Leading Her from the Darkness

CHAPTER 6

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I run... and by run; I mean briskly walk back to the apartment to grab a book just in case I happen upon some place along the way to sit down and relax for a while. It's something I used to do back home. There is nothing more calming to me than sitting down in front of a beautiful view and diving into a book, allowing myself to be fully immersed and disappear into a story.

I learn that as long as you keep your eyes up off of the ground; the city is quite a mesmerizing place. There is something around almost every turn, from the architecture to a small garden or even a park.

I'm serious though when I say to keep your eyes up. Because I can't even begin to describe some of the foul things I see littered and festering on the ground. I've had to mentally pray to whatever higher power is up there listening, that the huge pile of shit on the sidewalk was created by an animal.

Eventually, I come across a surprisingly small bagel shop, with a line of people out the door waiting to get their fix. So naturally, I'm tempted and join the line to see what all the fuss is about.

Let. Me. Tell. You! This damn piece of rainbow bread is the most amazing tasting bagel I have ever had in my 25 years of existence. Holy shit! I don't know what steroids this bagel is on, but I'm not complaining. And the sweet rainbow sprinkle spread sent my tastebuds over the edge. If I wasn't so concerned about the weight that I'd gain, this could easily become my new addiction.

I cannot help but smile to myself, thinking about how I am basically in a whole other world out here. Here, I feel like because it's so different from Indiana, that maybe I can finally be a different person too without any of my old influencers to get in my way. If I would've moved to another country town, I don't think I would ever have the drive or motivation of trying to better myself.

I cannot wait to discover something new and beautiful every day here. That is what usually helps me get through my tough days. The challenge in finding something beautiful around me so that I can look forward to another day... another beautiful thing. It just helps brighten my dark soul a few shades.

I am not sure how long I've been walking now or where the fuck I am at this point, so I shove my hand into my back pocket, pulling out my phone to check the bright screen for the time. It is 4:00 PM and I have a missed call from my mom and two texts from Lily. I will have to call my mom later tonight to let her know how the move went. She has probably been worried sick.

I scroll my thumb down on my android to see the notification center page and then move it up to click on Lily's name to see what she needed. And oh, how I wish I hadn't.

LILY OWENS: Party at the frat house Friday!!

LILY OWENS: Yes, you have to go.

I throw my head back and roll my eyes dramatically before responding.

ME: Lily, I am 25 years old. I'm basically a fucking grandma to those people. I would stick out like a sore thumb.

LILY OWENS: If you're a grandma then that makes me one too, so shut your face skank. Besides... Zach didn't think I was a grandma this afternoon. ;)

ME: I don't even want to know the details... You're officially a cradle robber. XD How does it feel being a cougar?