The Girl Aria (A Stray Kids Fanfiction)

Chapter 3

Did she really just kick me out? I thought. Did she really hate me enough to do this to me? Her words still rang in my head. How could a mother hate her own daughter and say that she had never wanted her? I started to panic. What would I do now? There was no way I was going to be able to make it out there alone. I didn't know any Korean, and I had no idea how to navigate through the city. My heart started to race, and I quickly turned around and pressed myself to the door.

"Mother, please open the door." I said, trying desperately to open the door. "Mother, please." Begging, I started to pound on the door with the palm of my hand. "Please let me in." There was no response. Nothing. My hands balled into fists and I kicked the door as hard as I could. "Why do you hate me so much?" I cried, tears of frustration forming in the corners of my eyes. There was still nothing. I sighed, she wasn't going to let me in. Leaving the door and walking down the hallway, I left mom behind. I wasn't welcome there anymore, so why did I bother to even try? There was really no one to help me anymore.

I found myself outside of the building in the city streets. The light was fading quickly and it was snowing, so I needed to figure out what to do and fast. Think Aria, think! I commanded myself. What were my options? Going to a hotel was out of the picture. I needed money for that. My mind refused to come up with other options. I decided to walk a few blocks until I came up with a reasonable solution.

Is this really happening to me? I ruffled my hair, tugging on it harshly to gather my thoughts. Had dad ever wanted me? He had never been as harsh as mother, but he had always been so drunk it was hard to tell what he really thought. If I cause so much trouble, why am I even alive? I felt so unloved. All my life I had felt this way. Would it ever change? I refuse and will never let myself trust anyone again. After all, it's better to not put your trust in anyone so you can't be hurt. I really should be grateful. A lot of kids have it way worse than I do. The wind picked up, and I shivered, wrapping my arms tighter around me to keep out the cold. I brushed off the snow from my hair and shoulders.

Then, I came upon an abandoned parking garage. This was my only option. It was getting too late to do anything else. I took a deep breath and entered the empty place. I went to the second floor so no one could see how pathetic I looked. I didn't want anyone to pity me. I hated being pitied. Curling up against the wall, I tucked my knees close to my chest, my chin resting on the top of my knees. It wasn't that much warmer in here, but at least it was out of the snow. There was not much light except for the moonlight streaming in through the open spaces. I felt my anxiety rise, and my throat start to close up. Just calm down. I told myself. I would figure something out. I always did, didn't I? To take my mind off of this, I started to sing the same song over and over again. My voice shook, and fear clutched my mind. It wasn't helping this time, and that was what really scared me. Just sleep now an figure out what to do when the morning comes. Yeah, that's what I will do. Everything should be fine. Or at least I hoped so. My eyes drifted closed, and I fell into sleep still tightly tucked up.

Early the next morning...........

The sun had just come up, but I woke up early due to my high levels of nervousness. Okay Aria, what are you going to do? I took a deep breath to calm my jittery nerves. The first thing I would need to do was eat. But I didn't have any money and I couldn't speak Korean, so there weren't many options. And there was no way on earth I was going to steal, so that option was out of the picture. I sighed and rose to my feet. Maybe I could get a part-time job? No, that could not work. I am probably too young anyways? Well, I should at least try, it wouldn't hurt to anyways. Straightening my posture, I lifted my chin and walked out of the garage confidently. I would figure something out even if it killed me. Where did this determination come from? Nothing had ever made me so intent on doing something. Maybe I was changing slowly? Stop the nonsense Aria, you aren't changing. With a quick shake of my head, I set out to go and get my life under control.

* * *

I had only walked a few blocks, but my feet were already killing me. Well, when you are never let outside and never get any exercise, this is what you should expect. I looked into the nearest store window, quickly glancing at the sign that I knew I could not read. How was I going to tell if they would hire me? My mind felt frustrated already and I had barely even done anything yet. Sucking in my breath sharply, I entered the store. The person at the desk looked at me curiously. I gave a small, polite bow and walked up to her. Should I try an talk to her? I wondered. What kind of stupid question was that? Of course I should, or otherwise I would just be standing here like an complete idiot.

"Hello ma'am. My name is Aria, and I was wondering if you are hiring by any chance?" Holding my breath, the lady looked at me up and down. She responded to me in Korean. What was I hoping for? Deep down I knew this would happen all to well. I shook my head, bowed and left. Am I giving up too easily? Perhaps that was the case. But how am I going to find someone that can speak English? Suddenly, an idea popped up into my mind. Maybe I could find a library and start to study Korean on my own!? Wait no, that wouldn't work. All the books were probably not in English. Maybe there are a few books in there that can be of use. I told myself hopefully. I took a deep breath, crossed my fingers, and went to go search for a library. The one thing I would have to avoid doing was getting lost in the city. This was my only chance left......................