Surviving My Life

Chapter 1 Deciding A Path

8th of June, 1998.

Sam stopped painting and looked around. She felt overwhelmed, she is nowhere near finished with the repainting of her one bedroom studio. "Why did I have to start today of all days?", she muttered to herself.

Looking around, she could see that there's a lot to be done. The place is still full of big boxes and misplaced furnitures from the move last night.

"I have to start unpacking," she said out loud.

"Where should I hang this?" Brad suddenly appeared holding up an old painting Sam bought from a flea market years ago.

"Just above the sofa, hon, thanks!" She kissed him on his left cheek. Sam is so grateful her boyfriend is available to help her out with the move and all.

She can't help but smile. This should be the start of her life as an adult. She no longer had to answer to anyone but herself. Finally living on her own, she can now begin a new chapter. Sam is now deciding her own path and it didn't hurt that it's also her 21st birthday today. A really good day to start life.

"Okay, I need to finish this." Sam finally said, picking up the paint roller once again and started painting the wall beige. "Two more wall sections and I'm done."

She heard music from next door and didn't mind how loud it was. It should take her mind off things. She began singing along.

Not aware how long she had been painting, she looked at her watch and cannot believe that an hour and a half has already passed. She smiled while looking at her finished work. "Not bad." She proudly said. "Not bad at all."

"Hey, Sam." Brad said, interrupting her thoughts. "Come on, it's almost lunch. Let's get out of here. Its your birthday."

" I know it's hard to celebrate when your Mom is in the hospital. But you need to eat, right? I'll take you to your favorite restaurant. Afterwards, we'll go straight to her." Brad added.

Sam turned around and saw Brad leaning against the glassdoor, waiting for her to say yes, and already changed into a clean white shirt and light brown khaki pants,with his wavy hair all brushed up. There's no sign that he painted the kitchen walls.

His green eyes looking at her with such tenderness. Sam cannot help but melt. They have been going out for seven months now, but she still feels this excited when around him.

"Okay, give me 15 minutes to get ready." Sam finally agreed. "I know you're famished because I can hear your tummy growling." She joked, giving him a peck on the cheek.

She showered and changed into her favorite tight worn out jeans and white shirt. She put on a little matte lipstick and some powder on her face. She decided to let her hair down for now to dry, brought her black scrungy with her and fix it later at the hospital.

She let out a big sigh. She really hate hospitals. It upsets her to the core when she has to go to one. Even if its only for a routine check up with the family doctor. When she was little, she remembered how her fever or any illness magically goes away when her mom would decide to take her to the pediatrician. She must be afraid of doctors or what their diagnosis would be. When they open their mouths, its always bad news. And sometimes, terrible terrible news.

"Hon, are you ready?" Brad came to the door and asked.

"I called the restaurant this morning to reserve our favorite spot. I even pre ordered our food so it is ready for us when we get there. I'm so hungry! Let's go please hon?!" He pleaded.

"Okay, I'm good to go. Is Leonardo already at the lobby?" Sam asked Brad, remembered phoning Leonardo two hours ago, requesting him to come by her building around 11a.m. to get them. "Could you call the guard at the lobby if he's there already with the car? Thanks."

"He's already there waiting for about five minutes now," Brad said while opening carefully the newly painted front door for Sam.

"After you," Brad said picking up the keys from the glass ashtray where Sam always puts it. "I'll lock the door for you."

They were alone inside the elevator. Brad reached over Sam, placed his right arm around her, held her closer to him and kissed her on the forehead . "Smile baby. After all it's your birthday."