Midlife // Joji

Ten

I sat on the bathroom floor still wrapped tightly in the hotel bed sheet, doing my best to stay quiet and calm.

But it was hard.

I never thought I would be in a situation where I was locked in a room trying to quietly cry to myself again.

I thought this was all in my past, but here I was, 22 years old, sitting on the bathroom floor crying because a man yelled at me and got in my face. Except this time I wasn't in my tiny community, where my grandma could hold me the next day and say everything was all right. I was across the country, far away from anyone I could call for help.

I'm not sure how long I had been in here, there wasn't a clock and I wasn't able to grab my phone on the way in here. It feels like I've been in here for a long time though.

I was listening intently to any sound within the hotel room, but there wasn't anything to hear.

Soon enough I began hearing foot steps coming towards the bathroom door.

I put the sheet over my mouth to muffle the sound of my breath, another thing I did growing up.

I learned quickly that it was better to stay quiet afterwards, if they hear you crying it might anger them all over again.

The footsteps stopped outside the bathroom door and I began holding my breath.

I heard George sigh from behind the door, then continue walking to the front door, opening it and slamming it shut.

I crawled to the bathroom door, still holding my breath I listened for any sign that he may still be in the room.

I heard nothing.

I silently unlocked the door, cracking it open just enough to stick my head out to look around.

I didn't see him anywhere.

"Hello?" I spoke up softly.

No answer.

I crept down to hallway towards the large main area.

He must've left.

This was my chance.

I quickly slipped on some clothes and began shoving all my belongings back into my suitcase.

~~~

I was lucky enough to be able to book a flight back to Brooklyn for tonight. I did have to pay extra for a first class ticket, there weren't any seats available in coach.

But I couldn't care less right now, I just wanted to get back home.

I was sitting on a plastic chair in the surprisingly empty airport, waiting for my flight to begin boarding.

I felt awful. I would've never expected George to behave the way he did. I really felt like he cared for me, but to see him get so angry was scary.

I was brought out of my daze when my phone began ringing.

I sighed, it was just Brian.

I took a deep breath and answered the phone, "Hello?"

"Hey, are you with Joji? Do you guys wanna come smoke and watch a movie?" Brian's voice rang loudly through the speaker on the phone.

"No, I'm not sure where he is." I answered back flatly.

Brian paused for a second, "What's wrong? Did I wake you up?"

"No, it's fine, you didn't wake me. Now's just not a good time is all."

"Now boarding flight number 834. Flight 834 is now boarding." A ladys voice rang throughout the terminal.