One volatile mother

One chance to escape it all

Trapped in a lackluster town with her verbally abusive mother, seventeen-year-old Lacey Robinson knows one thing for certain: The only antidote to all the problems she and her brother face is getting as far away as possible from their inept home life. When an admissions project from Lacey's out-of-state dream college comes along, she knows it's the ticket out she's been hungering after. After all, Lacey knows there's nothing that can't be solved by putting miles between her and her problems.

All that's left to do now is create a masterpiece, get accepted, and voila!—a new life awaits.

But as life at home grows increasingly difficult, Lacey's way out doesn't seem quite so easy anymore. When she finds a confidant in co-worker Noah Kennedy—who's struggling in the wake of his father's recent suicide—she begins to second-guess if she can truly outrun her scars. As her plan begins to splinter, Lacey is faced with a life-altering ultimatum: keep failing to outrun her scars and end up just like her mother, or finally deal with the trauma she's ignored her whole life.

Can Lacey confront and overcome her past, or will it become her?

Raw, gritty, and achingly real, "A Different Escape" tells the story of a teen's struggle to embrace life's biggest hurdles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098377342

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Chapter 1

I knew that ignoring my gut instinct had been a bad idea the minute I arrived at my house. Usually, I didn’t brush off the alarm that sounded in my stomach. But today I had, hoping that doing so wouldn’t lead to any consequences.

Ha.

My little brother’s hand felt like a wilted flower in mine as we both stared at the cramped one-story brick house that was our home. Something had told me I should’ve let Nico stay at his friend’s house for a playdate after I got him from the bus stop, especially it being the last day of first grade and all.

But I hadn’t.

Nico shifted uncomfortably beside me, swiping at his nose. Lacey, are we…going inside?

No, I answered, taking in the scene.

Four other cars that hadn’t been there when I’d left to get my brother crammed along the narrow strip of road outside our house. Boisterous laughter rang out through the thin walls, carrying outside and echoing harshly into the evening.

By the looks of it, our mother, Ginger, was having yet another party. I was forever asking her to stop throwing these revels at our house that left her passed out on the couch, buoyed by a sea of red solo cups. And she was forever ignoring me.

I tapped my sneaker against the edge of the brown lawn, my mind concocting what Nico and I could do for the next few hours. In this tiny southern town of Osca burrowed deep in Georgia, our options were severely limited. My phone buzzed in my pocket, the vibration making me jump. I let go of Nico’s hand, eagerness ebbing away at my annoyance. Maybe this was finally the email notification I’d been dying to get—

A text from my best friend lit up the screen.

Korah: Are you getting ready for later?

My eyebrows lowered. Nico picked up a fallen twig and started digging it into one of the raised slabs of concrete in the sidewalk, mumbling about how he wanted to be with his friend, Spencer. I couldn’t have known that Ginger would have company over in the short time it took to get him from the bus stop and come back.

Nic, be careful, I warned. I don’t want you to get a splinter again. I turned my attention back to my phone.

Me: Ready for what?

Korah: Dalia’s party?? Last Day of Hell bash? Showing up to support our BFF Jedd? I know you didn’t forget.

Oh sh— I pursed my lips and glanced at Nico, who was occupied with trying to get ants to crawl onto his twig. I’d completely forgotten about Jedd. He had mentioned that he was finally going to ask Dalia out tonight and wanted Korah and me there for moral support. Had I not been so caught up in thinking about the email I was supposed to receive from that college—

Uh, Lacey?

I whirled around, looking Nico over. Did you get a splinter?

No. I—

One second, okay?

He nodded.

Me: Sorry, Kor. Dalia’s is a no-go. Have to watch Nico.

Korah: I thought Ginger was staying home today?

I sighed, my thumbs flying over the keypad.

Me: She is, but she brought company over.

Korah: Not going w/o you. : (

Me: Don’t be dramatic. :P Jedd should have at least one of us there.

Korah: This is lame.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket, swallowing my disappointment. All right. I turned back toward Nico and took his Batman backpack off his shoulders. We’re going to Freeman’s Park.

