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I frantically walked through the old crunchy brown leaves in the dark without a thought in mind…I mean what would I think about…my mom's alcohol addiction, my dad's suspiciously late work hours…. my toxic abusive boyfriend..or maybe my so called friends.
No matter what I thought about, all of those thoughts would eventually force me out of bed every night at around 3 and drag me into the woods that aren't too far from my house.
I enjoyed the peace…and the faint sounds of animals in the darkness...most of my friends would think i'm “weird” or “physcotic” for not being home watching the newest Kardashian episode, or at some party hooking up with a stranger...i mean i'm not the brightest when it comes to school..but honestly I don't really care…i mean how could I possibly focus with everything going on in my life anyway.
I kicked a rock into the small pond as I sat down in the damp grass. I could feel the grass staining my converse as I took a deep breath and laid back. I watched the stars and listened to the sounds of the birds in the trees…until I heard something…waking me out of my daze. I sat up slowly, crossing my legs, and pinching the skin on my thigh as I looked around.
“Umm hello?” I called out almost above a whisper.
I heard more rustling in the trees as I stood up, shaking the dirt off my tee shirt. I looked around, shrugged and decided to go back home. I began walking back when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I jumped and turned around to see my neighbor Ms.Copland standing there in her slippers and robe, she had a frown on her face as she hugged herself to stay warm.
“Ada,honey, what are you doing out here at almost 5 in the morning?” She said, sounding slightly concerned.
“Ms.C… i was just uh going for a walk i couldn't sleep that's all…” I said, shaking.
“Oh you know you can call me Lily!”She said, rolling her eyes jokingly.
“Now you better come on inside and i'll get you a warm drink” She said leading the way
I was hesitant, I knew this was an easy way for Lily to ask me questions, only knowing I didn't have most of the answers. But instead of turning back home I went into Ms.C’s house which was the closest from where we were anyway and plus I was halfway frozen to death.
“Take a seat babe” Lily said, starting the water to boil.
I sat down and studied her, I always thought she was pretty..with her Long blonde hair that went to her elbow and her beautiful blue eyes…I remember the first time I met Lily....She only just moved in with her new husband, Andrew, When they were both straight out of college, their whole lives ahead of them…that was until Andrew was diagnosed with Lung cancer where he now spends his days at the hospital…I can't imagine how hard this is for lily where she now has to raise their 2 year old daughter Chloe on her own...while also working as an elementary school teacher and a waitress just to have enough money for hospital bills… She notices me staring and smiles.
“So…how's school Ada …” She slides me a mug filled to the brim with green tea.
“It's okay i guess…” I said, staring at the mug.
“Aren't you hungry?…you look like you haven't eaten in days!” She exclaims as she searches the fridge.
“Oh no, I'm fine Ms.C thanks!” I say shifting in my chair.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0WW1zBzI1
“Lily..please…call me lily!” She said getting offended.
“Right…my bad” I say, unsure of what I did wrong.
She sighs as she sits down across from me sipping her tea slowly.There was a loud silence so i thought i would try starting up a conversation..though that's not really my thing i gave it a shot.
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“Is Andrew getting any better..?” As soon as the words left my mouth I could feel the tension in the room getting stronger.Lily checks her phone and avoids my question.
“Ada it's 5:30 why don't you get home and get ready for school…i have to get chloe up for daycare soon i-”.
I stopped her from finishing and I took the hint…She probably shouldn't be thinking about Andrew right now..i mean the poor guy is basically dying..i shouldn't have said anything.
“No I get it your right I should be getting home..” I gave her a small smile as I placed my mug in the sink and headed out towards my house.
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