Like anyone cared where I was, or who I was.

Would I cheat to save my soul? No. But to save my G.P.A.? Yes.

I never defended myself. Not once. I never said, "Excuse me? What gives you the right to insult and demean me?" I let them steal my dignity.

She's still doing it, pushing me into situations I can't handle, making me cope. She knows I can't cope.

No one ever found out what was happening inside me. How the pain was eating me away. No one ever came to my rescue, or stood up for me.

She responds by kissing me harder and longer and deeper. She loves me too. She's just afraid.

I'm sorry you don't get it, Mom. Sometimes I don't get why I do the things I do. I just know I wake up every morning and wish I was dead.