Invisible

Goodbyes and Hellos

I stared at my duffle bag on the couch.  It had everything I was taking to Teresa's later.  A couple pairs of pants, a couple shirts, some photos, my notebook and my sock monkey.  

It was really happening.  No more couch for a bed, no more frozen pizzas for dinner every night, no more sirens keeping me from sleeping.  I grabbed my bag and walked into the living room where my mom and Teresa were whispering frantically to each other.

Teresa stopped and looked at me, holding Maria. "Are you ready to go?"  

I nodded.

My mom looked ticked off as usual.  "Then leave," she said.

"Okay, let's go," I told Teresa.  I glanced at my mom, hoping she would give me a hug, or a smile or anything to let me know she cared.  

No luck, she just plopped herself down on the couch.

With that, I followed Teresa out.  As I closed the door to the apartment, I felt as though I was opening the door to another, better life.
***********************************
I was speechless.  The house Teresa lived in with her finace wasn't a house.  It was a mansion.  A huge, white, mansion.

"Holy.." I trailed off as I got out of the car.  

"Yeah, it's nice on the outside, but wait till you see the inside," Teresa said, carrying Maria.

The front door swung open and out came a tall, good-looking man.  It was Thomas.

"Oh wow, you're really here.  Um, I'm Thomas," he came towards me.  

"I'm Kasey," I said.

"I know, Teresa told me all about you," he smiled.  "Let me help you with your stuff."

"It's only one bag," I told him.

He took it from my hands anyway.  He approached Teresa and gave her a kiss.  "Hey, babe," she said, her face practically glowing.

"Hey yourself.  This must be Maria!" He made a silly face, causing Maria to smile.

We went inside, which was equally impressive with twin staircases, a dining room, living room, and huge bedrooms.  

Mine was painted light blue, with white furniture.  It was beautiful.  It was perfect.  

I fell onto the bed, and finally, finally felt like I was at home.