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I sat anxiously at a bus stop in Freeridge, clutching my duffel bag close to me

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I sat anxiously at a bus stop in Freeridge, clutching my duffel bag close to me. About 8 years ago, I moved out of freeridge with my mom and her boyfriend. At first everything was fine. We lived a simple life, yet one much safer than what we left behind. But then, as time passed my step fathers aggressive side presented itself. My mother could never find the courage to leave him, but after one to many uncomfortable glances and inappropriate comments I packed my belongings, made a phone call and now here I am.
While I observed my unfamiliar surroundings, the sound of a car door shutting caused me to look up. I was relieved to be met with the familiar face of my brother.
Me and Andres hadn't seen each others for a few years and undeniably, we weren't as close as we had been prior to my departure from Freeridge. Regardless, he'd be sure to always reiterate that I could always come to him if I needed help.

" You look so different hermanita" he said as we quickly hugged before he grabbed my bags and ushered me to the car.
" You look exactly the same hermano, except for your hair of course" I gestured to his now buzzed hair

After about fifteen minutes of driving we pulled onto a familiar street, which I recognized to be the one I grew up on. The car came to a stop and Andres turned to look at me

"Are you always this quiet or is something wrong?"
"Nah I'm fine, I'm just not a big talker"
He hummed and nodded "You coming? I've gotta make a quick stop."

I got out of the car and followed him to a lawn which was scattered with various men. Judging by the tattoos and chains, the were likely Santos. Good to know not much has changed here.

"Welcome back ese" he said dapping up another man.
"Good to be back homie," the man looked at me, a look of realization on his face, " Yo is that Kamila? Last I saw her she was missing her two front teeth."
I smiled at the man, thinking to myself that he must be Oscar. Oscar and Andres had been friends for as long as I could remember. I smiled and waved at him. After my brother greeted a few other people, we made our way home. He showed me to my room, we briefly caught up and he left me to get settled in. Later that evening, Andres interupted my unpacking to inform me that there was a function at Oscar's house. I refused the invitation to go, but sat on the stairs by the front door instead, thinking about my new life, wondering if my mom was okay and pondering how my future would go in Freefridge.

Happy Place ~Cesar DiazWhere stories live. Discover now