Outback

Welcome to Texas

Everything in my bedroom was packed up and stacked. I had to catch the first plane to Texas at 3 am and it's now 2:30. 

I hate being rushed, for a fact I'm gonna miss a few things. That's alright. I have enough money to buy those things again. My hands shook as I placed my 2nd to last box in the trunk of the car. I'm moving to the other side of the country, traveling over 900 miles. 

What is there for me? What do I need? What do I want? Is this something I really want to do?

My mind started to fill with doubts, my body started to fill with anxiety. I'm on my own when my family gets back in their car after dropping me off. Alone... Will I ever see them again? Will they call when they said they'd call? Will they forget me..?

I decided I was going to drive us to the airport, since I knew a longer route to get there. Spend all the time I can with my family, get a few good last laughs in there, share some tears, some drama. Just like we did before... Those memories will always be held dearly to me, always placed in my heart if I ever need something to ease me. Something to make me smile, something to cry about in the near future. 

"Ready Sammy?" my mother asks, the tears in her eyes were visible, but they did not fall.

"Yes mom," my voice equaled the sadness in her eyes, "You know I love you?"

She smiled and hugged me. She gave me one of the tightest hugs, something she hasn't given me since I was  a little girl when I broke down. Why didn't she do this when I was a teenager?

"I'll start the car." she insisted. Handing out her hand for the keys. Dropping them in her hand, she paced out the door out of sight. 

Placing myself on the couch, I rested my face in my hands as I leaned forward. I thought I was ready for something like this, but I was proven wrong. Is anyone ever ready for something like this? The dramatic change in a life can cause much effect. 

I sigh heavily. Relaxing my tense body for a moment, waiting to be called to the car to head to the airport. The airport was my enemy right now... This was my choice though. I wanted to move to Texas for school. And too see some family I haven't seen in 15 years. Time to reacquaint with them.

"Sammy!" my mother called. Signaling it was time for us to leave. 

I heaved. "Let's do this."

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I watched my father and mother leave. Their early 2000 Chevy roared down the innocent roads, nearly scaring the living shit out of people passing them. 

I hauled my suitcases and boxes down the corridor. I had to laugh, because this was reminding me of Home Alone 2. They're running down the airport, losing Kevin in the crowds. I didn't worry, because I was alone. Who's gonna lose me? Especially since there is hardly anyone here at 2:50 am. A couple stragglers here and there. Overall, this place was isolated. 

"Ticket?" the flight attendant asked. She was impatient. Very tired too, the shadows were swallowing her eyes. I felt a twinge of guilt. I know she is here to do her job. But someone who is more awake and.. possibly a bit healthier should take her place. She looks as if she was ready to drop from exhaustion and hunger. 

I knitted my eyebrows and relaxed. I pulled out my wallet and searched for a Franklin. She doesn't get paid enough for this. I smiled as I handed her my ticket and the 100 dollar bill. "Here you go, Miss. Please treat yourself."

She was startled and shocked. I hope I wasn't the only nice person to come through on her shift. "Miss, I--" 

"No, no, no, no," I cut her off. With a half hearted laugh, "you deserve it."

I boarded the plane before she could protest any further. It made me feel good about myself. Helping someone without being told or forced too. People need some sort of blessing in their day at least. No one should have to suffer, just hold on by a string and breakdown when they head off to bed. 

I searched my seat. Placed my stuff in the overhead storage and fell back into my spot. I wanted to close my eyes and just feel the plane shift. My eyes fell heavy and I drifted off into my dreams. 

I'm coming Texas...