Chapter 1
I had just turned in the pool and was on my way to the other side at lightning fast speed. This was my usual caliber in this event. I preferred it this way. My name is Kaitlin Holcomb. I am the daughter of Police Detective Andrew Holcomb from Razor's Edge, Florida. I am an only child and was constantly spoiled by both of my parents....not. My dad usually was working and my mom was normally busy with one fundraiser or another.
Anyway, I swam the final length and managed to beat my previous time by 2/10, which is awesome for me. I am constantly wanting to improve my times. I swam to the edge of the pool and used the ladder to hoist myself out of the pool. Being the shortest team member is always a plus. I also weight the least.
"Nicely done, Kaitlin." Coach James Weatherly said with a grin.
"Thanks, Coach." I said, grinning back at him. I walked over and picked up my towel from the bleachers and began drying myself off as best I could.
I heard a scoff come from my rival, Celeste Mercer. I ignored her as usual. Jealousy rears its ugly head.
The Coach heard Celeste and impatiently asked, "What is it now, Celeste?"
"Are you blind? She cut me off on the last turn and wound up in my lane for the final length." Celeste said.
I scoffed and said, "You and I both know you are making excuses because I beat you fair and square. Get over it."
Celeste glared at me angrily and said, "Some day you will finally get what is coming to you and I hope I am there to see it!" She then stormed off despite The Coach telling her practice wasn't over yet.
I sighed as Coach finally said, "Okay, Ladies. I guess I will end practice early today. Go shower up and I will see you on Monday."
We clapped and cheered as we headed into the locker room. I was one of the first to undress and get showered up. I left the shower, dried off, and dressed quickly.
Two hours later, I arrived at home. It normally does take me that long to drive home from the complex. I love that place. I have been in training since I was six. It use to be me and my two best friends, Nicole Harmon and Tori Collins but Tori moved away after her mom got re-married and Nicole quit training to live a normal life.
I parked my blue colored jeep in the garage and hurried inside my three level house. I hurried inside and up the stairs to the second level, which has the TV room and kitchen. I went to the kitchen first and grabbed a diet soda from the refrigerator and then settled on a couch in the TV room to watch a movie.
About half way through the movie I fell asleep on the couch. I must of slept for several hours, because the next thing I know, I am woken by the sound of banging coming from the kitchen.
I opened my eyes and glance over to the kitchen just in time to see my mother busily making dinner. "Hey Mom." I said as I sat up on the couch.
"Why didn't you start dinner before I got home? Its nearly eight o'clock." She angrily said.
"I fell asleep after I got home from training." I reminded her. I sighed and then added, "I'm sorry." I got up from the couch and walked to the kitchen. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed vegetables for a salad and then closed the door. I began chopping vegetables while she grilled chicken up for the three of us.
"Next time, don't fall asleep after you get home." She reprimanded as she continued cooking. "I do too much around here for you to just sit around doing nothing."
I sighed in a frustrated manner. "I don't just do nothing. I am training for the Olympics, Mom. Its a huge deal. Why don't you get that?"
"Spare me your rationalization, Kaitlin. Your father is being stupid letting you do this. I do not support your training. I never have and never will." Mom informed me. "Now, do what I tell you and stop making excuses!"
"I'm starting to think I should of pushed to get emancipated." I snapped at her. I then tossed down the knife and added as I walked past her, "Screw you." I went to the hallway and grabbed my keys from the hall table. I ignored her angry shouting and stormed out the front door. I still had my cellphone in my pocket, so I called my dad's work number. he didn't answer. "Figures." I drove off toward the complex. I still had my overnight back in my jeep. He usually disappears when he doesn't want involved. I sighed as I continued driving towards the complex. I had had enough of my mother and her non-supportive attitude.
Anyway, I swam the final length and managed to beat my previous time by 2/10, which is awesome for me. I am constantly wanting to improve my times. I swam to the edge of the pool and used the ladder to hoist myself out of the pool. Being the shortest team member is always a plus. I also weight the least.
"Nicely done, Kaitlin." Coach James Weatherly said with a grin.
"Thanks, Coach." I said, grinning back at him. I walked over and picked up my towel from the bleachers and began drying myself off as best I could.
I heard a scoff come from my rival, Celeste Mercer. I ignored her as usual. Jealousy rears its ugly head.
The Coach heard Celeste and impatiently asked, "What is it now, Celeste?"
