Tethered

Chapter One:

I had never even really had a boyfriend before. Sure, I had gone on a couple dates. But I was dedicated to school. I wanted to go to college and make a difference in the world. I planned to be a journalist and uncover truths and tell people's stories. Write a best-selling book about my finds, travel and meet new people. Be remembered for my groundbreaking work and be a household name.

I worked very hard to make this dream come true. I took high school very seriously. I joined just about every club I could and took extra classes instead of going out on Friday nights. I started taking courses at the community college and was working a part time job as a waitress in a restaurant to save up and transfer to a big university. I paid for all of my classes out of pocket so I wouldn't have any debt and I took the bus to school and work.

And I didn't mind that my social life was nearly nonexistent. I was on my way. There would be time for other things later. Right now, my only goal was school and work. I worked at a small grill and bar and was there any time I wasn't in class or doing homework.

"Would you mind taking my shift on Saturday night?" my coworker asked. I was more than happy to oblige. I was only a part time employee, but my manager always granted me overtime when I picked up shifts, which was often. I worked as often as I was able and had saved up almost enough to pay for my school by working hard since I was fifteen years old.

"Sure, no problem! Does table twelve have their pasta yet?" the cook dinged the bell and I grabbed the fetta covered pasta and brought it out to the table. The plate burned my hands, but I had grown accustomed to the hot sting on my fingers. I worked diligently through the last thirty minutes of my shift and then hung up my food stained apron. I carefully picked my way through the kitchen expertly avoiding the slippery spots on the floor.

I waved goodbye to my fellow servers and hit my shoulder on the back door to force it open and trudged into the warm Arizona night air. The autumn chill had not yet set in and the weather was perfect at this time of night. I let my sweaty hair down, slipping the hair tie around my wrist and headed for the bus stop.

I had to wait about fifteen minutes on the cool, metal bench that had become so familiar to me over the past few years. I had started taking this bus when I was fifteen, begging the owner of the grill to let me work before I turned sixteen so I could save and visit the local aquarium on the weekends. Once I got on the weathered, red bus I almost feel asleep in the warm, heated air to the sounds of the engine whirring and the soft chatter of some less than reputable looking characters in the back.

"You're late!" my mother called as I gently opened the front door. I took my worn work shoes off and headed for the kitchen, the tile cooling my feet with every step.

"I know, I'm sorry! Julia was sick and so I volunteered to work a double shift. Also, I am picking up Janet's shift tomorrow and Nick's shift on Saturday." I said plopping down at the breakfast bar and pulling my feet up underneath me on the blue, velvet plush chair. "What's for dinner?"

"Well we ate pizza about two hours ago. It's in the fridge. Do you want some lemonade?" my mom sighed, and I nodded. I hopped up off the seat and walked over to the fridge. The light was bright, and the cold felt refreshing on my clammy face. My mom came up behind me and grabbed the lemonade as I grabbed for the freezing leftover pizza in the back. I sank back into my seat as my mom grabbed a glass and started pouring. "You know, I think you are pushing yourself too hard. You didn't take a break between graduation and college and you are practically working full time and taking tons of courses..."

"Mom, I'm going to stop you right there." I said taking another bite of cold pizza and chewing. My mother just raised her eyebrow and put the lemonade back in the fridge and scooted the glass to me. I took a big drink and then continued. "I know that I am doing a lot, but I am determined to get my degree and to start making something of myself. I love you, but I don't want to live here forever. I want to move and travel and work with aquatic animals. So, I know it seems like too much, but if I work hard now then I can enjoy myself later." I said and took another bite.