Nico, who didn’t want to be around when Ginger had her parties any more than I did, followed behind me. We walked away from our home and back toward my bike, my grip on Nico’s backpack tightening when Ginger’s distinct laughter pierced the air.

Let it go.

I looked up, forcing my attention onto the swaying pine trees—the blush color yawning slowly into the sky. A breath tumbled from my lungs. I reminded myself that I was getting out soon; that I was getting away from my mother. Everything depended on it.

Everything.

What were you saying before, Nic?

That I’m hungry, he answered just as my phone buzzed again.

You are? I stopped to pull my cell from my pocket, seeing another text from Korah. Her parents had offered to watch Nico.

Me: You involved your parents??

Korah: Jedd wanted us both there, Lace. This is important!

I’m hungry, Nico repeated.

Do you have anything left in your lunch box? I started to unclip it from the bottom of his backpack. It wasn’t uncommon for Nico to leave back a pudding cup or a few extra cubes of fruit from lunch.

He kicked at the air with his scuffed shoe. I’d have to buy him new ones for the next school year. No, he replied. I ate everything.

Great. Okay, Nic, just…let me think. Wendy’s was too far by bike, and though Grease Feast was closer, they served food akin to their name. Not the most appealing. But Nico did like their curly fries.

I patted my pockets, realizing I’d left my wallet in the room we shared. Dammit. At least I’d remembered to lock our door. Out of options, I typed another message to Korah.

Me: Does your dad have any more of those pigs in a blanket he made the other day?

Korah: Yes!

I sighed and held the phone against my shoulder. Nico, do you want to go to Korah’s house for a couple of hours? They have pigs in a blanket; your favorite.

Nico bounced up and down with renewed energy, his wide-set eyes brightening. Yes! Yes, yes, yes, Lacey.

I smiled despite myself. Okay. Fine. He was just too cute when excited.

Me: You win, Kor. Be over in a few.

Korah: Yay!! :)

Before tucking my phone away, I quickly checked my email just in case I’d missed a notification, but there wasn’t one. I grabbed my bike and set it upright, blowing stray blades of dead grass from the handlebars before picking up Nico’s helmet. The sound of tires crunching gravel sounded from behind, and I turned to see yet another car parallel park sloppily along the side of the house.

There was hardly any room for it to fit. Come on, I told Nico, swinging my leg over the bicycle seat. He situated himself behind me, the familiar pressure of his small hands resting on my shoulders. I looked back to make sure his feet were placed on the back pegs and his helmet was secure. The bike was a second-hand purchase from a thrift store owner, and it had only come with one helmet. Of course, I always made Nico wear it. I figured my head was hard enough as is. Or so I’d been told.

Hey, it’s Ginger’s kids!

A young-looking couple I didn’t recognize sauntered into the driveway, both carrying small crates of beer. The man smiled at us, all crooked like a tilted picture frame. You guys leaving the party so soon? he called. The woman beside him laughed, her short, unevenly bleached hair swaying with the movement. Korah could have done a much better dye job. I said nothing, turning my bike the opposite way before pedaling off.

Are those Mom’s friends too? Nico questioned. His light voice was almost lost in the wind as I pumped my legs. With each foot of distance between me and that house, my mood lifted.

I think so, I called back. The truth was, Ginger didn’t have any actual ‘friends,’ just faces that passed through our home in blurs of cigarette smoke and twisted smiles. Sometimes I wondered if she cared that they only came around when there was the promise of alcohol.

The familiar scent of gasoline and thick forestry entangled in the breeze, and I breathed in deep, relishing the gradually cooling wind brushing over my face. We passed Cow’s Cone—Osca’s dingy ice cream parlor—where a long line spilled out the door. It was the only parlor in town and always busy—even more so now that summer break had begun. Thankfully, Nico didn’t ask if we could stop.

Less than ten minutes later, I turned onto Meadowlakes street, where Korah’s quaint house came into view. Her black Volkswagen, Genny, was parked in the driveway beside her dad’s Kia. I parked my bike near the garage, bringing down the kickstand. Nico clicked off his helmet and hung it on one of the handlebars before running toward the door. He pressed the doorbell twice.

