Wanderlust

“Goodbye mum. I love you, take care.” I whispered as the door shut in my face. My own mother had just disowned me.

“Goodbye.” I whispered again, and then turned around and headed down the brick steps of the house I had known for so long. There in the driveway sat my mom’s prius, and I hopped in. The keys were already in the ignition, so I was ready to go. I wiped away the tears that dripped down my face, and turned the key. The car pulled out into the street, and I drove along in silence. I knew exactly where to go, the place that started it all.

The ride was silent and lonely, with no one to keep me company. The skies were cloudy and gray, perfect for my mood. I turned up the music and sang loudly along. “Hey there Delilah” was my favorite song, but not just mine. My moms.

So there I was in my car, singing loudly with tears rushing down my face. I remembered all the good times we’d had, laughing and singing this very same song. I wanted to go back, but that wasn't an option. She had disowned me, there was no turning back.

The airport came into view, and I looked to the passenger seat of my car for my suitcase. There it was, fully packed, the tickets sitting on top. I found a parking spot and then grabbed my suitcase. People around me hurried to get to their terminals and I followed them. I was in terminal one, gate forty. I looked up to see that I had arrived in just the right place, and I took a seat right next to the gate.

Families were everywhere, getting food, checking through security, and sitting among the seats. I felt a pang of sadness as I watched a little girl give her mom a big hug, making the mom smile brightly.

“Boarding for 5:00 flight to London. Boarding now.” I stood up at the call of my plane, and wiped a tear away before heading to the attendants.

“Ticket?” I handed the lady in the blue suit my ticket and she scanned it, then handed it back with a smile.

“Enjoy.” I nodded and took a deep breath.

This was it.

I was traveling.

I stepped into the tube and walked to the plane, my carry on trailing behind me. I took a seat and collapsed into the soft plush fabric. I pulled out my phone and earbuds, then put the small, rolly, backpack into the compartments above.

My earbuds went in, and I ignored all the announcements until liftoff. Then I gazed out the window in awe as we lifted higher and higher into the sky.

~

After a tiring flight, I finally arrived in London. Everyone around me had accents, and I longed desperately for one. I retrieved my suitcase and then started towards the exit.  

“Coming through!” A man shouted. He was big and buff, and he had his arms out to clear a path for four boys that were behind him. All of them had hoodies on, and glasses on their eyes. I hurried out the doors and to the waiting bus before I got caught up in their drama.

Instantly I was hit with the cool air of London, and I shivered. I dragged my suitcase up into the bus, and was relieved with the change of temperature. The bus was fairly empty, but wanting to avoid the creepy driver, I decided to sit in the back.

Out the window I watched the group of boys get chased by crazed girls and I smiled; boy they really go crazy over hot guys. Then they started to hop onto the bus, and I panicked. I couldn't deal with that.

“C’mon boys!” The big man yelled and they all piled on and made their way to where I was sitting.

“Wait! Wait for me!” A short blonde boy sprinted down the aisle, caught my eye and tripped. I stifled a laugh.