I Don't Wanna Go in Out in the Open

The longer I stay here in my home town of, O, the happier I get. I just love being close to my family. I just love letting Lily play outside and I feel safe that a drive by shooting won't occur. It's a small town. I hope to get to a time and place in my life where I know most people and have a small social circle. My sister bought a new home with a pool. I can't wait to spend time there with her and Lily.
My job is close by and I love it. It's so nice having a career that pays enough where I can comfortably live. I can buy the things I need. I can even buy extras. Finally. It's been a long time since I have been comfortable. C started talking about all the things he wants to enroll Lily in. He said this right after hinting that we should talk about "plans for next year." Taking a deep breath I simply stated, "I don't think I am moving there." I haven't heard from him since. I am just letting him take that in. But, in my defense he offers me nothing. Not love. Not another baby. Not even companionship. The last time I went there he barely spoke to me. I am not giving up my life here for nothing. Sure, Lily would get a few more things, but this time it's about me. The first 5 years of her life I gave up everything for her. I had to. I had little to no help from C. Now all of a sudden he wants to be super dad and take over. Yet, his other child gets nothing. This bothers me too. Sure, the other child has siblings and a mother so he has a big family and Lily just has me. But she has Grandma, Grandpa, Michael, Aunt W and Uncle R and Uncle Shawn all living in this city. These people have been in her life since she was in my belly. Why should she have to move away from all that? Why should I? I am finally happy. I am staying.

Her