I wondered for hours throughout the night hoping I'd find some where in the tuck to hide and "sleep", if that's what you would even call it. Finally coming across an alley way , I saw a bunch of trash bags piled behind a dumpster. I gagged slightly at the smell, but hey beggers can't be choosers when it comes to being homeless. Grabbing a random stick , I poked around the bags making sure there were no rats or anything of the sort before tightening the worn out hood on my head. Hiding myself as best as I could , I laid in a fetal position starring off at nothing before feeling my eyes get heavier and heavier...
"Ma'am? Ma'am " someone said shaking me lightly from my sleep. "These streets ain't safe, you're better off going home to your momma ", looking up I saw a woman who looked crazy, as if she were on drugs. I froze sizing the lady up before realizing she was as much of a threat as I was ,
"I don't have a momma" I said looking down praying she would leave me alone ,
"Well you better find some where to stay these men out here like young woman like you " she said laughing crazily, scaring me a what she could be capable of after a laugh like that . I got up running as fast as I could before she could try anything .
Susan Indigo Anderson, but I go by Sia. Sad introduction of my story , but it's been that way for 4 years now. One thing life will do , is teach you and I've just about learned everything you could in the streets of Philadelphia.
After the death of my parents , I was left with no choice of moving from Chicago to live with my grandma ,Gigi. She was the sweetest soul who could've ever walked this planet, but just like my parents... she was ripped away from me.
Flashbacks constantly reminded me of that night. At the time , I was only 16. You could only imagine how much growing up I was forced to do within these 4 years of plain misery...
Despite my lungs screaming for oxygen, I refused to stop running. I ran until the bright lights of a what looked to be a diner caught my attention. Feeling myself about to collapse, I fell through the doors , rushing into an unbelievably small woman.
" OH MY!" she shouted ,caught off guard by the sudden impact,
Jumping up quickly , she rushed to me "Sweetheart? Are you okay?" I shook my head not being able to speak from my lack of oxygen,
"How long?" She asked, looking at me empathetically, but I gave her a confused look, still trying to regain my breath
"How long have you been living on the streets hunny?" I froze .I mean it was no secret but why did she care?
Finally catching my breath, I mumbled "4 years"...
"Oh my " she gasped, "Well I can't just leave you here, how about a warm bed ? Maybe some food yeah? "
looking up , I could see the sadness in her eyes. Years of praying for the slightest bit of help and here I was, scared to accept it.
"No disrespect ma'am, but why would you trust a total stranger into your home?" Although I had no reason to harm her, I was baffled at how easily she was willing to help.
" Well sweetie ,there's only one thing I fear in this life. And that's God. Despite whatever your situation is , that doesn't mean I should turn the other cheek" she said with a smile . Reading her as well as I could , she seemed genuine but I kept my guard up . Looking at the hand she held out , back up to her face , I hesitantly put my hand in hers following her out of the diner.
"I'll be a second hun, I just need to lock up"
My heart raced, should I trust this woman? I barely know her. While she locked up, I quickly grabbed a rock incase I need to protect myself. It wasn't much, but it was something.
"I know this may seem foreign to you, but I genuinely want to help you honey " starring into her brown eyes, I quietly asked "what's your name?"
Smiling warmly, she replied "Jackie". Whatever she hid behind that smile made me ease up slightly before responding
"Susan, but Sia is fine" opening the door to the passenger side , Jackie reminded me to get as comfortable as I'd like.
Locking the doors , Jackie smoothly pulled off before playing soft jazz music
YOU ARE READING
The Flow
Fanfiction"Susan indigo Anderson" Sia in other words. The sayings goes "When life throws you lemons , make lemonade ". But in my case ? I'd rather make a lemon drop. No family , no friends , just endless nights of finding corners to sleep on...that is, until...
