Saying goodbye
Its Monday's morning, the sunlight is shimmering brightly through my irredesant shades. I can hear the birds chirping outside, and it brings a smile to my face. As I get out if bed I can hear the vibrations from my brothers music already blaring nextdoor. I prance to my closet my clothes, color coordinated, are draped in front of me. My choice is between a blue blouse with frills and a gray hoodie. My choice was obvious, the hoodie was a comfortable choice for a long train ride.
Just then a loud knocking at my door startled me.
"Honey, it's time to get ready for your train!" My father said sternly, knocking 3 times loudly at my door.
"I know dad, I'm almost ready!" I said lyingly. "I'll be down in a minute!" His shadow passed away from the door.
I quickly throw the hoodie on over my white lacy tank top, and grab a pair of dark colored jeans from my wardrobe. Quickly I slide my jeans over my rounded bottom.
Passing any opportunity to even look at myself in the mirror I head down the stairwell into the living quarters. My dad stood there in the room, eyes fixated on the television. He love his football games. He was a chain-smoker if I had ever saw one. The air was constantly filled with stale smoke. The walls were darkened by residue. I watched as the quarterback on the television tackled another teams mate, it excited me.
Clearing my throat I started to speak, "Dad, mom. Can you look after Charley for me while I'm away?" I puffed out my bottom lip like a child.
He's pawing at my feet at this point, jumping on me vigorously. His tan, short curls of hair soft against my finger as I pet him.
"I dont know how I could possibly take this ball of energy with me!" I spoke excitedly. "You understand right?" I added.
My mom looks at me reassuringly, "Of course, we'll look after him. You know he's family!" She looks to father for agreeance.
"Yes Lizzy, we will look after Charley for you. Only until you get back, or at least decide your going to stay." He spoke with a firm tone. "If you do stay, we'll have to figure out a way to get him to you." He added, reaching over petting Charley behind his ears.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! I've got my bags packed, do I look ready guys?" I said being overtook with the feeling of joy.
My dad glances my way with a smirk to his face,"You do have something, right there, you see it?" He says as he starts to laugh, bopping me on my nose.
A smirk begins to run across my face, and we both laugh, as he gives me a bear hug. He's squeezing me so tightly I let out a small gasp. Then my mother, graceful as she was, glided over to us wrapping her arms around me too.
"I love you guys, your the best!" I said softly, sobbing into the collar of my father's shirt.
"We love you to honey, your going to be great out there!" My father spoke softly, making our embrace tighter.
The room went silent for a time as my mother made her way into the kitchen. She always made lunch at noon, and my father stepped away to his office to finish up his work. The living quarters filled with the smell fried meat, potatoes and corn. It smelled so good! I am sure gonna miss home cooked meals. Dinner was done, me and dad raced one another into the kitchen and continued to fight over the good chair. I won, of course.
"Ha!" I said laughing at him. "See dad told you I'm tough!" I added winking at him.
"Thanks for the reassurance, I wasnt trying!" He said poking me in the arm.
Mom brings me and father our plates. Oh it looked great, you know that crispy, crunchy skin of fried chicken. My mom double fries it! You can taste the love in her food, and smell it for sure. Her potatoes were steamy and creamy, topped with fresh pepper, butter and chives. Every bite made my mouth water even more. God I'm gonna miss this I think to myself enjoying every bite. I haven't touched my corn, mom knows I hate frozen corn. Yet here it is.
"Ew gross, its frozen!" I complain.
"You don't have to eat it. I just put it there." She replied.
"Where is my brother at?" I asked. "I heard his music blaring this morning."
"He won't come out of his room, best to just leave him be." My dad said softly looking towards the stairs. A look of sadness overtook him.
We finish up with dinner and I clean the dishes for my mother. It is the least I can do since I wont be home for awhile.
It was finally that time to be off. My mother handed me my bags, and my father threw my jacket into my face laughing.
"Love you kiddo, you'll do great things. I know it." He spoke encouragly. He and mother exchange glances, and then they look at me.
"Get out there honey, and show the world who Lizzy is!" Mom spoke, handing me an envelope. Its tan, and slightly heavy for its size.
"What's this?" I open the sealed top. "500 dollars?!" My mouth dropped open in awe. "Are you kidding me?!" My heart began to pound.
"We want you to be, the best you can be!" They spoke in harmony smiling from ear to ear.
"We think you should be prepared." Mom added.
I stash my money in a paper sack in one of my bags. Mom and dad wish me luck again as I head out the door. I strolled down the halls and into the elevator near room 34. The elevator was full of people, one woman was wearing a bright green dress that hung to the floor. Her hair was beautifullly tamed golden blonde, not like mine. My hair is usually tangled and uncontrollable.
A pleasant-looking younger gentleman stood beside me. His hair was dark brown and he carried a small tattered book. I could make out half the word '..grapher' what could that be? My mind needs to stop caring about everyone else, but my curiosities will always get the best of me.
I head out the door and get in my tiny little Toyota that my mother will pick up later after my flight has left. It used to be white now it's an off-white after all these years. The rim's are slightly rusted and the tires are going bald. I put my keys into the ignition and turn it til the cars engine revs. A kid is playing on the side wall as I pull out the driveway. I turn off my street onto the ongoing traffic of the highway. About 5 miles down I take exit 12 to Baltimore, and travel another 3 miles to Barberry. There it is. The paved road had lots of potholes, I hit a few of them on my way into the parking lot for the station. Putting my car in park, I take a slow deep breath. It's time to go I think to myself as I rush towards the door making my way inside.
The blows of the trains whistle bellow threw the inside of the building. Crowds of people are flashing past me as I look for my train number. 10...22...34....48! There it is! The number 48, to New York City! I hastily gather my suitcase and head towards the train. Theres a man with a whistle shoveling people into the doorway. He hurries me along and I take my seat, holding my ticket in hand. Here I come New York... ready or not!
