Letting Go (#JustWriteIt 30-Days Challenge)

Verse 2

I make my way one dream at a time

Eyes closed, and I'm losing my mind

My life's in bag packed up in the back

It's time to pick up the slack

I studied the third picture on the bus. She skipped the chorus. The second verse of Letting Go at the back of a picture of Teanna's backpack. Unzipped.

I figured out her favourite books - the whole Mara Dyer trilogy - her old Walkman, Before You Exit's CDs, her notebook, and three packets of Oreos. They were not the star of the photo. It was the VIP ticket that appeared obviously in the photo.

A Before You Exit's VIP ticket.

Teanna wasn't a person who loved to be in a crowd even though she had the chance to meet her idols. And I didn't remember her going out at night. She would stay in her room, reading.

"Dad, can I have a sleepover at Ivey's?" She asked during dinner.

"Do her parents know?"

"Yes. I called them already."

"I allow you but, don't do anything that is not you."

"Roger, Sir." She was so excited even though she had already had hundreds of sleepovers at Ivey's.

Teanna wasn't home for three days.

She had been to their concert. I pressed the buzzer at the bus stop near Ivey's residence. Ivey was the one who opened the door. I made her tell about the show.

"She went there by herself. I was the one who sent her to Long Gate. She took the bus there. I insisted on driving her there but, she didn't want me to come with her and spend hours of torment listening to some pop music. You know, I'm more into hardcore music," she explained.

As soon as I arrived home, I switched on my laptop and surfed for the band's official website. I had to do everything she'd done. She told me I had to experience it. I was so grateful when the VIP tickets for Baltimore show were still available. Without thinking any longer, I purchased it.

I packed a few things into my backpack. My notebook and its best friend, the pencil; the photos; my current read, Anna Dressed in Blood; Teanna's Walkman and the CDs. I might have to stay there for a night so, I brought a toothbrush and a pair of clean clothes.

I didn't have any idea of what was Teanna's reaction when she attended the meet and greet session. Seeing your idol pop star at such close distance was the greatest experience in a normal fangirl's life. But, Teanna was different. She was too timid. I couldn't picture her reaction upon meeting the sassy Riley McDonough that she had always loved.

Mom and Dad were downstairs in the living room, recovering from the grief of Teanna's departure by watching lots of cop shows. I couldn't find the significance in it. At least, they weren't sobbing all day long like the first day after her funeral. This time, they were watching SVU reruns. I didn't know if I should tell them about this journey.

"Mom. Dad. May I ask something?" Well, I was on my way to tell them.

"Sure," Dad answered but, his eyes were plastered on the interrogating Detective Amaro.

"Can I go to Baltimore tomorrow?" My voice quivered. I scratched my head, nervous. What if they wouldn't allow it? Everything would be wrecked.

"For what, honey?" Mom turned to me. Dad, too, moved his attention to me.

"Um," I hesitated. "A concert?" There.

"Baltimore? With who?" She asked. Why must she ask? I was not prepared for that question.

"Look, this is something important. I'm not just going there to do things beyond your expectation. I promise you, I'll keep it squeaky clean. I have to go there and the reason is quite confidential, you can't know. Please," I explained though it almost sounded like a plea.

Both of them stayed quiet for a while. Dad's expression was unreadable. I couldn't tell whether he was pissed or shocked or... I just didn't know.

"We've trusted both of you ever since you were born. And we're still trusting you. I hope that you won't break it," Dad spoke. His tone was solemn. A pair of brown eyes were stern on mine. Teanna must have inherited the vague words that mean a lot from Dad.

"So, is that a 'yes' or 'no'?" I needed direct answer.

"It's

a 'yes'." Mom half-smiled.