Nico! I hurried over and pulled his hand away. What did I tell you about ringing twice?

Not to do it, he muttered.

Right.

The door swung open, and Korah’s father, Mr. Valez, beamed down at us, the dark skin around his eyes crinkling. Hey! He stepped aside, lightly tousling Nico’s hair as he walked past him. Come on in.

Thank you, Nico and I chorused.

Korah’s house always smelt like fresh pine, the scent reminding me of the holidays and all the times Nico and I were invited over to decorate Gingerbread men. The framed Columbian flag against the wall greeted us, almost as familiar to me as my own reflection.

Thank you for watching Nic on such short notice, Mr. Valez. I appreciate it.

No worries at all. We’re always happy to help.

I gave him a close-lipped smile, toeing off my shoes and making sure Nico did the same. There was that word: Help. Had it not been for the circumstances that surrounded Nico and me, those four letters wouldn’t have meant anything. But I associated ‘help’ with ‘pity.’ It thickly coated the words sighed and muttered to me over the years by town-goers.

I think you deserve a break.

You do a lot on your own.

Poor thing. It’s not easy being a mother and sister all at once, is it, Lacey?

And no, it wasn’t. But Ginger had decided that parenting was inconvenient, and so here I was. Nico was in the kitchen with Mrs. Valez, who took off his backpack and began piling a healthy serving of pigs in a blanket onto a plate. She turned to greet me, her large feather earrings swaying.

"Hola, Lacey."

"Hola, I smiled. Thanks so much for—"

Lacey! Korah appeared from around the bend in the hall and skidded into the kitchen on neon socks, her jeans dress moving stiffly around her ankles. You made it you made it! She shook her shoulders in a little dance.

It took some effort to keep my expression sober.

Hey, this is for Jedd, Korah reminded me. Then, in a lower tone added, And for fun. She grinned. Hey, Nic!

He glanced at her and smiled, distracted by the growing pile of food Mrs. Valez was preparing for him. She set his plate on the dining table and gently steered Nico toward the sink to wash his hands. You girls go ahead and get ready.

Korah took my arm and led me to her room, her socked feet whispering against the wooden floor. I lowered my voice. "You know I hate inconveniencing anyone, Kor. Did you have to ask your parents last minute—"

Korah pushed open her room door and waved a dismissive hand. They were literally sitting on the couch flicking through the channels like zombies. Trust me; I did them a favor by asking them to watch Nico.

I sat on Korah’s twin-sized bed, the plush floral comforter feather-soft beneath me. It was much different than my coarse, solid-color bedspread back home. Korah passed her dresser—cluttered with papers and lotions and scattered jewelry—and flung open her closet door. I looked down at my oversized COMPUTER GRAPHICS CLUB shirt and faded jeans.

You’re thinking what I am, right? I looked up to see Korah watching me with her storm-cloud eyes.

What’s that?

There’s no way you’re wearing that outfit out tonight.

I raised both eyebrows, my head tilting to the side. Duh. You think I’d even consider it? I stood and came up beside her, leaning on the ivory wall. My shoulder pressed against one of the many clippings from hair styling magazines Korah had tacked around her room, such a contrast from my pixilated photos of graphic design logos and characters I’d created in Adobe InDesign.

Delving into digital creations—designing sceneries and animating still photos and working on projects for computer graphics class—was my favorite thing in the world to do. It just sucked that the printer at school was garbage and made my art look like blurred blobs.

You know what would have looked good? I began. That shimmery violet top I wore at your birthday party last year. With my black leggings. Too bad they’re at home. My mind jumped back to the house, to Ginger’s laughter and the cars crammed behind one another along the street. I deflated a little at the thought of having to clean up the aftermath of the party tomorrow morning.

True. Why not bring that ‘fit? Korah forcefully pushed her sweaters and leather jackets aside. There was barely enough room in her closet for the hangers to move.

