Apartment Thirty-Nine ~d.j.h~

~6~

Dan and I strolled around London, my eyes darting towards every minor detail.

I would grab his arm in excitement, pointing towards buildings and shops which made him giggle with a bright smile.

"The coffee shop is right down here." He said, pointing his index finger down the sidewalk.

We entered the small café, the aroma of coffee bean and vanilla filling the air. Dan ordered our drinks and sat us alone at the back table in the dim wooden building.

We talked about friends, enemies, the city itself. But, he brought up one question that made me freeze.

"How did you end up here, Frankie?" His British voice said in a low, raspy tone. I gulped, looking down at my coffee and stirring the liquid in the mug.

~

I grabbed a suitcase, stuffing my clothes from my drawers, packing my most precious possessions.

I can't take this anymore. No more pain. No more mental abuse. Off to college, I go. Not for long, though.

I closed my door, suitcases in both hands, my passport stuffed in a hidden compartment. My mother lay sprawled out on the couch,a joint in between her lips as she breathed in and out. A man I had never seen before dug through my refrigerator, scratching his scruff covered face. Just another man she brought home the night before.

5 empty beer bottles laid on the counter as I looked around in disgust.

"I'm going to head to the University now." I said in a whisper.

"How far away is it?" She asked, coughing.

"About half an hour." I said, scratching my neck.

"Ok. Call me when you get there."

"Yeah." I mumbled, walking out and slamming the door.

When I finally made it to the University, I sighed walking to my dorm which I had visited before.

My dorm mate, Caroline, knew the plan. She was the only one I trusted other than Albert. He is my best friend. We've been best friends for eight years.

A couple days into the university, I walked up to Caroline, and mumbled,"I'm going today." She gives me a weak smile then embraces me tight, our faces squishing against each other.

"I'll miss you." She whispers.

"Miss you too."

"What if your mom asks about you?"

"Tell her him at the university with you. She can never know I'm dropping out and leaving to London. She would kill me."

Caroline nods, a tear running down her face," I won't tell."

"Stay safe." I smile, grabbing my packed bags.

I have the same conversation with Albert.

Then I go.

Out of America.

Leaving everything I know behind.

-

"Frankie? Are you okay? You look ill.." Dan said looking at me, his eyes large in concern.

"Um. I'm sorry. I'm fine." I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck, awkwardly.

"So, you never answered my question." He flashed a smile.

"Oh yeah. Well...um."
Should I tell him the truth? I barely know this guy.
"My dad had his job relocated here so I had to move with my family. But I decided to go on my own for a while here."

"Oh cool! I moved here with my friend, Phil. We wanted to stay at least near each other but he didn't have enough room in his apartment. He lives with his girlfriend a few miles away."

"That's nice." I said, an awkward pause stretching as I sipped my drink.

"We should all hang out sometime. I know you'll like him."

"Sounds like a plan."