Free at last, free to do what I want, go where I want, and be me. After the religious tyranny my family had imposed on me over the last five years, I needed to find myself again. I used to be easygoing and carefree before Dad brought home Samuel. Samuel was a Jehovah's Witness elder.
Mom and Dad had fallen under his spell and were curious about everything Samuel told them. Before I knew what was happening, my life changed. It felt like overnight; I went from a girl of thirteen learning the ins and outs of being a typical teenager to no longer being allowed to celebrate holidays and birthdays. Losing friends and being forced to only frequent Jehovah's Witnesses, I was no longer allowed to wear jeans and tees; I had to wear dresses and skirts to look like a proper young lady.
Kingdom Hall was unlike regular churches; the people believed everything the elders told them. If you doubted the elders, they shunned you. My bubbly personality and outgoing demeanor helped me cope. I went door to door to recruit others to join, and that helped keep me sane. However, I wanted to explore the world and escape all this religious stuff.
After five long years of this, I counted the days until my eighteenth birthday. I dreamt of the freedom I would have. I wanted to be free, go out, have fun, and explore life.
My birthday fell on a Sunday, so Mom and Dad would go to Samuel's house for Bible study. I'd be expected to canvas the area, knocking on doors and handing out The Watchtower.
That afternoon, I finished my duties and ran to my room. I grabbed my backpack, which was already filled with clothes and toiletries. I looked in the mirror, pulled out the band holding my ponytail, and brushed through my long brown hair. I allowed the tresses to fall down my back with braids on either side.
I looked around my room and checked to see if there was anything else I wanted to bring. There weren't any mementos or tokens of love from my parents I wanted. I closed the door, pulled my backpack over my shoulder, and took my keys from my purse. I left the house and car keys on the counter and said goodbye to this life I hated.
I walked to the bus station with thoughts about where I wanted to go. I researched some places in both California and New York. Once I got to the station, I decided to grab whichever bus I could afford and was first. I couldn't get out of dodge fast enough.
After a day and a half on a bus, I stepped out into the bright morning California sun. I was excited and nervous. I found a few apartments that were way out of my price range online. I had saved some money but would be almost broke after paying one month's rent and the security deposit.
I walked down the road and looked for a coffee shop where I could think about my next move. I found a cute café on the corner about three blocks from the station. I walked in and fell in love with the place right away. It was like nothing I've ever seen back home. Behind the counter was a pretty woman who didn't look much older than me, with a name tag indicating she was named Luna.
I smiled at her as I sat at a little table. She brought me a cup of coffee and sat down across from me.
"Hi, sweetie, I'm Luna, and welcome to San Francisco," she smiled at me as she spoke. Her personality was so exuberant that I relaxed in my seat.
"Hey, I'm Angelina. Is it that obvious that I'm from out of town?" I asked.
"Well, with that backpack and your fresh look, which radiates wonder and awe at the same time, it makes it kind of obvious," she answered.
"I'm fresh off the bus from way out yonder in Timbuctoo. You know, many cows, farms, and families that don't just practice religion but live it."
"Are you running from something sweet, Angel?"
"Yes and no. I'm ready to leave my past behind and do my own thing. I want to experience life and all the world has to offer. I've never been able to do anything, not even have a date where I could be alone with a boy or go to a school dance. I've lived a sheltered life but am ready to shed my cocoon and spread my wings." I hoped I kept the information private and lost a new friend before I even had one.
"Where are you staying tonight, sweet Angel?" Luna inquired.
"I'm not sure just yet. I was hoping to find a room for rent," I smiled shyly.
"Oh, Angel dear, that just won't do. You don't know who you will get in one of those places. You can come with me. I live with a few other people. We have an open-door policy for anyone that needs a place to crash," she said with a grin.
"But you don't know me. Why would you open your door for me?" I asked.
"Angel, we were all just like you. We came here to find a new life and some freedom. I was lucky as my Aunt Lily owns a hostel near here. She is one of the few hippies left around here. She is quite unconventional but is always ready to help. If you need a safe place, then please come with me. There are currently four girls and three guys staying in our room. However, one of the girls will be moving on soon. She wants to go to New York and dance on Broadway."