Falling Fast and Breathing Hard

A week has passed and I have achieved how I wanted to start out my new life. I've become comfortable living in Pittsburgh, made a friend and found a steady job as a web designer for a local company. I do not know how I got that job, but I did. I guess that I'm just an expert when it comes to computers and designing. I am completely psyched to start today and I'm actually satisfied with where my life is going; life can only get better from here. After the conversation that my one and only friend here so far, Kris, had, we've become closer and he has made my outlook on life better; it's clearer and much more positive. I'm hoping that sometime this week, I will make more friends, whether it's at work, people I just happen to meet around town or both.

When I told Kris I found a fantastic job and what it was, he was overly enthusiastic, which I expected out of him. No wonder I like him so much, as a friend that is; I'm not ready for any commitments yet. Having such a trustworthy friend is perfect now until I am emotionally capable of having a boyfriend. My job starts at nine and I have to be there an hour early; right now, it is seven right now and I'm just leaving the apartment. On the way, my phone rang and I wondered who the hell it was on the other end calling me. I hoped that person was Kris and not anyone at home because I did not need drama from home this early in the morning. As I picked up my phone, I saw that it was indeed Kris and I smiled and answered it.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hey. Did you remember to get up early?"

"Duh. Of course I did. I'm uber-excited about this job."

"Awesome. I'm so happy for you, you have no idea."

"Thanks. I can't wait to get there. I've only been dreaming about this kind of career. I wasn't even expecting to get it."

"Well, it must have been destiny."

"Yeah, probably."

"I'll let you go now, since you're on the road."

"How'd you know I was on the road?"

"It's loud and a little harder to hear you on the phone than at your apartment."

"Oh. Ok. Do you wanna do something once I get home from work?"

"Yeah. Sure. When do you get off work?"

"Four. Pretty early."

"Sounds good. See you later."

"See ya."

We hung up and I made it to work ten minutes early. The building was huge, but that didn't really bother me since I was used to Pittsburgh and its tall buildings. Once inside, I quickly made found my way to the tenth floor of the building. I was thankful that I wasn't terrified of heights. I spoke to the secretary once I got there.

"Excuse me, I'm Athena Halloway. I'm looking for Mr. Peterson."

"Oh hello. I'll go get him for you. I'll be just a second."

I simply nodded as she quickly found him.

"Hello. Ms. Halloway. Welcome. It's nice to meet you."

We shook hands.

"It's nice to meet you as well.."

"Let me show you where you will be working and what you'll be doing, then I'll let you be."

"Ok. That's great."

After my new boss, Mr. Peterson showed me and told me what I need to know, I got working fairly fast.

4 PM

I was on my way home and my butt hurt from practically sitting all day, but my head hurt much worse and I needed an Aleve as soon as I arrived home. I needed to remember to bring something for my head and put it in my purse so I could have quick access to it when my head decides that it wants to pound. The minute I was home I made a quick sandwich and ate it so I could take my pain reliever. My ringtone decided to blast in my ear and I sighed since it was so irritating.

"Hello?" I said heavily.

"What's wrong?"

"My head is killing me and I have to wait a while until the Aleve I took kicks in."

"Long first day?"

"No. It was from looking at a computer screen for so long, that's all."

"Oh. That sucks."

"Yeah... but it will go away soon."

"Anyways, can I come over?"

"Of course. Now?"

"Sure. See ya then."

"See ya."

I hung up and went to change. By the time Kris had arrived, I had changed into yoga pants and an old Simple Plan band tee and was making something in my small kitchen. I let him in and he instantly hugged me, which I was certainly not expecting.

"Not to be a bitch or anything, but what was that for?"

"I'm not allowed to hug you?"

"Well, of course you are. I love your hugs. That was so random." I said with a slight laugh.

"I'm just happy. That's all. How'd your day go?"

"Really well minus the headache of course."

I smiled genuinely.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"You should smile more. I love it when you smile."

I blushed. My only friend here in Pittsburgh gave me a compliment.

"I'll try. You wanna know something?"

"What?'

"I truly appreciate you being here and being my first friend here. I only had a few friends back in Maryland. Also, thanks for bringing back my smile."

A tear ran down my face, but let me tell you, I was hardly sad. Try and make some sense out of that.

"Oh, you're welcome. Thanks for being my only friend that's a girl."

I laughed.

"You're welcome. Do you wanna come see a picture of Rhonda?"

"Sure."

He followed me towards my room which surprisingly wasn't a mess. We stopped my bed and I picked up the picture on my nightstand of her with me only a couple weeks before she was diagnosed with cancer.

"This was a couple of weeks before she was diagnosed. We were at her house when I took this."

A tear came down my face and I felt as though I was going to sob, so I sat down.

"Are you okay?" Kris asked.

"I honestly don't know. I thought I was after a week of being here, but now? Who knows. Maybe I'm homesick."

"It wouldn't surprise me."

I laid back on my bed and so did Kris. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. A song came to mind as I began to relax and before I knew it, I started singing it.

I've got a bad taste in me
It's like I've been robbed of something
I once was in my childhood memories
And it's buried in sandboxes back where we used to see
The dreams could come true if believed
The sidewalks scream our names

We are so
Far from home
Far from home

I've got a bad pain in my heart
It's like the first time I looked in your eyes
The first time it all fell apart
And it's buried in sandboxes backyard where we used to see
The dreams could come true if believed
The sidewalks scream our names

We are so
Far from home
Far from home

But now
We are so
Far from home
Far from home

All I have is words
To which I'm a slave
I scribble them down
Hoping they'll save me
But I'm lost
I'm so lost

These pages will burn
And I'll pass away
Yesterday's gone
And I just can't shake
The fact that I'm lost
I'm so lost

But now we are so far home
Far from home

Now we are so far from home
Far from home[x5]

"You're a beautiful singer." he said.

"Thanks." I blushed again.

"It was my pleasure."

Then, he leaned towards me and kissed me.

Notes

Chapter title and lyrics courtesy of Far From Home by The Classic Crime.