"Are you blind? She cut me off on the last turn and wound up in my lane for the final length." Celeste said.
I scoffed and said, "You and I both know you are making excuses because I beat you fair and square. Get over it."
Celeste glared at me angrily and said, "Some day you will finally get what is coming to you and I hope I am there to see it!" She then stormed off despite The Coach telling her practice wasn't over yet.
I sighed as Coach finally said, "Okay, Ladies. I guess I will end practice early today. Go shower up and I will see you on Monday."
We clapped and cheered as we headed into the locker room. I was one of the first to undress and get showered up. I left the shower, dried off, and dressed quickly.
Two hours later, I arrived at home. It normally does take me that long to drive home from the complex. I love that place. I have been in training since I was six. It use to be me and my two best friends, Nicole Harmon and Tori Collins but Tori moved away after her mom got re-married and Nicole quit training to live a normal life.
I parked my blue colored jeep in the garage and hurried inside my three level house. I hurried inside and up the stairs to the second level, which has the TV room and kitchen. I went to the kitchen first and grabbed a diet soda from the refrigerator and then settled on a couch in the TV room to watch a movie.
About half way through the movie I fell asleep on the couch. I must of slept for several hours, because the next thing I know, I am woken by the sound of banging coming from the kitchen.
I opened my eyes and glance over to the kitchen just in time to see my mother busily making dinner. "Hey Mom." I said as I sat up on the couch.
"Why didn't you start dinner before I got home? Its nearly eight o'clock." She angrily said.
"I fell asleep after I got home from training." I reminded her. I sighed and then added, "I'm sorry." I got up from the couch and walked to the kitchen. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed vegetables for a salad and then closed the door. I began chopping vegetables while she grilled chicken up for the three of us.
"Next time, don't fall asleep after you get home." She reprimanded as she continued cooking. "I do too much around here for you to just sit around doing nothing."
I sighed in a frustrated manner. "I don't just do nothing. I am training for the Olympics, Mom. Its a huge deal. Why don't you get that?"
"Spare me your rationalization, Kaitlin. Your father is being stupid letting you do this. I do not support your training. I never have and never will." Mom informed me. "Now, do what I tell you and stop making excuses!"
"I'm starting to think I should of pushed to get emancipated." I snapped at her. I then tossed down the knife and added as I walked past her, "Screw you." I went to the hallway and grabbed my keys from the hall table. I ignored her angry shouting and stormed out the front door. I still had my cellphone in my pocket, so I called my dad's work number. he didn't answer. "Figures." I drove off toward the complex. I still had my overnight back in my jeep. He usually disappears when he doesn't want involved. I sighed as I continued driving towards the complex. I had had enough of my mother and her non-supportive attitude.
Chapter 2
As I pulled my jeep into my reserved space, I spotted Coach Weatherly coming out of his office to meet me. I nodded a hello as I turned off my jeep's engine and then left it. I approached him and sighed.
"She called right after you left." He said. "Are you all right?"
"Not really." I admitted, shaking my head. "I couldn't reach my father. I tried before I drove here."
"She better not count on me to take you over there, because its not happening." He said with an angry tone. "She actually ordered me to make you go home and suspend you from training for two weeks. I said no and hung up on her."
"Thanks." I said and gratefully accepted the hug he offered. "I needed that too."
"You looked like you did." He said. He placed a calming hand on my shoulder and added, "Come on inside before she gets here. My van is a block away so she has no idea I stay in the apartment next door. It has two bedrooms or you can stay with the other girls in the dorms."
"She has to be invited into the dorms and I never gave her or my dad and invite so dorms I guess." I said. I grabbed my bag out of the back of my jeep and we headed inside. I was more than relieved to be with others who really care.
As we headed down the hallway we spotted Celeste heading towards us. She looked pleased with herself. "So, Kaitlin. You finally get kicked out or did you walkaway from your family?" She asked with a chuckle.
I was in no mood for her crap so I immediately said, "Shut up. I am in no mood for your crap!" I then pushed past her and we continued walking down the hallway. I abruptly stopped and turned around. "Hey Celeste!"
She turned around and said, "What?"
"My mother pays no attention to me. When she does, she is abusing me either physically or emotionally. To her I am just around to be her maid while she goes out and plays." I admitted to her. "This is the only kind of release I have."
This news seemed to shut her up pretty quickly. "Seriously?"
