SNIPPET #3

So how are you enjoying my little snippets? I have written quite a lot and I'm actually liking what I'm creating. One thing I can tell you is that Marty is not my favorite person right now. She's a bit bitter because Of something that had happened to her so I'm hoping she will have her wall broken down later on down the line. But as of right now she's a little bitchy to me .... Enjoy the 3rd snippet....

Chapter 3

Marty: 2013

“Congratulations, Marty, you've come a long way in the last year”

I'm thinking, what the hell? Why should I be happy about this strange milestone? But it's true. I've come so far from where I was a year ago today. I don't have it in me to smile but I do say to my shrink,

“It really is so hard to believe that it's been a year. I never thought I would see this day”

Damn..I should have been dead.

“You have made a huge improvement from when I met you the first time. You should be very proud of yourself” Dr. Rose put her notebook aside and patted me on the hand. “Have you thought about your plans that we discussed last week?”

I look down at my hands and nod my head “Yeah. I think I'm ready to move forward. I'm not sure how I would have survived this year if it wasn't for my parents and for you, Dr. Rose. Thank you.” I really wanted to cry but took a deep breath instead.

She handed me a card. “Here is Dr. Katz's number just in case you decide you need to talk to

someone.” Dr. Katz came to one of my sessions because I was thinking of moving to San Diego and Dr. Rose thought it would be best to have someone who I can go to, just in case I needed to talk. I agreed .

“Thanks. I'll keep her number close”

*********

. . . . .

“I still don't understand why you want to leave so soon. It's only been one year, Marty” My mother said. I had just gotten back home from my last session with Dr. Rose. Mom and I were in the kitchen. It overlooked the pond and the big limbo tree out back. Windows from floor to ceiling cascaded around the kitchen into the living set area.. It was a favorite hangout for the family.

We were both at the bar counter, drinking coffee. As usual, Mom had her ipad available, scrolling through her latest updates on all the new houses available.

I took a deep breath “Mom, we talked about this remember? Dr. Rose agrees that I'm in a better place now. I have to do this for myself. I can't stay under yours and Dads wings anymore. I really need to leave.”

“But why California, my dear? Why do you need to leave here, again?”

“Who's leavin again?” And here comes my dad. A big barreled chest of a man. My mom looked so tiny next to him. Her 5'3 length was no comparison to my 6'3 father. They made a striking couple. Mom had hazel eyes with a petite figure. Dad had a full head of thick silver hair and big light brown eyes. He was and is a very handsome older man. Mom still went weak in the knees with him. I envied their marriage.

I rolled my eyes, “Dad, I'm moving to San Diego, remember? You said I could stay in our vacation home, in Delmar?”

Clueless parents..Or desperate to keep me here.

Dad kissed my cheek. “Hello, darlin.” A true southerner. “So, it's really happenin?”

Ugh, hell. “Yes, it's really happening. I know you think I need more time, but the fact is I feel ready. No. I am ready.”

Dad put his big hands on my shoulders, looked at me in the eyes. He glanced at mom. “Charlotte, she needs to go.”

I exhaled. Mom looked at dad and said “Conrad, I know.. I know” And nothing was further said. I finally felt relief.

I may not be one hundred percent all better, but I'm headed in the right direction. Dad handed me the key to our condo. This little key was a huge reminder for how far my life has come. This may sound so corny, but this simple key was the key to my future.

Dad gave me a big hug and said “I'm so proud of you, darlin. I love ya.”

I'm not gonna cry.. I won't cry. But the tears welled up.

“I know. I love you too. I'll be ok. I have to be ok. I have no other choice” I gave mom a hug, went up to my room, and started packing.

*********

Just breathe, just breathe. It's only a 6 hour flight. You have flown before. I really hate flying. Not my favorite way to travel. I've traveled many times overseas but I still hate being up in the air. I feel out of control. So I keep breathing. I close my eyes, turn on my ipod and tune out the rest of my thoughts.

Well, I tried to tune everything out until the girl next to me started yapping in my ear.

“I just love that song you're listenin' to.” Great, can I go back to my music now?

“Psst?”

I slowly turn my head and look at her. I take out my earbuds.

“Excuse me?”

She gives me her hand to shake.

“Hi! I didn't mean to disturb you but I'm Amy. Amy Heart”

I didn't want to be a bitch so I shook her hand back.

