“‘I must do something’ always solves more problems than ‘Something must be done.’”

author unknown

Dear Mom,

I heard you on the phone with Aunty Lindsay and I know my new brother is taking all of your time, and all of our money. I am 13, so I can do things on my own now. Thank you for being my mom, I love you and Talert lots. I hope you can do all the things he needs you for now.

-Jupie

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At around 7:00 that morning, I unloaded my school bag, filled it with clothes, a water bottle, an entire pack of Poptarts, and $40. I walked right out the door, passed my school bus stop and headed down to Amtrak Homewood. I was looking for a simple Homewood to Chicago ticket, when I discovered the Amtrak could take me (pretty much) anywhere! So I looked at the times, schedules and prices, and I could soon be on my way to Saint Louis…tomorrow at 7:15am. That will be fine, I thought, and so I bought my ticket. Since it wasn’t to far from being 8am, I walked back to my bus stop and continued my day as normal. with a few last minute rebellion type exceptions:

• I took a Jacket, a pair of shoes, and a bigger backpack from the lost and found
• I stole a map and a travel guide from the library
• I flipped off my P.E. teacher
• Stayed for after school tutoring as detention, and a Teachers Aid taught me more about my map until around six.
• Took the wrong bus “home” so I could stay at the Amtrak station until close.

My wild life of crime ends there, I assure you.

As much as I thought this was well thought out, I never once took in consideration that the station would close at nine. So began my first night out on the street. I was lucky that it was a clear night, but that did not make it any less sleepless. I sat up against the back of the building, and maybe dozed a couple times, but every rustle of the leaves, passing car, and random meow had me absolutely terrified. I began to think of going home, but the thought of my mother not being able to provide for Talert and I, kept me on track. I was providing for myself now, and officially making my own place in the world.