The Write Thing

Chapter 1

Ever wonder how it feels to wake up one day and spend your time with things you most enjoy doing? It's a question that has lingered in my mind ever since I discovered what I wanted to become and the kind of life I dreamed of living. It's inspiring to see people freely pursuing their passions, crafting the lives they desire. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. My life revolves around whatever happens, and I find myself stuck in a monotonous routine.

"Loraine, you've been there for ages. Don't you have plans coming here?" I heard Riza calls out for me outside whereas I expect everyone's very busy.

We run a small diner located in a small town where people in the city barely know about. Well, to be more accurate, my dad and my stepmom, Riza, own the place. That means I have no claim over it—no inheritance, no future tied to it. And that only solidifies my reality even more.

There's not much to see in this place, to be honest, and the opportunities here are very limited. That's exactly why I want to escape and live the life I've always dreamed of. It might seem impulsive, maybe even reckless for a twenty-year-old girl with no concrete plan, but I've made my decision. It's now or never.

I slung my gig bag over my shoulder, grabbed my backpack and suitcase, and finally stepped out of my room. I wasn't really expecting for attention, not only that they never really did pay attention to me but because everyone is busy to even notice me standing there.

"The princess finally graces us with her presence," my stepsister, Alma, sneered, pausing from wiping the tables just to throw her usual sarcasm my way.

"What are you still looking at? You'd better get to work now. It's weekends and we're expecting lots of costumers today so better be useful at least." Riza ordered, barely glancing at me. But then she did a double take. "Wait... are you going on vacation or something? Nice try, but change into your uniform. Customers will be here any minute."

I remained still, my eyes scanning the room until they landed on my other stepsister, Lucy. Unlike the others, she wasn't mocking me. She just looked confused, maybe even concerned. I could see the questions forming in her mind.

"Hey! Do you want me to repeat what mum said?" Said Alma.

"No need. I'm leaving." 

Everyone stopped what they were doing, their gazes flicking to me. My dad, who had just walked in, must have caught the tail end of my words.

"You're leaving for what?" Alma asked, her brow creased.

"I've decided to leave this town and pursue my dream of becoming a songwriter in the city," I said with confidence, though their reaction quickly turned my statement into a joke.

Their laughter was hard to stomach, but what hurt even more was my father's silence.

"And you really think that's how easy it's gonna be?" Riza asked while trying to restrain from laughing at my remark.

"No," I admitted, meeting her gaze. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take. I know I can do better than this—I don't want to be stuck in a life I never chose."

My eyes flicked back to Riza as soon as my dad avert his gaze from me, and I saw how Riza raised an eyebrow.

"Well good luck on your dreams. Do whatever you want. Write as many songs as you pleased. Not like you're a big loss to this family."