Wandering off

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I shoved the last of my shoes into my tiny closet. I had managed to unpack my entire room, down to the last picture frame. My walls were now covered in all my friends back home, photos of Karsen being her silly self and photos of Mom looking so beautiful like always. It almost made me feel at home.

I turned the snow globe on my nightstand, the white flakes rocked gently at the bottom. It was a gift Karsen gave to me right before we left. She knew how much I loved ballet and she found the perfect snow globe with hot pink ballet slippers and polka dots, because I loved them.

I stepped back, taking in my small but quaint bedroom. It had appeal. It would do just fine, I thought to myself. Maybe this place wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be.

I pulled back my lavender curtains, tying them with the turquoise ties, and stared out the window. It was dark and I couldn't see much. The moon shined against the ocean. The waves crashing against the shore made a dull hush sound, and I breathed in the salty aroma.

Suddenly there was a big flash of light. Thinking it was lightning, I fixed my attention on a couple of passing kids. They were slowly making their way through the sand, hand in hand. I didn't know them but it was clear they were a couple. Several more followed shortly behind them, and then I finally realized, it wasn't just a couple random kids. It was a continuous stream passing by to get to the flashing lights.

I quickly pulled my hair back in a ponytail and slicked on some chap stick. I gave myself a once over before deciding that I looked decent enough to go outdoors. I stopped suddenly in the doorway, realizing I should change into flip-flops. I sniffed my shirt as I kicked my shoes off. I could probably use a shower as well. I smelled like old dusty boxes and sweat. Shaking that idea out of my head, I spritzed a couple extra puffs of Love Spell on and headed out my door.

The television was on in the living room. Easton and Elliot were sprawled out on the carpet, a big bowl of popcorn in tow. They didn't even notice me taking off. I searched the rest of the house for Dad. "Where's Dad, guys?"

Easton made the glug-glug gesture with his hand, tipping the imaginary glass to his mouth. That was all I needed to know. Dad had passed out for the night.

Turning to the kitchen, I saw his drink of choice sitting on the table. Jack Daniels. I rolled my eyes, taking off out the door. There was no one to worry about my wandering off. Dad was wasted and Easton and Elliot were young—they only cared about what was on the television, so I knew I was free.

The sky lit up with another flash, and then a loud boom. It was music. The bass from music, I realized. As I walked faster across the sand I felt my insides growing more and more excited. I loved music and this would be the perfect way to get used to my new home.

I gave Jesse's home a quick glance, hurrying past. I hoped he wouldn't spot me on my late night adventure. It seemed he wasn't too fond of Rock music from his bitter tone when I had questioned him about it earlier.

I slowed down at the sight of the crowd in the entranceway. A metal sign was attached to the chain link fence. Henry Park. I hurried through, squeezing past all types of people. There were big burly men with black clothes and chains and girls with short skirts and bikini tops. The theme was black—that was very apparent. Black or bathing attire.

I looked down at my pink tank top realizing I stuck out like a sore thumb. I shrugged the thought off as I continued to squeeze through the crowd, the music becoming louder as I made it through trying to find and opening.

"Wow," I said to myself, finally in front of the stage. A giant flash of light went off from the side of the stage, smoke wafting past my nose. Pyrotechnics, one after the other, went off as the heavy rock music played. EKOI hung on a black backdrop in white letters; the words tattered for a more dramatic effect. The stage lighting flashed to the beat, making everything in its path flicker all the colors of the rainbow.

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