"I'm gonna miss you so much mom. " I kiss my mothers grave one last time and head back to the taxi. Today I was leaving for Seattle. Leaving my past and everyone in it behind. My mothers grave included. I'm making it my mission to visit her at least twice a year. Atlanta and Seattle aren't that far from each other, at least thats what I'm telling myself.
"Where to next miss. " The taxi driver ask.
"The airport sir. " He nods and pulls off. On the drive to the airport I look at everything I was leaving behind. The coffee shop I used to go to everyday since I was five, the grocery store the drug dealers hung out at. Yeah I know, it surprised me too. I usally hear about drug dealers hanging out at liquor stores. But I guess since the Asians started hanging there, it's not as cool.
We arrive at the airport and I thank the taxi driver slipping him a 50. I grab my two suitcases and roll to the waiting area.
I decided to move to Seattle for a fresh start. There were just too many bad memories here. I hated that I had to leave my mother. Whenever I needed the regain my sanity I would visit her grave. I'm scared I won't be able to save my sanity. I plug my earphones ear and the soothing voice of Sam Smith fills my ears. My mind wonders and I end up thinking about my mom.
"Really Valencia ?" I just throw flour at my mom while we were making cookies.
"You know I love you mum. "
"Mhm. So did you decide on a party for your sweet sixteen ?"
"No mom. I just want a dinner with me and you. "
"Come on Kia. " When I was three mum said I ran around the house booty butt naked, yelling Kia Car Pros and singing the theme song. And I started singing and saying I wanted a Kia. So ever since then my nickname has been Kia.
"Ok mum. Maybe I could invite Thalia and It would be the three of us. " Thalia was the only friend I had. I met her this school year. People didn't seem to take a flocking to me.
"Yeah that would be great. "
"I love you mum. "
"I love you too sweetheart. Now let's get these cookies in the oven so we can watch..." she looks at me to pick the movie.
"Love and Basketball !" I shout clapping.
"Love and Basketball it is baby. "She kisses my cheek.
They call for Flight 143 to Seattle, I get me things and shake off the memory of mother for now. I find my seat in the middle by the window and pop a squat. By now Meek Mill's 'All Eyes on You' is filling my ears as I close my eyes hoping to sleep for the whole flight.
My hopes are soon interrupted by a tap on my shoulder.
I take one of my earphones out. "Yes ?"
"Is this seat 12B. " He points to the seat next to me. I straighten up taking my feet out of his chair.
"Sorry. "
"It's ok. " He sits down. "Hi, my names Daniel. "
"Hi Daniel, my names Valencia. " I put my hand out for home to shake it.
"Valencia," he grabs my hand and kisses it. "Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. "
"Corny line for a corny boy. " I retort.
He chuckles slightly. "You got me there. Would I be implying to much on your life of I ask why you were going to Seattle ?"
"No. It's just for a fresh start ya know. "
"Yeah I get you. I'm just here to visit my grandmother..." Daniel and I talked for the whole ride. I didn't even mind that I didn't get to sleep.
"Well I had a marvelous time talking to you. " Daniel says as we receive our bags off the terminal.
"And I you. "
"Maybe I'll see you around in Seattle ?"
"Sure." We hug and I summon a taxi. Daniel opens my door and pays the guy in advance for me.
"You didn't have to do that. "
"Well I did, bye beautiful. "
"Bye Daniel. " I said laughing.
"Were to miss. " The taxi driver ask.
"1436 Buckingham Palace St. "
"Fancy. That's Mr. Neverson's hotel. "
"I didn't know that. Whose Mr. Neverson ?"
"I'll just let that be a mystery to you. " And with that I put my headphones back in and enjoyed the drive.
