There I was, staring at my phone from across the room. I'd spent half an hour walking up to the phone and then walking back to the other end of the kitchen like an idiot. I don't know what it was about my parents but they always had the ability to make me feel unsure about everything.

"Call them babe, I'll be right here. You can even put it on loud speaker if it makes you feel more confident." She handed me the phone. I took a deep breath and dialled my home phone number. I set the phone on the bench and put it on loud speaker, not trusting my hands to keep the phone still. The phone rang a few times before a voice answered.

"Hello?" It was my father's voice.

"Hey dad, it's... me."

"Carol? Take this would you?" There was movement and muffled voices as the phone was being exchanged.

"Hello, Carol speaking." It was my mum.

"Hi mum. I just wanted to call to tell you about college." I said, trying to fit as many words in as I could before she decided she didn't want to speak with me as well.

"We don't want to hear about college. We don't want to speak with you. You stress your father out so much you're making him sick." She said in an accusing tone.

"I just wanted to tell you how well I'm doing in my classes and I've even got a job mum. I'm supporting myself and working really hard. The college has set up a family fair weekend for..."

"I don't want to hear it Quinn." She said abruptly. My eyes started stinging but I refused to give up. I crossed my arms to stop them from shaking and began to speak when Lexi slid the phone a little closer to her.

"Hi Mrs Eden, I'm Quinn's friend, Lexi. We just wanted to invite you and Mr Eden to the family fair weekend on the 14th of March." Lexi said with poise.

"Well, with all do respect Lexi, this is as private conversation." My mum bit back. She was as sassy as ever.

"I'm sorry for intruding but I really do think it would be wonderful for you to see her progress and it's a great way to support your daughter's life changes." Lexi continued confidently. The line went silent for almost a minute. I felt the hope ring from deep within me. Maybe they do have it in them to forgive me. Maybe I have finally done something right.

My mother cleared her throat and spoke.

"We have no daughter." She spat then the sound of the disconnection tone echoed through the dorm. My whole body went numb and pressure was building up in my head. My throat started to burn all the way down to my stomach which felt like I'd just dropped a thousand feet.

Lexi put her hand on my upper back and ducked to look into my eyes.

"Are you okay? Do you need a hug?" I looked away and nodded a few small nods. I let her hug me for a second and pulled away.

"Thanks Lex. I couldn't have done it without you." I looked at the floor as I spoke.

"I'm just gonna go for a run. Clear my head, you know?" I started for the door. She placed my phone in my hand before I left.

"At least take your phone so I know you're safe." She said with a concerned look on her face. I could tell she was torn between staying with me and giving me my space.

"I'll be back soon, don't worry." I said quietly before I shut the door.

Once the door clicked closed, the emotions came rolling in like a tidal wave. I started running down the hallways and outside into the crisp night air. I didn't know where I was running to but I just let my feet pound the ground and take me away. I ran so hard with my chest blazing, crying deep, uncontrollable sobs. I wanted the physical pain to overtake the emotional pain but no matter how hard I ran, it couldn't compare.

I ran past Jim's tavern and he was standing outside.

"Hey firecracker, what you runnin' from? You okay?" He asked leaning against the beam just outside the front doors holding his cigarette. I stopped running and my chest heaved trying to draw in as much oxygen as possible.

"I... I'm just running... just... running." I said in between breaths. The tears still ran down my face streaking my makeup along my cheeks no doubt.

"You can't outrun your problems darlin'" he said, flicking his cigarette into the ground in front of him. I knew he was right, my problems kept following me like a shadow everywhere I went. The thought just sent me over the edge and I buried my face in my hands.

"Come on in sweet pea, let me fix you a cup." He said putting his arm around me and walking me into the tavern.

"I didn't mean to come here, it was just where I ended up. I'm sorry." I said sniffling every few words.

"Nonsense child, don't apologise. Life has a way of knowing exactly what we need when we need it." He said pouring me a cup of tea.

"Now, you don't have to tell me what's going on but I'm all ears if you feel like sharing." He offered.

"My parents hate me..." I stared into the cup of coffee, feeling all cried out.

"I'm sure they don't hate you. But if they cant see what they've got, they don't deserve to see you at your greatest." He said smiling and took a sip out of his steaming mug.

"You'd make a good father Jimmy." I mentioned, running my finger along the rim of my cup. He let out a small, tired laugh.

"Well, I can't have any biological kids, but that setback just opened my heart to take in kids like Mason, teach them everything I know and love them like my own." My heart broke for Jim, but my respect grew for him even more.

"You're an amazing man Jim. The world needs more people like you."

My heart hurt from being rejected by the only people who were biologically meant to love me and my head hurt from overthinking. I rested my elbows on the bar and rubbed my temples.

"Do you wanna try out the new addition?" He pointed to the stage where there was a brand new black piano. Music had always been an escape for me.

"Really? You don't mind?" I asked, eyeing the beautiful instrument.

"Go ahead love, she's all yours. I'll be out back if you need me. Got a new shipment today." He said, patting my head before he left.

"Thank you Jimmy... for everything." I called.

"Anytime Firecracker." He chuckled while he walked. A warmth spread from my head where he patted me down to my mouth where a small smile broke through the dark.