Durkio Krazy (Short Story)

4

"Hello."  I said as I made my way to the ticket salesman. "Hi, how may I help you today?" I was actually wondering about the flights to Arizona." "Which city are you going to?" "Flagstaff." He typed on his computer and looked at the times. "The next flight is in twenty minutes. Did you want to buy a ticket?" I smiled. "Yes please, how much?" I opened my wallet as I waited for the price. "Two hundred and thirty-seven dollars for a round trip and one twenty-two for a regular ticket." "A round trip won't be necessary." I smiled handing him the money. "Okay, you're all set. If you have any further questions, you can ask me or one of the other workers." He handed me my ticket. "Alrighty, thank you."

I walked back to my seat. "My flight leaves in twenty minutes, I kind of can't wait to go." Orlando looked sad like his favorite thing in the world had just got taken from him. I don't understand what changed his facial expression to disappointment. We're strangers, acquaintances at best. "Well, why that face?" I glanced at him then turned my gaze to my tickets. "Because... I really like you, and after this I probably will never see you again." How was I supposed to reply to that? He likes me, only knowing me for a few hours. "I.." I started to say but got interrupted. "I know I only spent a day with you but you're more interesting than you may think. You're different and I like different."

"That's true, I probably won't come back to California, I'm sorry, but I have to do this for me... plus, I'm really not ready for a relationship. You know I've just gotten out of a bad one." I can see the sadness in Orlando's face. I don't want to hurt him, but this is for the best. The mindset I have right now is to just go run and hide and do what makes me happy for once in my life. Durk made me happy, but happiness doesn't come from a man, it comes from what's in your heart. "Sometimes it's better off being by yourself." I spoke.

"You're absolutely right, I don't want to make you feel bad. I just hate to see you go so soon after just meeting you." Still with the same expression written on his face. "I know and I wish I could stay; I think you're a really good person from what I've seen today. You helped me get away from Durk and I can't thank you enough for that. "-but I have to do this. Not because anybody influenced me too, more so to live the rest of my life. I want this..."

The loudspeaker in the airport interrupted our conversation. "Flight to Flagstaff, Arizona will be departing in ten minutes." "I have to get going, Orlando. Thank you for being here and getting me through all of this, I honestly appreciate you." I got up and grabbed my bag and placed my phone in my pocket before putting it on airplane mode. "Can I at least have your phone number? I just want to make sure you get there safe." I thought about it for a second, already knowing that he wanted more than just that. "Yeah, I'll write it down for you. Do you have a pen?" He shook his head indicating that he didn't. "Here, just put it in my phone." He pulled his phone out and brought up his contacts and then handed it to me. I typed my name and number, saving it then handing it back to him."

"Alright, I'll talk to you soon." He pulled me into an unexpected hug. "Bye Orlando, Thank you for everything." I walked to my flight exit, looking back a few times seeing that his eyes were still locked on me each time. Before walking through the door, I waved goodbye to him for the last time. Walking onto this plane made me feel free, like I could do anything or be anything that I wanted. The reality of it is that I can be whatever I wanted and who ever I wanted starting now. I'm still scared, thinking that Durk was going to come find me or hire somebody to do it for him.

As I entered the airplane, I was weighing my options. I could change my name which for me would be erasing my past. That wouldn't be such a bad thing. I want to forget who I am or... who I was. I was a broken little girl raised by an alcoholic for eight years and a rapist, drug dealer and a junkie for ten more. Maybe that's what's best, the name change I mean. Relocating won't be any use if I could be found again. I can dye my hair, I always wanted to be blonde.

I took my seat and grabbed my headphones out of my carry-on bag before placing it in the compartment above my head. I buckled in my seat belt and lifted the blind so that I could peak out of the small airplane window. I was ready for my new life, and I was determined to start today.