Regina’s Diary
Dear Diary,
It’s been a whole year since I wrote to you, and so much has happened this year. So many good things, that I didn’t have time to sit down and put my thoughts to paper. But New Year’s Eve is a great time to catch up, right?
I finally managed to not cry when I lit a candle for Decker and Krew’s birthdays and prayed that they doing well without me. I bought a small chocolate cupcake to celebrate, but it didn’t taste as good as my mom’s.
I finally got my GED, around the same time I would have graduated at school in Elida.
Then through a friend from the shelter I volunteer at, I was able to get a hardship scholarship to go to beauty school.
There were stipulations though. I had to move up to Chicago, volunteer four days a week at their affiliated shelter there, and get a part-time job.
I was also told they already had a place for me to live—for free.
For FREE, Diary. I couldn’t say no to that, and I had always wanted to visit Chicago.
Even though I thought it sounded too good to be true, I decided since I already survived so much crap, I could handle anything for a chance at a better life. So, I took the offer. And it was the best damn decision I ever made.
Sorry Diary, I had to put you down for a bit, but… Surprise! I’m already here in the Windy City, and now I know why they call it ‘the windy city’. Though, I didn’t realize that I would also freeze my butt off, but that’s okay. I got a warm winter coat and boots at a thrift store near the shelter.
I start beauty school in a month. In the meantime, I’m working in a salon, shampooing, cleaning, and sweeping up a lot of hair.
Tips are great, so I can’t complain. And since I don’t have to worry about rent, all my money goes for food and anything else I need.
I don’t eat much, Diary, so I save. My bank account is growing.
It’s been a couple of years, but I still miss Krew and Decker very much.
I hope they are doing well without me. I miss my parents too.
I called them last week on my nineteenth birthday, and my mother answered the phone.
I was too chicken to talk to her, so I hung up.
I guess I still wasn’t ready and need more time to heal.
Well, it’s nearing midnight and I have an early shift at the shelter tomorrow. I’ll write soon.
Regi