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I was only 15 when it happened, but still I remember it like it was yesterday.
My mom had been screaming, the evil man I was supposed to call a stepdad smiling maniacally, my brother crying and hiding behind me, and my sister yelling at the possessed version of my mother.
And me…the stupid baby who was sobbing my eyes out like I needed a bottle and couldn’t even stand up for myself.
It couldn’t have been 5 minutes later when I was forced to pack my stuff and leave. It changed my whole life. I grabbed everything I needed and steeped outside.
One thing was for certain. I was not going to that stupid boarding school. Maybe I am a baby but at least I can fight for what I want in this moment. I’m gonna sit outside until my friend comes to get me.
Or at least that’s what I had planned. But I had a realization.
When I left my house with the ticket, I was standing in the rain. With an expensive piece of paper. Outside the house I’ve lived in my whole life. What was I thinking? Boarding school was my only choice. Where was I supposed to go? Sure my friends would let me stay with them for a while, but I can’t just stay there for the rest of the year, hiding from my parents.
I looked back at my only way out of this living hell. Unfortunately, it was to a place I’d likely hate more.
But a home is a joke I guess. Goodbye US. See you soon, Europe!
I had enough money for an Uber to the airport. The Uber driver looked me up and down as I got in the car. I tried to just not talk, but of course she had to ruin that attempt.
“Hey kid. Whatcha doin’ out this late?” She said, watching my every move in the rear view mirror.
“Got kicked out,” I muttered. I looked away for a second to wipe my eyes. My gaze drifted back to the front of the car.
I was surprised to see a look of understanding rather than shock. “I got way too many kids in this car from getting kicked out,” She scoffed, and spoke up again, “I wish I understood half the parents in this city. Folks back home would rather die than kick their kids out.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that so I changed the subject.
The whole way to the airport, we made small talk. Finally we made it to the airport and she turned in her seat to give me a soft smile.
“Well this is where my journey ends kid! Have fun at boarding school.” Her pity was painfully obvious, but at least she was nice I guess.
“Thanks,” I said quickly, trying to get away from this conversation as quick as possible.
I walked in soaking wet. Unfortunately I had to wait a super long time due to the line being really long. Eventually I got to the front of the line. I showed the girl my ticket. She took it and checked, and then looked up at me again. “Go sit down near the area that says boarding school.” She saw the fact I was dripping in water, and continued, “Oh and take this. You’re gonna want it.” *She handed me a uniform.
I changed into the uniform and walked to the section. I plopped down in an empty seat sighing. I closed my eyes for a little due to how tired I was.
“Excuse me, is this seat taken?”