Where Am I?

Chapter 3 - My New Friend

Unknown voices were surrounding me. I looked up, rubbing my exhausted eyes and directly saw people forming a circle around me. I guess I sat down here for a certain moment without knowing to give them time to observe my situation.

Did I look that hideous?

With rage and annoyance I stood up, rubbed what I was wearing and yelled, “Why are standing here looking at me? I’m not some kind of statue! Go away!” I threw my arm up to show them my frustration.

All of them gasped at once. They started whispering to each other while I was avoiding them and walking to find a better place.

A part of me wanted to know why everybody stared at me in awe but then again the other part was wondering where I was. I observed closely my surroundings and for sure I wasn’t in 2014 beside my family.

At this moment, I wished the box could talk and would explain me why I’m always stuck in the past all alone with nobody.

My behind had dirt on it so I lazily rubbed my cloth. I didn’t have a clue of which city I set foot on. I examined the rocky floor to locate the box. It was nowhere in sight. I huffed loudly.

The only positive fact I know is that the wooden box transferred me in America. Everybody communicated in English which assured me. Although, no clues were given to me to show which state I was in.

I decided to look around and get the most information about this state and century I was located in. The first thing that astonished me was the cars weren’t antique; they were slightly recent comparing to the automobile Louis Pasteur drove. I even saw a Mercedes and some Toyotas. They looked different. Some didn’t have a solid roof. Instead the roof was a thick and strong cloth replacing it.

My dad loves vintage cars. I wish he was here with me.

I heard the radio working in coffee shops. It was assuring knowing that I wasn’t stranded in the 18th or the 19th century.  According to my knowledge, the box set me in the middle of the 20th century. Unfortunately I’m still in the past and the people I personally know weren’t even born yet, except my grandparents. 

There weren’t a lot of people walking on the streets. Most of them were rushing to work and had no time to waist.

I guess the box doesn’t want me to go back home. The only choice I have is to get used to it. A certain magical human being out there wants me to meet scientist and discover the past slowly.

Perhaps it was my boring history teacher who planned this so I could get better grades? No, it can’t be.

From for away, I perceived a food stand giving free samples of food. My stomach was making strange dins so I decided to walk towards the stand.

“Hello, how may I help you?” He looked up from what he was cleaning and there I saw once again the astonishment glued to his face. He studied my outfit I was wearing.

They don’t see kids wandering around the city alone or am I an exception?

I decided to ignore his persistent looks addressing me because I got used to them and I’m certain people will still look at me while I’m stuck in history.

“Hi, I would like the bowl of soup and that plate of salad please.” My voice didn’t contain any emotion.

“Sure kiddo that would be 6 dollars.” He playfully smiled.

“I don’t have any money. The sign said free food samplesso I don’t see the reason I should.” My voice seemed harsh.

“Okay okay,” he put his arm up as if I arrested him “I was just kidding, here’s your lunch.” He handed me the plastic bag.