Because—

"Oh. Right. Ginger. Korah patted my shoulder. No big deal. You can pick whatever you want from my selection." She pulled out a tight black tank top and white ripped jeans for herself.

Black and white. I nodded in approval. Can’t go wrong with that.

You know it. Korah began to change, and I turned my attention back to the clothes hanging in front of me. I didn’t want to wear anything too tight. No tank tops, either. I’d avoided wearing them for years now.

I pulled out a thin, honey-colored sweater from the rack and a pair of black capris, holding them against me. Thoughts?

Korah turned, buttoning the top of her jeans. She pulled her thick, navy blue hair into a knot. "You don’t think you’ll be too warm in a sweater? Aren’t you going to dance?"

I toyed with the hem of the sweater sleeve. That depends on the music. Anyway, if I get hot, I’ll just step outside. It’s so much cooler now than it was earlier, thank God.

Okay, as long as you’re comfortable. Korah plopped down on her desk chair and started pulling at the compartments of her makeup organizer. "I’m so excited for this party. Thanks to my annoying AP classes, I haven’t been out all year!"

O-M-G, I squealed. Me either!

Korah threw a half-empty lip gloss tube at me. I ducked, laughing. "I’m serious, Lace. Not a lot happens in this town. Besides being there for Jedd, tonight is just one of those rare chances to be carefree. Especially since senior year is right around the corner. After that, we’ll all go our separate ways, and then who knows what’ll happen." She unscrewed a tube of mascara and began wiggling the brush through her eyelashes.

My mirth dimmed at the truth in Korah’s words. ‘Who knows’ was right. I knew what I needed to happen, and that was to get into Delmont University. It was a college in Virginia that I’d had my eyes glued on since middle school. They had a wicked art and digital design program that couldn’t have been more perfect for becoming a motion graphic designer. What made the college even better was that there was no rule in place prohibiting a non-student from staying in off-campus housing with an enrollee, as long as the monthly fees were paid for both.

Today was the day I was supposed to hear back from Delmont about my application. It was why I’d been religiously checking for their email—why I had been so forgetful of everything else all day. Mine and Nico’s future was literally in Admissions’ hands. He would come with me, of course. Never mind the fact that Ginger would never allow it.

"Rapido, Korah sang. You haven’t even gotten dressed yet." She carefully unscrewed a tube of liquid eyeliner.

No one’s on time to parties anyway, I reminded her, peeling off my shirt. Thankfully, Korah was too busy creating the perfect wing to look over. I didn’t like anyone watching me change. It was why the girls’ locker room had felt more like a punishment rather than a mere place to swap outfits and gossip. I zippered on the capris. They fit well, save for a little tightness around the waistband.

Ready? Korah did a once-over in her full-length mirror. She’d let her hair back down, streaks of black mingling with the blue strands.

Ready, I confirmed, sneaking a glance at the email icon on my phone. Still no notification. But I wouldn’t panic. Not yet.

We said goodbye to Korah’s parents after she gave them Dalia’s address, so they knew where we’d be. Nico barely acknowledged me as I hugged him and headed toward the door. He was on the couch watching a cartoon while sipping from a juice box.

Korah, Mr. Valez called. Where’s your overall?

It’s not cold outside, Korah insisted, twisting the doorknob.

Her dad turned to Mrs. Valez, muttering something in Spanish.

This isn’t revealing, Korah protested. She gestured to her tank top. Mom?

It’s fine. You girls go ahead and enjoy yourselves. Be safe. Mrs. Valez waved us off as her husband sighed heavily.

Good grief, Korah muttered, stepping outside. Has he not seen some of the other girls around town? I swear they wear bras for shirts. She opened her car door, ducking inside.

He’s just being a dad, I assured her. Korah was lucky. I’d never met my own dad, but I wished I had a father who told me to put on an overall; who cared how I looked before I left the house. It was better than having no one care at all.

"I knew The Leap would be crowded tonight."

