Corrupted Values

Chapter Three - A New Life

I take my first step up the stairs. I’m nervous about leaving the only home I’ve ever known but I have to, in order to survive. I walk to the back of the bus and take a seat next to a window. After ten minutes, the bus starts moving. I start to think about everything I’m leaving behind, but I know my mom will want me to do everything I can to live.

As the bus continues on its route, all my dark thoughts wash away and sleep takes hold. I wake to the sound of rain against the window. It’s peaceful, watching the drops of water make their way down the glass in clusters. It’s about noon but the sky is dark with storm clouds while it rains. I watch the raindrops until sleep takes hold of me again. I jolt up being awoken by the loudspeaker in the bus.

“I hope everyone enjoyed the ride. Welcome to Atlanta,” it says. In a tired haze, I grab my bag and slowly make my way off the bus. Once stepping off, a cold gust of wind hits me and a shiver runs through my body. I slowly make my way inside the bus depot along with everyone else getting off the bus. I pull out a small bag of chips and water from my bag I bought in Houston while I wait for the next bus. Time seems to almost slow down while I sit here.

“I guess I could go look around Atlanta while I wait for the next bus.” I say to myself before I throw on my hoodie to block out the cold, and step out into the city. It’s beautiful. There are so many lights. It’s almost seven and the entire city is lit up. I slowly make my way around when I come across a little bakery. As I open the door, a little bell above me rings.

“Hello, how can I help you?” The waitress asks with a sweet smile as I walk up to the counter.

“A small hot chocolate please” I say returning the smile.

“Alright, that'll be $2.25.” She says looking at the register while I dig through my bag, finally finding my cash and handing it to her. She counts it out and hands me back my change.

“It’ll be right out if you would like to take a seat, I’ll bring it to you.” she says with the same sweet smile as before.

“Thank you.” I say before I turn and walk away to go sit at an open table. I find one next to a window and sit down. There are a lot of people outside. Probably coming home from work. Soon the same girl comes over and hands me my hot chocolate. I thank her before she walks away. I always wanted to travel and see the world. I just wish it didn't have to be while I'm on the run. As I sit here and watch all the people walk by and drink my hot chocolate, I think about what my life will be like in a new city. Soon it’s time to pack up and head back to the bus depot. I walk up to the clerk and hand her my ticket for the bus to New York. Once I find a spot to wait for the bus, another ten minutes go by before I step on the second bus and am on my way to New York. While I sit on the bus, I look out the window and watch all the lights and tall buildings go by. Slowly the lights fade and the buildings get smaller as we reach the outskirts of the city.

“Hey there!” startled by a voice, I shoot my head to look and see a purple-headed girl around my age now unexpectedly sitting next to me.

“...Hi.” I say plainly before looking back out my window again, not really wanting to continue the conversation.

“Not much for conversation, huh?” the girl says, nudging my shoulder. Getting my attention again, making me look at her once more.

“My name's Remira, but you can call me Remi.” She says with a big smile on her face. I smile back before continuing to look out my window.

“Sooo, what's your name?” She asks with the same smile.

“Azaliah.” I answer, not looking away from the window.

“Oh, that's such a pretty name. I love it!” She says as I look at her in the reflection of the window. She's looking at me curiously. She seems genuine and sweet.

"How long will you be in New York?" She asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'm not too sure yet," I answer facing her again.

"Well, if you're going to be here a while, you should stop by the coffee shop I work at. It's called Arise." she says looking at me with hints of hopefulness in her eyes. I can't tell her I won't, so I just smile and nod. We decide to talk for a few hours… more like she doesn't stop talking while we ride the bus together before we fall asleep.

My eyes flutter awake to see I have my head on Remi's shoulder while her head rests on my head. As I move, I feel Remi wake and lift her head from mine. I sit up looking out my window and there are huge buildings and bright lights. It’s early in the morning but New York is so beautiful. Remi leans on me as we both watch out the window.

“Welcome to New York.” She says as I look at her and we softly smile at each other before returning our gaze to looking out the window.

“It’s beautiful,” I say as I take it all in. As I watch everything go by, all I can think is that this is the beginning of my new life. We watch out the window together for another fifteen minutes before the bus pulls into the bus depot, and the loud speaker is talking again as we come to a stop.

“Welcome to New York! I hope you enjoyed the ride,” It says. I grab my bag before making my way off the bus. As soon as I step off, I feel the cool morning breeze brush against my cheek, making it tingle. I walk through the depot before walking out the doors to a quiet early morning New York street. I make my way down the sidewalk as I look around for a while, before stopping in front of a run-down motel.

“I can probably afford to stay here tonight. Right?” I ask myself, before pushing the door open and walking inside the main building. It’s a run-down place. The furniture is old and discoloured. The wallpaper’s slowly peeling off the walls, and there seems to be some water damage in a few places. I walk up to the front desk to see a man sitting in a chair looking at a computer before his eyes meet mine.

“Hello, can I help you?” He asks, turning a little, entwining his fingers, and placing them on the desk.

“Is there a room available?” I ask.

“Oh, of course.” He says turning to his computer before he starts typing.

“We have room two twenty five available. It’s on the second floor. It’ll be one fifty per night. How long would you like to stay here?” He asks, meeting my eyes again.

“Two nights, please.” I say. He nods before typing on his computer. Hopefully, I can find a job and move to a better hotel. I hand him the money and he gives me my room key. I walk out and go find my room. I walk up the rickety old stairs and pass a couple doors before finding mine. I turn the key, unlocking the door and opening it before walking in. It has a foul smell and is extremely small, but for now I’m too tired to care. I place my bag next to the door and flop on the bed. After travelling so far my mind and body are both exhausted and give in to sleep easily.

I wake up feeling rested. I look over at the clock on the nightstand “twelve thirty seven…” I read as I roll onto my back and slowly sit up. I get off the bed, grabbed my bag, and walking to the bathroom. I look in the mirror and see my dark brown hair all messy from sleeping and travelling. I take out my brush and brush through my knotted hair. Once done, I brush my teeth and wash my face. After I’m done I place my bag back by the door and grab my emergency card my mom gave me. I lock the door before leaving and walking down the questionable steps.

I walk around for a while before seeing a clothing store, deciding I should get some clothes since I’m still wearing the clothes from the gift shop. I quickly go in and buy a few things before continuing down the street again. I come upon a sign that reads “Arise.” I step into the coffee shop, and am immediately hit with the smell of coffee and fresh baked goods. I walk up to the counter and am greeted by a familiar face.