The Foster

two

I shake my head and run to my room. opening the door makes me sad. the walls are plain white, tape from my posters still stuck on, my two bags and one suitcase full of clothes, my ukulele sitting on top of it, one tiny blanket on my black framed bed, my computer sitting open still on, on my bed with my pure black coffee on the white side table. my plane ticket right under.

I slowly walk to my wooden ukulele. the only thing my mom left me. I pick it up strumming then sitting there on the white carpeted floor I play the first song to my mind, Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson. my mom taught it to me when she gave me it. She had always said I had a good voice. After they took me I didn't sing anymore. only in private.

"Well, can't you see that it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside...
But baby, you hardly even notice
When I try to show you
This song is meant to keep ya
From doing what your supposed to.

Like waking up too early,
Maybe we can sleep in.
I'll make you banana pancakes,
Pretend like it's the weekend now

And we can pretend it all the time, yeah
Can't you see that it's just raining
Aint no need to go outside.

But just maybe
Halaka ukulele momma made a baby
Really don't mind the practice
'Cause your my little lady

Lady, lady love me
'Cause I love to lay here lazy
We could close the curtains
Pretend like there's no world outside
And we can pretend it all the time

And can't you see that it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside
Ain't no need, ain't no need
Mmm, Mmm
Can't you see, can't you see
Rain all day and I don't mind

But the telephone is singing, ringing
It's too early, don't pick it up
We don't need to
We got everything we need right here
And everything we need is enough

Just so easy
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
Do we really need to pay attention to the alarm?
Wake up slow
Mmm, Mmm
Wake up slow

But you hardly even notice
When I try to show you
This song is meant to keep ya
From doing what your supposed to

Like waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it's the weekend now.

And we can pretend it all the time, yeah
Can't you see that it's just raining
There ain't no need to go outside

Ain't no need, ain't no need.
Rain all day and I really, really, really don't mind.
Can't you see, can't you see?
You gotta wake up slow."

I do my last strum and see a tear fall on my string I wipe it off and look up. At the ceiling holding any more tears in that might spill then get up and crawl under my covers and drift to an unsettling sleep.

I wake up to my alarm. My eyes flash open and I look at my clock. 3:30 am blinks on the screen. I roll over and groan standing up.

I pull my hair out leaving it in its natural waves, I put on ripped to shreds jeans, my ed Sheeran concert tee, and my converse. I sigh looking at my bags. slowly I pick them up and grab my ticket sliding it in my purse in my left hand with 80 dollars.

last night I made a decision to leave early, and I intend to follow through.

I sling one bag over one shoulder across my chest and the other over my chest onto the other shoulder my ukulele in hand next to my purse. I take a quick swig of my coffee and shake my head.

I sneak down the hall and to Edwards room. I take a quick look in and smile at his messy hair and drolly chin.

I slide down the steps my suitcase thumping behind me. I run out the front door to the curb of the busy street corner. I wave my hand calling a late night cab. I jump in and throw my bags in the back.

"You got the money" he asks I nod and he drives.

"Where" he asks "airport" I say

"What's your name" he asks

"Journey" I say annoyed

"Where at you headin to"

"Why do you asks so many questions" he shakes his head and looks back to the road. I roll my eyes and look out the window.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Dear Ed, I'm sorry buddy. I had to go. I can't be caged like that you know me. please don't be mad. and cover for me ok? If Dianne asks I just am staying at a friends. that's all she needs to know. don't want her worrying too. you are and always will be my brother. make sure to visit me in Cali
- Journey