𝐈𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞: 𝐃𝐖

II

I remember the first time my mother told me I was sick. The look of horror on their faces when the doctor told them what I would be enduring these next few years.

I was thirteen and scared.

But as I got older the fear of dying subsided and it was replaced with anger.

I had been locked away in a hospital for as long as I could remember. I couldn't die when I haven't even lived yet.

And now I sit on a crappy seat in a crowded bus without a surgical mask. I breath in the crowded air and I have never felt more alive.

I have been staring out the window watching the trees pass.

My parents are probably worried. I think maybe I should've left them a note but then I know they would try to follow me.

I wanted to do this on my own.

One last hurrah.

After what feels like forever the train finally comes to a stop. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, thinking of the adventure to come.

I get off the seat, dizziness washing over me but I try to move past it.

I get off the train and just start walking.

To where? I have no idea, but I guess this part of my new adventurous ploy.

I have never been out of New Jersey before. So even a small city like Tulsa is surreal to me.

I notice my stomach growling and I know it's only a matter of time that I become weak if I don't eat.

Treading along I spot a diner.

My stomach rumbles at the thought of meal so I head in.

It is so colorful in here. I think my eyes are having an aneurysm.

I sit down in the booth closest to the bathroom in case my foods decides to come up.

"Hey there, what can I get cha'"? A woman says smiling and wearing colorful roller skates.

I look down at the menu, looking for an item when I see pancakes. My mouth starts to water.

"I'll just have the pancakes, thank you".

"Right away hon" she hollers as she skates off.

I'm staring out the window once again, admiring the scenery when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

I turn around to see two brunettes smiling at me.

The shorter one speaks.

"Hey, I haven't seen you round' here before. You new?"

I stare into her brown eyes thinking of what to say.

"I-uh, yeah I'm here for the summer"

"Golly that's cool. What's your name babe?" She says as she nibbles on a fry.

I contemplate whether I should tell her my real name or not.

"Amber" I lie

Amber

The color of the sun on sandy beaches in the pictures. I like amber.

"I'm Angela, but you can call me Ang, that there is Evie.

I wave and give her a small smile.

"You know anyone here?"

"No, this trip was kind of last minute." It's not a complete lie, but it's not necessarily the truth.

"Say, you wanna come to a party tonight? We can go back to my place and I can lend you an outfit." She says, getting excited.

I have never been to a party. I've never even worn a dress that fell above the knees.

"Sure, why not" I say and sigh looking forward to the adventure that awaits.