Trailer above ^
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So many places in the world and there I was, in this small house in a terribly quiet and boring city.
I was tired of my everyday, my routine, family and school.
I wanted more, I wanted to live, something I could never do in this toxic place.
I've thought many times about escaping and never coming back home again but something was holding me back.
Maybe it was the fear. The fear of the unknown, the dark streets at night, the possible hunger, missing the few friends I have, strangers passing by. Or maybe the problem was that I was thinking too much.
So today I packed my bag to school, this time without any books or pencil case, I filled it with a bunch of clothes and some money I found through the drawers of my house.
When the alarm from the last class sounded I grabbed my things and left everything behind.
In the beginning, all around me seemed so confusing but an hour later I was already entering in the train on my way to the next city, Los Angeles.
___
Some hours later I arrived at my destination.
I still had some money, which I decided to spend on hotel accommodation.
It wasn't a very fancy one, but enough for the moment.
I checked in and gave a false name, F/n.
The receptionist was very kind to me and fortunately the hotel didn't require any ID presentation.
"Room 259."— she handed me the door card and I made my way upstairs.
The hotel was big, all decorated with shades of red and grey. I dare to say it is very good for the price, glad I found this one.
I unpacked my things and went to the hotel bar to familiarize myself with the place, since I was going to stay there for an unforeseen time.
They offered the hosts free drinks so I asked for an alcoholic one since there was finally no one to stop me from doing that. No parents, no boundaries.
That hotel didn't have many people, I don't know if it was because of the hours, 9pm didn't seem like an hour people would actually go to a bar, so there was only two people in there.
Since everything was so calm, I sat in a red armchair drinking my tequila.
___
"Excuse me, how old are you?"— a woman asked me, tapping my shoulder.
I looked around to make sure she was not from the hotel staff, she didn't seem to be. No uniform, not a very serious face towards me, so I answered:
"I'm seventeen, why?"— I frowned, not understanding the reason she addressed me.
"You know you shouldn't be drinking by your own, don't you?"— she crossed her arms and sat in front of me.
"Well, of course I know. I really don't care, it's not that serious. I don't do this everyday, if that's what you're so concerned about." — not this woman trying to steal my mothers role just to screw my 'relaxing time' right now.
"You shouldn't be drinking anyway. Where are your parents?"— she crossed her legs.
"I'm not really into this type of questions right now, so if you don't mind..."— I got up and went to the terrace.
I just wanted to clear up my mind, think about my life from now on, finally forget about my problems but no, this woman really needed to show up so concerned about other people's life.
I sighed and went outside. There was a beautiful night, warm and not talking about the wonderful view I had to the entire city.
"Hey, are you okay?"— I turned around to face the same woman I was talking to some seconds ago.
"Yes, I'm totally fine. May I ask why are you so concerned, miss?"— I asked with a sarcastic tone.
Did she just follow me again? Was she some stalker or kind of a lonely woman who just wanted to have a small talk?
"Nothing, just wondering why a girl like you would be here alone. I'm Sarah, by the way."
"I'm Y/n."— for a moment I forgot I shouldn't be spreading my personal informations, like my name, all around the city!!
"May I ask if you're from here?"— she asked while lighting a cigarette.
"Ma'am, you know shouldn't be smoking too."— I laughed, pointing to her cigarette and watching her annoyed face.
"I'm old enough to know what I'm doing. Can you please answer my question now?"— she rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a small smile.
Why is this woman so serious?
"If I'm from here? No, not really. I came here alone, because I was a little tired. You know, I want to take some time for myself without my family and friends so I'm here in some kind of vacations."— I wasn't lying but I wasn't being totally honest at the same time.
"Oh that's great! How much time are you staying here?"— she asked, excited.
She looked like some stalker now, too many questions. I shouldn't even be answering them but she made me comfortable even if everything was pushing me to feel the opposite.
"I don't know, I don't have money to stay here from much time. I really wanted to, but my parents didn't give me enough money."— okay, now I lied. My parents didn't even know I was miles and miles away from my city.
"It's fine. You can count on me. Maybe I can give you some money if you need it, so you can stay the time you want...if you let me, of course."— she put her hand on mine and smiled at me.
What a mysterious woman.
Sarah was beautiful, I didn't have the chance to see her that close before. And I'm really amazed by her kindness with me.
She didn't look like a weirdo by now, just someone who wants to help the others, I think.
"You don't have to, it's okay if I don't stay here."— I smiled back.
I didn't want to abuse my confidence with her but I really wanted to stay in the hotel, I couldn't imagine myself sleeping in Los Angeles streets because I couldn't afford an hotel room.
"Do you even have money for an entire week?"
She was right. I had to continue paying my staying and I could already count my money.
"I still have some money, not that much but I'll take care of it."— I tried to make sure she was really into the idea of helping me.
"Y/n, I'm serious, if you need any help just tell me."
"Wouldn't you really mind if I asked for some help?"— I couldn't say no, I needed money.
"Of course not, really!"-- she laughed.
"Thank you so much, Sarah..."— I hugged her.
She was an absolute angel, she knew me for ten minutes and was already offering herself to help me.
Her kindness was suspicious at some point, I didn't understand why she was being so nice for a random teenage girl. However, even suspicious, accepting her offer was the only option I had.
___
"Should we go upstairs?"— I asked her.
"Yes, sure!"
"So...are you on vacations here too?"— I tried to create a conversation. I never have been good at it but I wanted to know her better. I wanted to know where I was getting into.
"Oh, no no. I'm moving here and while my house is not totally prepared for me to move in, I'm staying in this hotel."
"Oh, that's good! I like LA to be honest, I just arrived today but I feel much more connected with this place already."— we stopped in front of my room.
"I hope you like it in here. You said you were a little tired of your city but I really think you will miss your parents, friends, your house, your old life...I don't know how long you're thinking about staying here but one week is the sufficient to start missing it."
"I really don't think so, Sarah. This day was better than an entire month I used to have in my city. Here I have everything I need, not in there."
"Uhm well, if you say so, I'll believe you. See you tomorrow then?"— she caressed my shoulder.
"Yes, of course. And thank you very much one more time."— I hugged her again and got inside.
So this is what I call living a life!
Letting things happen without any expectations.
And this is just the beginning.
Sarah was a surprise for me, I feel like I can count on her but she stills suspicious at the same time.
My trust issues are not really easy to deal with but I always heard it's important to don't trust in someone you just met about twenty minutes ago! Even more if she is already offering to help you and give you money.
Or maybe after all, there are still good people in this world.