I nodded. "Yes."
She approached me then and then asked, "What about your dad?"
"He is never around. He is too busy with work to even care what happens to me or my family." I said. I could plainly see the disbelief in her eyes so I wasn't too surprised when she stormed off angrily. I shrugged and we continued on towards the dorms. I was tired and hungry. I had no money on me and my coach knew it.
He heard my stomach growling so he called the nearest pizza place and ordered a extra large chicken taco pizza with no onions, which is my favorite and three 2 liters of soda. He had it delivered and had them charge it to his personal account.
He led me to my own personal dorm and then left to let me settle in.
He had gone back to his office so he didn't see Mom arrive at the complex. The problem is Celeste did and she was by far thrilled about it. She hurried out to greet her. "Mrs. Holcomb, so good to see you. Kaitlin is here. Let me take you to her." She said happily.
Mom smiled and then nodded. "Thank you. The sooner I take her home and away from all of this, the better." She said.
They were chatting as they walked toward the dorms so I heard them approach. I sighed and hurried off toward the area where no parents were allowed. It was a rule that no parents were allowed in the team only area of the complex.
Celeste must have realized its where I went because she growled softly and then said to my mother, "I'm afraid she went into a team only area. I can't take you there. I'm sorry." She hurried into the area and found me. "Your mother is here to pick you up. Don't you think its time to stop hiding from her?"
I didn't answer. I stayed where I was and placed my hands on my hips. I was more than angry with her, but refused to give into the anger I was feeling. I refused to take out my frustrations on her.
"Either you come with me now or I extend an invitation to her to come into this area. Your choice." Celeste threatened.
"Why are you giving her the chance to continue abusing me? Are you that threatened by my swimming ability you feel the need to help her?" I asked her. I was terrified.
"Your choice." She said. She turned and headed back towards my mother.
"She called right after you left." He said. "Are you all right?"
"Not really." I admitted, shaking my head. "I couldn't reach my father. I tried before I drove here."
"She better not count on me to take you over there, because its not happening." He said with an angry tone. "She actually ordered me to make you go home and suspend you from training for two weeks. I said no and hung up on her."
"Thanks." I said and gratefully accepted the hug he offered. "I needed that too."
"You looked like you did." He said. He placed a calming hand on my shoulder and added, "Come on inside before she gets here. My van is a block away so she has no idea I stay in the apartment next door. It has two bedrooms or you can stay with the other girls in the dorms."
"She has to be invited into the dorms and I never gave her or my dad and invite so dorms I guess." I said. I grabbed my bag out of the back of my jeep and we headed inside. I was more than relieved to be with others who really care.
As we headed down the hallway we spotted Celeste heading towards us. She looked pleased with herself. "So, Kaitlin. You finally get kicked out or did you walkaway from your family?" She asked with a chuckle.
I was in no mood for her crap so I immediately said, "Shut up. I am in no mood for your crap!" I then pushed past her and we continued walking down the hallway. I abruptly stopped and turned around. "Hey Celeste!"
She turned around and said, "What?"
"My mother pays no attention to me. When she does, she is abusing me either physically or emotionally. To her I am just around to be her maid while she goes out and plays." I admitted to her. "This is the only kind of release I have."
This news seemed to shut her up pretty quickly. "Seriously?"
I nodded. "Yes."
She approached me then and then asked, "What about your dad?"
"He is never around. He is too busy with work to even care what happens to me or my family." I said. I could plainly see the disbelief in her eyes so I wasn't too surprised when she stormed off angrily. I shrugged and we continued on towards the dorms. I was tired and hungry. I had no money on me and my coach knew it.
He heard my stomach growling so he called the nearest pizza place and ordered a extra large chicken taco pizza with no onions, which is my favorite and three 2 liters of soda. He had it delivered and had them charge it to his personal account.
He led me to my own personal dorm and then left to let me settle in.
He had gone back to his office so he didn't see Mom arrive at the complex. The problem is Celeste did and she was by far thrilled about it. She hurried out to greet her. "Mrs. Holcomb, so good to see you. Kaitlin is here. Let me take you to her." She said happily.
Mom smiled and then nodded. "Thank you. The sooner I take her home and away from all of this, the better." She said.
They were chatting as they walked toward the dorms so I heard them approach. I sighed and hurried off toward the area where no parents were allowed. It was a rule that no parents were allowed in the team only area of the complex.