I looked up from refreshing my email as Korah gestured out the window toward the lake, its hallmark tire swings in full use. On the bluff, bodies huddled close together in the receding daylight, one or two heads tossing back to take a swig of a drink. I wondered how many of them were part of Tide High’s senior class; how many were going to stay with feet planted in this town’s dead grass, seeking out temporary part-time jobs or joining the Osca Police Department. Those were really the only two options around here.

My grip tightened around the smooth edges of my phone. That won’t be me. It can’t be. Want to go there instead? I half-heartedly joked.

Nah. Korah stuck out her tongue in distaste. I just know a bunch of my exes will be hanging around there tonight. You know, since it’s the start of summer and whatnot.

I told you dating in a small-town was risky. It was why I didn’t even bother.

Yes, Korah sighed. Too bad it’s one of the only fun things to do.

Korah positioned Genny a little way from Dalia’s driveway, behind the rest of the vehicles. A deep bass vibrated the front door as I pushed it open and stepped into a throng of bodies. The stuffy air was coated with a concoction of stale perfume, cologne, and liquor. What a turnout, I heard Korah half-yell from beside me. She was right; people crowded the living room, foyer, stairway and kitchen. Bursts of laughter and raised, unsteady voices swelled over the music.

I blinked, momentarily overwhelmed by the commotion. Like Korah, I hadn’t been to a party the entire school year and almost forgot how stifling they could be at first. Let’s find someone we know, I suggested. Korah and I didn’t have to look far before we saw a group of our classmates milling around near the kitchen, where coolers filled with ice and peeking bottle tops lined the counters.

Korah grabbed one—a cider, it looked like—and squeezed her way into the circle of familiar faces. I followed, warming up to the atmosphere. Jedd was the first to notice us, his face brightening beneath the dimmed lights. We’d adopted him into our friend group two years ago after Ms. Adams added him to our science group project. Ever since then, it was sometimes hard to fathom how it had just been Korah and me since fifth grade; Jedd blended with us seamlessly.

"Kor and Lace are in the house. He swung both arms around our shoulders and squeezed. I’m so happy to see you guys."

Likewise. I patted the front of his T-shirt that displayed a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge. Have you—

Hey, girlies! Robyn from AP Psych raised her full plastic cup toward us, blowing her bangs from her eyes. Ya’ll look cute.

You too, Korah and I answered in unison.

Where’s your drink? Robyn gestured to my empty hand. These things are so much more fun if you’re buzzed.

Oh, alcohol and I don’t mix. It was the simplest answer to give whenever someone asked why I didn’t drink.

Robyn palmed her forehead. I forget you’re not a party animal like your mom. She laughed, oblivious to the way my body stiffened. As if I needed more reminders that everyone in town knew about Ginger’s escapades.

I put on what I hoped was a polite smile and said, Ha. Yeah. Jedd opened his mouth to speak, but I beat him to it. Where’s Dalia? Have you talked to her yet?

He pointed two finger guns at me. I’m glad you asked. She’s outside by the pool. I’m going to make my way over in just a few—

You mean now. You’re going to make your way over now, right? I gave him a stern look. Jedd hesitated, pulling at a lock of his black hair. Jedd Dae Yoon, I warned. Since freshman year, he’d wanted to take Dalia on a date but always got tongue-tied and jumpy when the opportunity presented itself. I wasn’t convinced that Korah’s and my presence would make much of a difference when it came to Jedd finally mustering up enough courage to ask Dalia on a date. But I hoped it did.

All right, all right. He raised both hands. I’m just… getting a drink first. That’s not a crime, right? He flashed a grin before disappearing into the sea of people. I sighed inwardly.

Korah announced that she was heading outside, and I followed, taking her hand. We walked through the back sliding doors and toward the pool. The thin night air sighed over me, a refreshing contrast to the congested atmosphere inside. Only a handful of people were actually swimming. Some were in the water fully clothed, but others were passing off underwear as a bathing suit. Colorful lights lit up the pool from above and below, throwing rainbow patterns across the mingling bodies.

I ducked to avoid a swinging arm and stepped back to miss getting decapitated by a wildly dancing girl. Hey, Kor, look. I tapped her shoulder. There’s Dalia.

