Unsteady

-five-

I quickly walked on the Subway with my head down, and thrust myself into the first set of empty seats I found.

"Ma'am? Forgot something?" a man's voice snarled.

I looked up and see the bus driver looking expectantly at me, his hand out in front of him.

My fare. I could've almost hit myself in the head for my stupidity. How could I have forgotten the fare on a public city bus?

"Sorry, sir. Here you go." I mumbled, as I handed him the fare, plus a tip that I was planning on  spend on coffee. 

He didn't say thank you, or even smile. He just turned around and starts the bus. I instantly regretted giving him my coffee money.

I'd never been in any transportation but a car before, so my stomach was starting to feel unsettled. The nervousness and anticipation of the rest of the situation was also a contributing factor.

Shortly after I zoned out with my earbuds in, the bus stops and another wave of people get on board. A lady who looked like she's in her early thirties, with a small baby girl in her arms, sat in the empty seat next to me. I'd really hoped it would stay empty, due to the fact that I was kind of anti social in every way. Plus, I didn't want to get stuck with anyone weird, or creepy. It was my first time on a bus other than a school bus, but I'd heard many horror stories from other people and on TV.

Luckily this woman just gave me a small smile and nod in greeting, and returned her attention back to her child. I gave a grim smile in return and looked away. I didn't have a huge soft spot for young children like most people did.

Kennedy hadn't been able to come with me to Rachael's house, but she was very excited I was going. It seemed like she wanted to get rid of me in a way. Or maybe she wanted me to be happy and have a good relationship my sister. I couldn't tell.

As for my mom, there wasn't a problem. She left for her hairdressing appointments just after sunrise, and was going straight to her next shift at the factory.

I assumed I'd be back before three pm, as it was only eight am right now. Rachael had invited me to her apartment for breakfast at nine am.

I drifted off for about a half hour, until I heard the bus driver call my stop over the speaker.

I quickly thanked him, and shuffled out along with the rest of the people who's stop was New York City.

I'd never been to New York City despite living in the state of New York my whole life. I always thought it wouldn't be my thing.

My mind quickly changed as soon as I stepped out of the bus.

I was in awe. Exiting  the bus into the city, I felt like I'd entered a whole new world. A Whole New World from Aladdin echoed over and over in my head as my eyes widened at every new sight.

There were so many people and places, so many stories and things to take in all at once. I was overwhelmed.

I immediately got out my phone and snapped pictures, at first, eager to show my mom. Then my shoulders dropped when I remembered that my mom didn't know I was here in the first place. If I'd shown it to her, I would have to explain why I was in New York City in the first place.

I slipped my phone back in my pocket and waited by the bench that Rachael told me she'd pick me up at. It was one of the benches with some lady's face plastered on it, advertising her realtor business. There was an older man sitting on the other half of the bench, creepily glancing at me.