Celeste must have realized its where I went because she growled softly and then said to my mother, "I'm afraid she went into a team only area. I can't take you there. I'm sorry." She hurried into the area and found me. "Your mother is here to pick you up. Don't you think its time to stop hiding from her?"
I didn't answer. I stayed where I was and placed my hands on my hips. I was more than angry with her, but refused to give into the anger I was feeling. I refused to take out my frustrations on her.
"Either you come with me now or I extend an invitation to her to come into this area. Your choice." Celeste threatened.
"Why are you giving her the chance to continue abusing me? Are you that threatened by my swimming ability you feel the need to help her?" I asked her. I was terrified.
"Your choice." She said. She turned and headed back towards my mother.
Chapter 3
Right after Celeste had returned to find my mom, I grew desperate to get away, but this was my final safe area. It was then that I realized I did have another choice but it would take theirs away at the same time. I pulled out of my pocket three diet pills and then removed them from the wrapper. I popped them all at once into my mouth and then I ran towards the pool via a shortcut, which didn't go past the others.
Meanwhile, they were heading in that direction but were abruptly cut off by the coach who informed them that parents aren't allowed in the direction they were heading. He refused to let them go, which left my mother fuming.
"I want my daughter now!" She yelled angrily at him.
"Your daughter came here practically in tears after your little outburst and threat, Mrs. Holcomb. I am well aware of your abusive history with that young lady. Kaitlin deserves a lot better than that." The coach said, equally angry.
"My daughter is none of your business and I am tired of her constantly being away from training when she should be home taking care of the house!" Mom shouted.
"Are you saying she doesn't deserve a life of her own?" He asked.
"That is exactly what I am saying!" She shouted.
Meanwhile, I had arrived at the pool. I knew what I had to do. I was prepared to do it too. The pills weren't enough. I had to make this permanent. I started walking past the rippling water and felt that I couldn't do it in the very water I wanted to be part of so badly. I walked into the locker room after remembering what I had left in my locker. It would be the final thing. It would be my last statement.
Instead of slitting my wrists, I stabbed myself in the abdomen and then fell to my knees. Not long after I fell onto my side. I was in a lot of pain, but I no longer cared. I had had enough.
They had gone to the Coach's office and we're still arguing about me. Coach sent one of the other girls to search for me. She found me bleeding heavily in the locker room and used her cellphone to call 911. She also screamed in terror.
The others hurried there as I lay there bleeding badly. I can feel my life force leaving my body. My very soul was threatening to leave my body forever. I just couldn't do this anymore. I was tired of being treated like an unwanted slave by my family. My eyes closed and darkness took over.
Although I could feel my soul leaving my body, I knew most of them would not give up on saving me which surprised me. To my mother, I was just a servant and maid. To my father, I was a nuisance. I am guessing Celeste felt the same way. To my Coach, I was an aspiring swimmer with a lot of heart.
It was nearly 4 am by the time I opened my eyes. I yawned and then noticed both Celeste and Coach in my hospital room. I quickly looked around. I was surprised to not see either of my parents there. I shot a questioning look at the Coach, who immediately said, "They are not allowed in here right now. You're safe."
I closed my eyes and was finally able to truly relax. I glanced to Celeste and said, "I suppose you came to insult me for not being able to kill myself right."
"Actually, I am glad you weren't successful." She said. She sat down in the chair next to my bed and added, "Look. I am not the evil one you think I am. I am sorry for being that way. I didn't realize just how bad it was at home."
I shot her a genuine smile and said, "I'm willing to start over if you are." She shot me a questioning look, so I added, "I mean a fresh start for you and I." I laid there and waited for her answer.
I didn't have to wait long. She then grinned and nodded. "Absolutely."
While we talked, a woman walked into the room and said, "I am sorry for interrupting but I am the counselor assigned to your case."
I nodded and said, "Thank you for coming." I stepped toward her and we shook hands. Making sure not to ignore Celeste, I added, "This is my friend and teammate, Celeste Mercer."
"Nice to meet you." She said. "I am Abigail Donnely. I am a counselor and private attorney from the law firm Bergstrom & Sons. I specialize in helping teens become emancipated when they have no other choice."
Celeste shot me a shocked look.
"My mom doesn't want me doing anything but staying home when I'm not at school. My dad is oblivious so this was my only other choice, so I called her." I explained.
