Truly Free // COMPLETED

3. Birds

The days after meeting Gray were disappointingly uneventful. After bringing a tray of cookies over to his house and meeting his parents, I never really talked to him again. I would see him in his backyard cutting the grass, or walking his dog down the street. I would see him all the time but we would never say anything to each other. I felt like the biggest stalker in the world, but I couldn't help that he was always doing something in my line of vision, whether on purpose or not.

This morning I decided that if I saw him today I'd say something, but it looks like the cards aren't in my favor. Mrs. Ford from down the street called and asked if I could watch her kids this morning while she goes to her hair appointment. Of course, I said yes. I need to be there at ten and I really want to sit and relish my one hour of peace I have left until I have to leave, but unfortunately my room has become a colossal mess over the past few days.

I open my window and let the cool breeze cut through the summer heat onto my face. With a small groan of frustration at myself, I start straightening the mess of clothes, shoes, and trash that has become my room since school ended. The work actually doesn't take too long considering most of it is just laundry. Once I'm finally finished and feeling proud of myself, I gather up my stuff and leave the house.

The sweltering heat of Alabama June hits me in the face as soon as I open the door. Groaning, I head down the sidewalk, sandals slapping on the concrete. Above my head, a flock of birds flies around singing. I smile at the sound and continue my walk.

I love being outside. I enjoy the liberating feeling of getting out of the confines of my bedroom and my house and just being out in the sun, wind, or even rain. Being out in the sun is really what made me want to play soccer when I was little.

I actually used to wish I was a bird. They just fly around with no responsibilities but teaching their babies to fly, migrating south, and staying alive. Humans have so many priorities and jobs that hold us back from feeling truly free. Every one of them is beautiful and they don't have to worry about people tearing them down.

When I get close to Mrs. Ford's house, I see Gray and his dog coming towards me from the end of the street. He walks a little faster to meet me where I am and greets me with a smile.

"What are you doing out today?" He asks.

"Just on my way to babysit," I sigh, pointing at the house.

"Sounds fun," Gray says sarcastically.

"It's really not. But I can always use the money. It's not fun being seventeen and poor," I laugh and check my phone for the time. "Well I've gotta go. I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, sure," he replies. "It's really boring around here."

"You are correct, sir." There's pretty much nothing to do in this city that's new or exciting. "It'll get better though. See you later!"

"Bye, Addison!"