Have you ever reached the stars?

Chapter 3

Hope

My dad always says that there are three good reasons to travel. First whenever something good happens, in order to celebrate. Second, when something bad happens in order to forget it. And last but not least when nothing happens, travel to make something happen. So, here I am in a twelve-hour flight to another continent.

Flying alone has never been an issue for me, but this time I feel scared not of the journey or the destination but of the things that led me to this decision. I can't sleep as the events of the past weeks keep playing in my head like an annoying movie.

Travel in style, she said. It will be amazing to spend the summer in a country that actually has one, she said. And of course I listened to Sandra and here I am sweating at the airport after the rental car company mixed up the dates and can't provide me with the car I booked.

With no car and with feet hurting from wearing heels for so long, I make my way to the bus stop. It is very easy to get to Redwood Shores by bus, the old lady sitting next to me says with a warm smile on her lips. "Is this your first time visiting?" as much as I hate small talk with strangers, I feel bad for not answering to the sweet woman. The damn bus is taking forever to reach the town and I have learnt every single gossip of the area in a matter of minutes.

My dad of course prepared me for this scenario. People are friendlier and more open in the States, they like meddling in their neighbor's affairs but they always stand together and help if need be. I am so not the type of person to engage in a community like this. He laughed when I told him that I would spend my days remodeling the house, reading at the beach and relaxing in the back yard where hopefully I could get some privacy.

The bus ride was indeed short as promised but it left me with more uneasiness and discomfort. The air-condition system was apparently broken and the driver made it his goal to drive as a snail. Stepping out of the bus, I try to take in my surroundings and find the right way to the house. I was only ten the last time I was here and I am sure many things will have changed but my dad assured me that I wouldn't have a problem finding the house.

He made a quick stop a few years ago on his way from a trip in Colombia. One of his best projects came out from that trip and as he had a little free time, he visited his hometown. Thanks to his visit, I can now enjoy a new bed and mattress and a clean house waiting for me. He had his best friend who happens to live across the street check on the house once in a while and take care of basic things.

I remember him and his wife visiting us in London once when I was fifteen or so but my parents kept in contact with them and went on holidays several times without me. He is informed on my arrival but unfortunately won't be in town for a while.

It is past noon and the heat is unbearable. My attire and the stupid luggage, Sandra made me over pack, make it all the more difficult for me to move around. Trying to search my handbag for my phone, I stumble on my suitcase resulting in a broken heel and me falling over in the middle of the street. Great. I hear tires screeching and a car stopping centimeters from me before I even have the chance to blink. My other suitcase hits the car causing it to fly and hit the ground. All the contents scatter in front of me and that's when I hear people laughing. Oh my God.

"Are you okay, miss? Are you hurt?" I hear a voice but I am too embarrassed to look up. A woman from across the street is telling some kids off for making fun at me and quickly strides towards me.

"Are you in pain honey? Do we need to call an ambulance?" kneeling next to me, she tries to see if I am hurt. Taking a deep breath, I try to smile reassuringly but remain silent.

"Maybe she is in shock or she can't understand our language. From the looks of it, I'd bet she is European." The male voice continues and I try to stand up to save what is left of my dignity.