Celeste shot me a sad smile but nodded. "You have too much damn talent to give it up, Kait." She reminded me. "You are more than welcome to move in with me and my mom."
I shot her a grateful smile and nodded. "Thanks."
We then hugged for the first time. I got the paperwork set up and had myself emancipated from both of my parents. I also had Celeste's older brother, Eli go pick up my stuff from both my mom's and my dad's places.
Meanwhile, several days later, we began setting up my room at Celeste's mansion. It was here, I truly began to feel welcome and I could heal without being hurt. I truly felt safe and happy.
Meanwhile, they were heading in that direction but were abruptly cut off by the coach who informed them that parents aren't allowed in the direction they were heading. He refused to let them go, which left my mother fuming.
"I want my daughter now!" She yelled angrily at him.
"Your daughter came here practically in tears after your little outburst and threat, Mrs. Holcomb. I am well aware of your abusive history with that young lady. Kaitlin deserves a lot better than that." The coach said, equally angry.
"My daughter is none of your business and I am tired of her constantly being away from training when she should be home taking care of the house!" Mom shouted.
"Are you saying she doesn't deserve a life of her own?" He asked.
"That is exactly what I am saying!" She shouted.
Meanwhile, I had arrived at the pool. I knew what I had to do. I was prepared to do it too. The pills weren't enough. I had to make this permanent. I started walking past the rippling water and felt that I couldn't do it in the very water I wanted to be part of so badly. I walked into the locker room after remembering what I had left in my locker. It would be the final thing. It would be my last statement.
Instead of slitting my wrists, I stabbed myself in the abdomen and then fell to my knees. Not long after I fell onto my side. I was in a lot of pain, but I no longer cared. I had had enough.
They had gone to the Coach's office and we're still arguing about me. Coach sent one of the other girls to search for me. She found me bleeding heavily in the locker room and used her cellphone to call 911. She also screamed in terror.
The others hurried there as I lay there bleeding badly. I can feel my life force leaving my body. My very soul was threatening to leave my body forever. I just couldn't do this anymore. I was tired of being treated like an unwanted slave by my family. My eyes closed and darkness took over.
Although I could feel my soul leaving my body, I knew most of them would not give up on saving me which surprised me. To my mother, I was just a servant and maid. To my father, I was a nuisance. I am guessing Celeste felt the same way. To my Coach, I was an aspiring swimmer with a lot of heart.
It was nearly 4 am by the time I opened my eyes. I yawned and then noticed both Celeste and Coach in my hospital room. I quickly looked around. I was surprised to not see either of my parents there. I shot a questioning look at the Coach, who immediately said, "They are not allowed in here right now. You're safe."
I closed my eyes and was finally able to truly relax. I glanced to Celeste and said, "I suppose you came to insult me for not being able to kill myself right."
"Actually, I am glad you weren't successful." She said. She sat down in the chair next to my bed and added, "Look. I am not the evil one you think I am. I am sorry for being that way. I didn't realize just how bad it was at home."
I shot her a genuine smile and said, "I'm willing to start over if you are." She shot me a questioning look, so I added, "I mean a fresh start for you and I." I laid there and waited for her answer.
I didn't have to wait long. She then grinned and nodded. "Absolutely."
While we talked, a woman walked into the room and said, "I am sorry for interrupting but I am the counselor assigned to your case."
I nodded and said, "Thank you for coming." I stepped toward her and we shook hands. Making sure not to ignore Celeste, I added, "This is my friend and teammate, Celeste Mercer."
"Nice to meet you." She said. "I am Abigail Donnely. I am a counselor and private attorney from the law firm Bergstrom & Sons. I specialize in helping teens become emancipated when they have no other choice."
Celeste shot me a shocked look.
"My mom doesn't want me doing anything but staying home when I'm not at school. My dad is oblivious so this was my only other choice, so I called her." I explained.
Celeste shot me a sad smile but nodded. "You have too much damn talent to give it up, Kait." She reminded me. "You are more than welcome to move in with me and my mom."
I shot her a grateful smile and nodded. "Thanks."
We then hugged for the first time. I got the paperwork set up and had myself emancipated from both of my parents. I also had Celeste's older brother, Eli go pick up my stuff from both my mom's and my dad's places.
Meanwhile, several days later, we began setting up my room at Celeste's mansion. It was here, I truly began to feel welcome and I could heal without being hurt. I truly felt safe and happy.