“Um, hello.” I really don't want to give her my name. I'm not in the mood for this.

“And your name is?” Ok, so I should be nice and give her my name too.

“Marty”
“Marty! Wow, such a cute name!” She's too stinkin happy and bubbly. She looks like she came from a beauty pageant or something. Big blonde hair, big smile, big white teeth. She's pretty and all, but just very pageanty. “You don't hear many women with that name. Very unique” She loves to smile. I try my best to give her a smile back.

“Thanks... I guess” sorta smiled

She continues to gab

“So, I've been traveling from Texas. Texas is my home state.” I should have known “I went to Florida for a beauty pageant” Shit I was right. A beauty queen. “but didn't make the finals. So now I'm headed to San Diego for another Pageant. I'm a very persistent woman. I never give up! I may not be as young as I was once before, but ….......”

I zone her out. She's talking too damn fast I can't keep up.

“Anyways, what brings you on this flight?”

I can't. I can't talk about anything. How am I going to say this without sounding like a prick?

“I'm sorry, I don't want to be rude or anything, but I'm just not in a good place right now to open up about my life.”

She gave me a pouty look. God I'm a horrible person

“Oh my, I'm so sorry sweetie! I didn't mean to pry.”

Exhale. Relief.

“It's ok. I just need some rest right now”

Amy pats my hand

“Sugar, I'm here if you need to chat.”

I actually smile back.

“Thanks” Back to music. Back to tuning out my thoughts, and extra voices.

***********

I felt another tap on my shoulder. It was Amy.

“Rise and shine, Sweetie, we're ready to land”

Wow, I can't believe I actually slept through the flight. What did the flight attendant put in my water?

“Oh, gosh, thanks.” I put my ipod away and buckle up.

“My, my can you sleep! I can never sleep in these stiff chairs.”

Stiff is right. Now my neck hurts

Rolling my neck I say “Yeah, well, I'm as shocked as you are.”

“I want to give you my number” Amy handed me a card “I'll be staying in Delmar for awhile. There are a few pageants and such so they require me to reside in the city. Not sure how long I'll be around but just in case, maybe we can get together and have a nice long chat?”

Oh boy. She wants to be friends. And she is residing in Delmar of all places. My luck.

“Oh, uh, thanks. I'll keep that in mind”

“Please don't hesitate. I really am a good listener.” I feel like such a jerk for not being as nice to her as she was to me. But all I can say is, is “Thanks”

The plane finally lands and I feel another sense of relief . A relief to finally be on my own. No one to hold my hand anymore. No one to feel sorry for me. I finally get to be.....Me...

********

The condo was an ocean front home, with a spectacular view of the ocean and beach. It was a quaint, 2 story gray house. It was covered with gray wooded shingles and luscious vines that were growing around the property. My parents must have a Gardner to keep up the area, because the plants along the side of the house were neatly trimmed and I didn't see any tree leaves lying anywhere.

I brought my bags into the house. Just like the Florida home, this place had windows in every direction. I could see the ocean as I entered the den. The den was adjacent to the kitchen. There was also a beautiful deck that led out onto the beach.

For the first time in a long while, I was able to smile.. I could feel the energy. The positive energy, filling me up. Finally a place I can call home.

Oh shit, speaking of home I need to call my parents. I can't have them going insane if they don't hear from me. I dig through my bag and find my phone. It rings a couple times before anyone picks up.

“Hey Dad! I'm here, safe and sound” Please don't be having a cow right now.. Please...

“Marty, my God we were startin' to worry!” Yep, on the verge of having a cow.

“I'm sorry. I got caught up in the moment of getting here. I didn't mean to worry you.”

I could hear Mom in the background asking Dad questions

“Dad, tell Mom I'm ok and that I love her.”

“Calm down, Charlotte! Your daughter is A OK! Anywho, Marty, I love ya and we're glad you made it. How's the place? Is it tidied up for ya?”

Sighing I said “It's perfect Dad. It's beautiful. So I'm gonna go now. I have a lot of unpacking to do. I'll call you some time this weekend ok?”

I could still hear some gabbing from Mom in the background.. I need to get off already!

“Okey Dokey, Darlin. Talk to you soon.. Bye now”

“Bye Dad” Click.. Phone is off. I look at my luggage and decide that the unpacking can wait. Time to enjoy the beautiful view.

-OUTINTHEOPEN