THE GIRL THAT GOT AWAY

I’ve never been fond of flying, heights in general cause my heart to race and palms to sweat. I am flying to my dream vacation spot, except this isn’t a vacation, this… this is permanent.

“Water?” said a voice that sounded like it came from behind me.

“I’m sorry?” I replied.

The woman standing next to me put her hands to her ears and sort of cupped them, which reminded me I had headphones on, so I took them off. She smiled and said,

“Would you like any water or a snack ma’am?”

“Oh, no thank you.”

The flight attendant then walked off.

“Do you know how long until we land?” I asked the person sitting next to me.

All I got from him was a shrug.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I’m moving to Italy! More specifically the Amalfi Coast. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved traveling. I put my headphones back on and put on a soft song to doze off to.

“This will make the time go faster.” I then shut my eyes.

I could hear waves crashing into one another as if they were fighting and loud chatter filled the air.

“Finally, I made it.” I say.

I started to look around and a familiar face caught my eye. My heart skips a beat and my breathing accelerates.

“Mom?” I said in a soft scared tone.

The woman turned around, she had brown curly hair and blue eyeshadow. The smell of vanilla perfume entered my nose.

“No, this can’t be happening.”

“Oh god, I gotta wake up!”

“Come on! Wake up!” I exclaimed.

The air around me becomes thicker, my mouth feels dry and the bright blue sky of Amalfi suddenly becomes darker by the second. Ding. I jump awake in my seat with tears running down my cheek.

“Oh, so it was just a dream, haha….funny.” I say to myself aloud as I sit myself upright in my seat. I notice everyone starting to get up from their seat and grab their bags. I do the same while wiping my tears off my face.

In a rush, everyone starts to exit the plane, I watch as they hug their families in the airport terminal. Not me though, I’m here alone.

Swallowing my fears, I walked out of the airport. The sun instantly warmed up my cool body, laughter from children and the rumble of cars were all I could hear.

“Taxi!” I scream.

A white car pulled up to me and a kind gentleman opened the driver door,

“Hello and welcome to the Amalfi Coast. Oh, it seems you don’t travel light now do ya?” he said.

I chuckle and help him throw my bags into the trunk. I slide into the back seat as we take off onto the road towards my hotel.

I enter my hotel and check into my room, the bellhop helps me carry my luggage. I let out a big sigh as the door shut behind him. I start to scroll through my phone,

“No messages, no calls… typical.” I say to myself.

One notification pops up on my phone, Moms Birthday. I widen my eyes and stuff my phone in my pocket.

“You know what, I deserve a big night out. I’m gonna get ready.” I said to myself.

I turn on the radio in my hotel and put my best dress on. I smiled at my reflection,

“Italy, here I come!”

Music I’ve never heard before began to fill my ears as I got closer to town. I noticed women carrying their heels in one hand and drinks in the other, the moon began to show its face as the night settled in. I started to order drinks, the bitter taste of Campari wine made my lip quiver and the next thing I knew, I couldn’t stop. The multi colored lights strung throughout the bar caused my head to feel heavy, I suddenly felt a swish of air as I collapsed to the ground. Sounds of girls murmuring slowly came in as I started regaining consciousness.

“Oh my god, is she okay?” one girl said.

“I don’t know, she hit the ground pretty hard,” said another girl.

I let out a groan,

“Ugh, what happened?” I grumble.

“You had too many drinks it seems.” said the first girl.

I noticed I was in the bathroom now, with damp paper towels on my forehead.

“Wait, who are you guys?” I say.

“Well, I’m Lucia!” the first girl said.

“And I’m Natalia!”

I started to feel tears fill my eyes as I let out a bawl.

“Oh no, was it something we said?” said Natalia.

“No, it’s not you guys, I just got here after moving away from my mom, and it’s been rough.” I say with a sniffle.

The girls began to embrace me and hand me a pack of tissues from one of their purses.

“Girl, I get that, my mom is a handful too but you know what, we can’t let other people's actions get the best of us, ya know?” Lucia said.

I thought to myself, “She’s right, that’s what I’ve been doing this whole time, letting her win.”

“Come on, let’s get you to bed, where’s your hotel?” Lucia asked.

“It’s Hotel Fontana.” I said while being lifted off the bathroom floor by the girls.

Once we arrived back at the hotel, the girls got my pajamas out of my bag and ordered room service. I changed into my pajamas and sat down and ate with the girls. During the laughter and chatter I said,

“This is really nice, no one has ever done this for me before.”

“Well get used to it, I’ve decided I like you.” Natalia said.

We all laughed at Natalia’s statement. I then realized, this is it. This is what my life has been missing.