Neither of my parents seemed to really care when my ride to the bus station showed up. It made me sad that all I got was a hug and kiss from my mom and a clap on the back from my dad.

I don’t know if I was hoping they’d stop me. I knew they wouldn’t, they wanted me gone before I even knew I wanted to go. I turned 18, and along with my birthday card, I got asked when I was moving out. Sure they sounded like they were joking, but the look in my dad’s eyes said he wasn’t.

I’m beyond caring about them. All they’ve done is made me sheltered and scared of the outside world. “You’re too beautiful.” Was their excuse for everything. What, I’m too beautiful to go partying with my friends? I’m too beautiful to go to the football games?

Blonde hair and blue eyes does not make me exempt from loneliness.

Newcrest. My escape from the small town-ness of Appaloosa Plains. I don’t know anyone, and I’m glad.

My new house is small and cozy. As I unpack my boxes from the movers left scattered around my house, I start to feel an overwhelming sense of peace. I can smell the flowers in the front garden. Spring is here, and with spring comes new beginnings.