Help comes in different forms

Prologue

Quick note: Italics = thoughts

*Talia's POV*

     Today I finally turn 15. I'm finally able to make the trip I've been waiting for like forever. Since I didn't have an adult that could help me make the trip earlier, I had to wait until my 15th birthday to do it myself.

     I lived with my grandma Pearl (though she's not really my grandma) ever since she found me 2 years ago now. She found me all alone on the streets. She was nice enough to offer me food and her friendship, unlike most people who just walked right past me. Not surprised though. We got to know each other better that day. She took me under her wing after I told her what had happened to me to where I got to this point in my life. She was so understanding. She understood my whole situation. I was so relieved to know that she wasn't going to take me back and instead let me stay at her place since she lived alone now.

     "T-Thank you. Thank you so much, I-I promise I won't be a burden. I promise that I will try to get a job o-or earn money in any way I can so I can help you." I made her that promise that day. She told me that it wasn't necessary, that I was young and had a whole future in front of me. But I told her that I WOULD help in any way necessary. Of course, since she thought that I looked like the stubborn type, that I would insist and that I would do it anyway even if she prevented it. Honestly, it's true. I AM stubborn, I like to be active and help people, and I also don't like to feel like I'm in debt with someone.

I'm not talking about as in owing money, but as in owing people with my life for helping me become who I am today. Like I never got to repay my mom for all the hard work she put into to raise me and to become a good person, unlike my dad. She protected me as much as she could. I couldn't go to school because my dad said it was a waste of time and money, that I needed to learn how to work in the kitchen. I wasn't stupid though, I was a pretty fast learner. I learned how to mop, sweep, wash dishes, and all that when I was 6 and how to cook when I was 7. I owe it all to the greatest woman I knew. I didn't want to do that with Pearl.

     She's been like a mom to me so I consider her my grandmother, even though she's very distinct from me. She has this sweet old lady vibe that always makes me feel happy when I wake up in the mornings or when I go to sleep at night. She's kind, happy, always has a positive outlook on life. She's Asian, yes, and others always gave us weird looks when we went out together but we don't care.

     Pearl helped me and encouraged me during my research for any relatives I had (If I had any). She always told me to not give up when things looked dire. She supported me, and when I finally had a breakthrough, we were jumping up and down with joy like our house was a freaking jumpy house. At last, after 2 years of searching, I found someone that could most likely be related to me. As happy as that moment was, I was sad that Pearl couldn't accompany me. This relative was pretty much states away from Illinois. Grandma Pearl was, well let's just say not fit to travel a lot. That's what I meant when I said I had no one to take me. I was going to have to travel alone.

     And now, that day has arrived.

~~~~~~~

"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Talia. Happy birthday to you," Pearl sang to me in rhythm while placing a cake on the table.

"Thanks grandma, you know you didn't have to do this, right?" I asked.

"Anything for you sweetie. And guess what? It's chocolate, your favorite. I also want you to have this," she said as she handed me an envelope. I hesitantly grabbed it and opened it carefully not knowing what was inside of it.

I gasped, it was an airplane ticket ... to Maine. 'Oh my goddess of the stars. I couldn't believe it. This was my actual ticket to finding my uncle.' I was speechless. I sat there for a few moments staring at the ticket while my mouth was dangling wide opened. I'm surprised a fly didn't fly in.

"Oh my Lord! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, P." I said as I gave her a big 'ole bear hug.

"I can't believe it, I- how and when did you buy this," I asked concerned. To be honest we weren't in a good position financially. Pearl had medical problems with her heart and well the hospital is pretty damn expensive, to say the least. We try not to waste money on useless shit. Ever since I found out about her heart condition, I made her stop working and I basically paid every expense in the house. I had my savings just for emergencies and another just for this special trip.

"I well... I might have sold a few things I had that I really didn't use around the house, and when you went to work last Monday, I went to buy it," she said giving me her apologetic look.

I sighed. "I really appreciate you doing this for me but you know that I was saving up for it myself, you didn't have to buy it." I said as calmly as I could. "The doctors said that you can't go anywhere without someone looking after you." I looked down at the ticket that was in my hands.

'What if something were to happen to you while I was gone? Who would look after you? What would I do if I lost you?' I felt my eyes watering. "Ik what you're thinking, this is important to you, you have to live your life, stop worrying about me. Plus I'm not THAT old," she said as she placed a hand on my cheek. I chuckled a little.

"Do this for me. Find your uncle, tell him absolutely everything. Everything will work out, I promise." She said while stroking my hair a little. "And if it doesn't, you'll still have me."

"Alright, I'll do it. Only for you, P" I said. I smiled sadly but feeling a little happy at the same time. "BUT I'm still hiring someone to look after you."

*After they a lil chatted and ate the cake*

I went to my room and started packing my stuff. I told Pearl that I was just going to bring some essentials in a small backpack. Because like what if this was just all a waste of time in the end. I could just come back home and stay here with her.

I packed 2 shirts, some black leggings, some shorts, a skirt, a jacket, my charger, earbuds, and my phone. Some snacks, 2 bottles of water, a pic of my mom and me, and I made sure I had my earring in my bracelet. That earring was very important to my mom, I don't know why, but I made sure I kept it with me everywhere I went. She said told me before that she made a bracelet to keep it in if she didn't want it on. I made sure I had the plane ticket with me as well as the money I've been saving up.

I put on a black shirt with a red flame on the back, slapped some blue shorts on, and put on my green converses. I put my hair in a ponytail and combed my bangs making them look more poofier than what they were. I looked at myself in my mirror for the last time and then headed out. I told my grandma that I would miss her and if anything urgent were to happen, to call me. She said ok as we embraced each other in a big hug. We said our goodbyes and then out the house I went.

'Goodbye sweet home, I hope to see you soon.' I thought to myself as I glanced over at the house and then started walking over to the airport.

Holy primus, I still can't believe I'm actually writing this :D. I can't wait to start on the next chapter. I love Talia's and Pearl's relationship already, so bootiful👌🏼

I hope y'all enjoyed this. I will try to post a chapter every week until well school starts. Then I'll have to see how much time I'll have on my hands😭.