I am Peter Pan

Chapter 1: New Beginning

September 22, 2016

A time that went by got everyone running behind. Footsteps rumble against the ground as I switch between jogging and running like a gigantic dog is running after me. My hand barely touches the door handle when I get inside the car. Keys jingle as I shove it and start the engine- no sound comes to my ear, and nervousness envelopes me. I twisted the key. A faint whirr came from the engine like it was fighting too, but the starter won't crank. I tried it several times, but no matter how I turn the keys; the engine keeps falling back to sleep.

Frustration made me hit the steering wheel. I took the flowers backseat and slammed the car's door. I looked at my watch. A wave hit me when I saw how little time I had left before getting late. I hissed, my legs sprinting before I could order. "Why is this going wrong, too?" I could not keep my brow from furrowing. As soon as I stepped outside the village's black gate, I raised my hand to hail a taxi. But vehicles raced ahead of me as if it were rush hour. Every passing taxi loaded with passengers, none of them even bother giving me a look. Why can't you hail a taxi when you're in a hurry? I scratched my head in disappointment.

Another taxi. Another yellow car was heading down the road towards me. I chased after it to flag it down, but it swerved past me again like the others. My feet pace back and forth. Again, and again glancing at the ticking fingers of the clock, reminding me I only have a few minutes left. My feet stomp on the ground, held captive by anxiety. Eyes wander again like a malfunctioning compass in search of a vehicle. I squint, and the surroundings lighten up. A yellow car is heading my way, its seats vacant. This time with full outstretched arms, I waved for him to see, also the bouquet I was holding.

"Stop!" I yelled before it flew by in a flash. My shoulders drooped, sigh. The thought of what could happen if I don't make it at the right time plays in my mind like a broken recorder. Everything will be doomed if I don't arrive on time. A horn echoed, bringing me back to my senses. Turning my head to see where it came from. A smile flickered on my face as the taxi I had hailed earlier stopped from a distance. I ran to it like a child on his first car ride. As I reach for the door handle, another hand slithers to it. My smile disappears.

A woman exhales "First" as if she too was running for a taxi.

"I came first," I replied amicably. "Miss, look at your hand" her braceleted hand placed over my hand on the handle "Clearly, I made it first."

"Mister, why don't you let the lady go first?" A small voice rises from a man waiting for transportation- not only him. People lining up also have the same expression, I should let her take the ride first. "Haven't you heard about the saying ladies first?"

"Please let me take it," she said. "There's an urgent matter. It's very much needed."

"Miss, I called this taxi. If I wasn't in a hurry, I would let you take it. But I'm about to be late to my destination now." I want to let her take the taxi- I really want to. But if I do, I don't think I'll be able to hail one again in a short amount of time at this hour. I opened the door while bowing in apology, avoiding eye contact.

She blocked her arm showing an ID. "I'm a doctor, my patient needs me now, so please let me take this ride." There's a hint of pleading in her voice. I was stoned, my lips quiver, and my stomach tightens... My feet stepped back on their own as if an invisible force had pushed me aside, allowing the doctor to get into the taxi. "Thank you," she said as they drove away.

I stood still, my mind entangled. 'You did the right thing. That woman is a doctor, and she needs to go first," I told myself. Holding my breath, I glanced at the watch...

It's Beginning

My thought scatters around. Focus is wavering. It's as if my heart is right behind my ear. What do I do? What if-. I closed my eyes, fetching air until it fills my chest. Opening my eyes, "I'll catch up" I whispered in a determined note, blocking out the thoughts that paralyzes me. I wander my sight in every direction it can reach to spot a taxi again. A vehicle approaches; gigantic, rectangular, and white. PM21 displayed on its plate. The bus stopped in front of me. Its doors opened with a hiss. I stared at it for a few seconds. I've never ridden on a bus alone. It's like a spaceship to me. I gulped before stepping inside.