Chapter 2

I wasn't meant for a life like that. My mother used to whisper in my ears, "You're meant for greatness," and I believed her. I always forgave her for putting me through this hell. I also always thanked her because every day I get to see what the real world had to offer. What world was like outside of a small town? I stopped at the door of a fast-food restuarant and looked through the clear glass. It wasn't too full. I opened the door and joined the line. I looked up at the menu. The breakfast prices weren't too bad. If I bought an Omelette with mint tea, I'd have some money left for lunch and dinner. I tried to spend only $15 on food every day, so if I don't get any money thrown in my cup, I'd have something for the next day. "Good morning. Welcome to Rixely's. What can I get for you this morning?" the smiling girl who was around my age asked me. I gave her a small smile, "Can I have an Omelette with a small mint tea, please?" "That's five-fifty," she responded. I took out my little purse from the side of the duffle bag. I placed the coins on the corner and started to count. I could sense the people behind me getting a little angry, so I quickly apologized. 'I'm so sorry. Here." I pushed the money towards her. She smiled at me and gave me the receipt. I moved and walked over to the next section to collect my breakfast. "1067" a man in a red hat called out. I raised my hands, "That's me." I moved closer and collected my breakfast. I walked to the corner of the restaurant and took a seat. I quickly ate the omelette and drank the tea. The earlier I went to the square, the more likely to get money or see people rushing to work and not realizing that their wallet was dropping out of their pocket. I didn't steal the money; I'd pick it up and give them. Sometimes people, after realizing my situation would give me five dollars. Sometimes they didn't even care to say thank you. C'est la vie. Unfortunately. I walked out of the restuarant and started to walk towards the skyscrapers. New York never failed to amaze me. As a small-town girl who wasn't use to seeing so many tall buildings in one area, it amazed me. The rush of the people, the taxis honking and the backed-up traffic. It was unusually good to see. I smiled and lifted my head, looking at the buildings. So mesmerized by my surroundings that I didn't look where I was going and ended up bumping in someone. "Watch where...Oh." I looked up at the stranger, and my eyes met beautiful sparkings blue eyes. "I'm sorry." he quickly apologizes when he noticed my belly then turn and start walking in the direction I was coming from. I let my eyes follow the beautiful older stranger with the enchanting eyes. For some reason, my body shivered when he touched my hands to keep me from falling. I brushed it off and then started my journey once again, but I couldn't stop thinking about those enchanting blue eyes. A day and a half-day in New York and I have already got $100. It was the most I've gotten in less than three days. New York was booming. Maybe it was the people passing me so fat, while I sat on a piece of cloth covering the ground. The people were admiring my drawings, as they were beautifully displayed beside me. Over the last six months, I've been living on the streets I've had time to perfect my drawing skills. I realize sitting down on the ground, looking at people with desperate eyes was just too much for me as a pregnant teen to deal with. So I brought an art book and started to draw the places around me. When I finished a piece, I'd tear the page out and placed it on the ground. Sometimes people would pause for a second and smile my way. Sometimes they would throw me some coins in my cup and continue their journey. Or sometimes people would ignore me and look straighahead acting as if they did not see a homeless pregnant teen. I've learnt how to accept the cruel nature of people as well as their looks and remarks. I didn't have much choice, I was out here because I wanted to make my life and my child's better. Everyone I love gave up on me. I wasn't out on these streets because I wanted to be and that's what many people didn't understand. I looked at the car that was parked a few feets away from me then bent my h2ead to draw what I saw. I did that until I got every shadow and curve looking perfect. I smiled at myself and started to draw the car behind it. A sudden feeling came over me, and I knew someone was watching me. I could feel the eyes on me, so I lift my head to search for the person who was staring at me. My eyes landed on the same enchanting blue eyes that I made brief contact with yesterday. The handsome stranger was across the street looking me. He was standing there, and it was kind of creepy, so I started to pack up my things and place them back into my duffle bag. I quickly stood from my spot on the ground, grabbing my bag. I ran as fast as I can (which wasn't fast at all with a belly) down the road. A didn't know who the man was, but he gave me the creeps, just staring me like that. He might work for the police or child services, and I didn't want to be seen by any of those officials. They would take me into their care then take my baby away from me, and I wouldn't allow it.