damaged • jimmy darling

CHAPTER TWO: JUPITER FLORIDA

  I had always had my hair long. Cutting it short to me was always scary in my eyes. Cutting it short meant you could never do anything with it. Besides, I had always found that I looked good with long hair. I had blonde, almost white,  wavy hair that reached just above my waist,now clinging to my face making my sputter. I had very very pale skin, almost looking albino. I had two different colored eyes, one blue, one green. 

  I had always loved my eyes. They made me look as if I was special. I had a somewhat skinny frame. I didn't really eat that much but I wasn't weak either, having some muscle in my arms and legs. I was currently in front of my mirror, trying to tame my hair. I put it into a high pony tail and put a large round black hat on the top of my head, matching my black dress. I never really liked colorful things.

  Last night I had gotten an offer from a woman named Elsa Mars. I had almost no money left, no job, I was about to lose my apartment. I had nothing left here. It was a strange offer she gave me. She offered me a place to stay at her own Cabinet of Curiosities. She knew something was different about me. She didn't even have me show it to her. I didn't think I could yet and she respected that. I had my things packed and she was downstairs with a cab right in the front. It was strange to leave. I had been in New York for at least three years now. I was leaving it all behind. Just like how I always did. 

  I looked at myself one last time before putting on a pair of black sunglasses and black cardigan. I must cover my back at all times. I had to. I picked up my last suitcase and with one look back at my empty room, I walked out and downstairs. I walked downstairs and saw Elsa lighting a cigarette by the cab. I didn't know how I felt towards this women. She didn't seem trustworthy but yet she did. I didn't know yet. Maybe I would soon. I put my suitcase in the trunk of the cab. I only had two suitcases and a small bag. I didn't have a lot of stuff. I didn't have anywhere for me to put it. 

  I walked around to where Elsa was standing and she smiled at me. 

  "Ready?" She said. I don't think I could ever get used to that accent of hers. I nodded. We both got into the cab and we were off. I looked out the window. My apartment building started to move away, fading into the background. I sighed, looking at my lap. 

  "Why so glum my dear? You are on your way to a new life!" She said. I turned to her. 

  "I don't know. It's just this sudden change of things. I guess it's getting to me." I told her and she smiled at me. She took my hand in hers. 

  "It's alright dear. Everyone gets frightened. All you have to do it push threw." She said chuckling. I smiled. I knew it more than anyone. 

  I had never been to Florida before and I was excited to say the least. I heard it was far more humid and hot then any other state could ever imagine to be. I could handle the heat. But what I didn't know I could handle was the whole reason I was coming here in the first place. I was going to a circus. A Freak show. I knew I shouldn't call it(as Elsa said many times), but I couldn't help it. I knew I was. A Freak. It was just in my nature and I have know it all my life. I was not particularly ashamed but...it didn't feel good. 

  It only took a day to get from New York to Florida. It felt quicker. It seemed in my times of stress life seemed to go quicker rather than slower. I guess it could be counted a blessing but stress was stress no matter which way you put it. We were soon in Jupiter. I followed Elsa everywhere, staying behind her as if to shield myself from the eyes. We arrived there in a cab and as soon as we got out people turned their heads in our direction just as soon as we let our feet touch the floor. I didn't like attention. I really didn't in any shape or form. 

  The town looked small. A town where everyone knew one another. They smiled and waved just as if they were all neighbors. In New York, people wouldn't even give a glance at the person next to them if it didn't involve fighting. I did like that aspect. That people here seemed at least a bit friendly. But I knew never to judge a book by it's cover. If you did, you were in a hell of a lot of trouble. Elsa seemed to know I was nervous and smiled once more. She took me by the arm and started to lead me away from the town.