Korah turned, squinting. Dalia Wright was standing among a group of her friends, glitter glinting atop her short hair. "I swear if Jedd gets cold feet again…" Korah shook her head.

We should go find him, I suggested. He’s probably—

Lace! You look great. I turned, recognizing Monte Ruiz’s voice before my eyes landed on him. He walked up to Korah and me, an entourage at his back. Korah nudged me with her elbow, and I could almost feel her grin.

Monte and I had English class together Sophomore year—the only class we’d shared since—and had gotten along well. Nothing had ever come out of our playful relationship, but I swore flirting with me was one of his hobbies. It didn’t help that he looked like he stepped straight out of a freaking telenovela—brown wavy hair, olive skin, sharp jawline. It was all just the perfect recipe for swoon.

Are you talking to me? I glanced around, only half-teasing. Korah had fallen into a conversation with Tessa and Emma—two girls we used to sit with at lunch.

"You. Lacey Robinson. Monte nodded to my empty hands. He leaned in, though the music wasn’t that loud out here. No drink?"

Nah. I’m not much of a drinker.

Not even water?

Nope, not even that.

Monte smiled. You make dehydration look good, then.

I couldn’t help it—I laughed. Come on, get me a drink then, you dork.

On the way back inside, I recognized Noah, my co-worker from Sales N’ Goods, standing close to the wooden fence that bordered the yard. He seemed caught up in a very intense lip-lock with his girlfriend. See you at work tomorrow, I thought. And then I inwardly groaned at the fact that I had to work tomorrow.

Back in the kitchen, Monte poured me water from the automatic fridge dispenser. The house had become increasingly crowded and more boisterous. My foot kept getting stepped on, followed by ‘my bads’ tossed over shoulders. Cheers, Monte grinned, handing me the cup.

Thanks. I downed the icy water, not realizing how thirsty I was. Are you sure I made dehydration look good? I questioned, feeling doubtful.

"Yup. But hydration looks even better on you. Monte tossed our empty cups into the overflowing trash bin. I was jostled forward by a girl and almost collided with him. He caught my elbow, steadying me. Do you wanna go talk somewhere quieter?"

Yes, I nodded. Good plan.

We found a room upstairs without an ‘Off Limits’ sign plastered to it. Monte knocked before opening the door. To my disbelief, the room was empty of people. I’m shocked there’s no one in here, I admitted.

Well, there is now. Monte left the door ajar and sat on the edge of the bed. I joined him, flopping back and folding my hands behind my head. It felt good to lie down. Faint pumps of music echoed from downstairs, the bass deep and thrumming. I fought the urge to close my eyes and let the beat send me off to sleep.

This isn’t a bad way to start the summer, Monte commented.

I stared up at the ceiling fan, its bulbs looking back at me. At a party? It’s how everyone here starts their summers. But it does beat sitting at home.

The party’s great, Monte agreed, but I meant hanging with you.

I snort-laughed, which kind of made me sound like I was choking. Very attractive, Lacey. You don’t mean that.

Of course I do, Monte insisted. You know how boring Cultural Literature was without you?

I sat up. You mean, because I wasn’t there to lend you my notes?

Monte nudged me. He smelt vaguely of sweet cologne. I appreciated the fact that he didn’t cake it on like most guys did.

You love giving me a hard time, Lace. Don’t you?

Yup. I won’t deny that. I brushed a stray piece of fuzz off his shirt sleeve.

How’s your brother doing? Monte asked, watching as I lowered my hand from his shirt.

Nico’s good. Korah’s parents are watching him until we get back. If Nico were with anyone else, there would have been zero chance I’d be at the party for more than half an hour.

Monte had leaned in closer. His eyes were two pools of dark chocolate. Hey, remember that one time after the pep rally last year when I said I wanted to kiss you?

Yeah. I bit back a smile. I remember.

Do you also remember how you thought I was joking and told me to ‘quit’? Monte’s eyebrow raised.

I honestly did think you were kidding, I admitted.

"Well, I was serious. And, for the record, I