A New Beginning
Twaap! Twaap! “It’s 10:15 pm, 45 minutes to wait.” The black, non-emotional, round clock on the manila-colored wall resonated through the semi-empty Chicago bus station. Twaap! Twaap! “Sounds more like a very s-l-o-w drum roll!” I observed, lost in thought on a wooden bench near the bus slot doorway.
“Earth to Sapphire! Did your mind leave without the bus?” teased Spike tapping my shoulder.
“Very funny!” brushing my long blond hair from my face and glancing to see the slender, punk haired, fair-complexioned 13-year-old easing himself down on the bench.
“Here’re your tickets. Remember to change buses in St. Louis, Missouri and again in Nashville, Tennessee,” his deep brown eyes gazed into my blue eyes punctuating his words, “Got us some drinks and snacks from the store over there.”
“Thanks, “I whispered, “So when do you think they’ll notice that I’m gone?”
“Don’t know. The other girls may notice you aren’t in bed. Doubt they’ll say anything. No one will probably notice anything until sometime after breakfast or first class period. You’ll probably be near Tennessee by that time, “he whispered, “Having me buy the tickets was a good idea. If somebody asks them if they remember who bought tickets tonight they can honestly say that it was not a blond haired girl.”
“Will you get in trouble for helping me?”
“I’m not going back; after helping you get ready for the trip, wondered if maybe I have relatives out there somewhere. Going to Cleveland, Ohio, my birthplace, and see if I can find any clues.” Spike confessed. “When you get to Florida, remember to write to our friends back at the orphanage.” He added, “I’ll keep in touch with them too. So we can try to trace each other’s path until Lee and Veronica are adopted or forced out because of age. Okay? Sapphire? Are yah with me?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure, I’ll keep in touch with you and the others.” I responded meekly.
“What’re you thinking about?”
“About what got me here and what lies ahead,” I confided, “I’m scared. So much has already happened! Not ready for any more changes or surprises.”
“I can imagine. Hopefully this trip will help answer your questions.” Spike said.
“Yeah. I loved Lana and Carlo,” I said.
“Do you still have nightmares about the night day were killed”
“Almost every night; it’s like there is something about that night that is not finished with me. Equally shocking was finding out that they were appointed my guardians by my real parents.” I replied.
“Hold on! Almost forgot about your blue sapphire shell locket and the matching shell-shaped minicomputer left to you by your guardians,” he reached inside his backpack.
“Definitely need them in order to figure out where to go and who to see.” I extended my arms to accept them.
Twaap! Twaap! I glanced at the clock, “10:45 pm, 15 minutes to go. When is your bus leaving?” I asked Spike.
“About the same time as yours,” He said,” It’s the bus slot next to yours.”
“Going to wash my face before the bus arrives. Do you need anything?”
“No, thanks,” said Spike.
“Be right back.” I slinked over to the rest rooms. After taking a couple of minutes to refresh myself, I left the ladies room and went to the store. Bought some gum; a couple of puzzle books, and the latest teen mystery series book. The glittery pavement outside the station doors caught my eyes. “Rain! Now the departure scene is complete.” I murmured to Spike.
“I like the rain. It smells so clean and fresh and new after.” He reflected,”
Two buses slithered into their slots. One had Ohio scrolling across the marquee on top of the bus. The other had St. Louis.
“Guess it’s time! I’ll miss you. If you are ever in California come say hi,”
“Be careful! I hope that our paths will cross again someday,” he hugged me close for what seemed like forever.
We grabbed our stuff and proceeded out the doors. After another hug and kiss on the cheek, he waited until I was safely on my bus. One last wave then he slowly climbed into the other bus. Then I saw him no more.
The rain resembled teardrops. “All aboard!” yelled the bus driver. After another minute, the doors of the bus closed. The bus eased out of its slot and then slowly sailed off towards the next stop.
As I settled into my seat; which was towards the back near the lavatories, I felt an uncontrollable urge to take the sapphire shell locket and put it around my neck. It gave off a blue glow. For some reason, that made me feel better and stronger as I headed towards my past looking for a new beginning.
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