A Dream Realized

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of seeing the world. I started saving for my passport when I was 16, starting with the first job I worked at Cici's Pizza in Texas. Unfortunately, I never received that paycheck and didn't find work again until I was 18. I tried again with the daycare job in Florida, but got laid off two months after working and needed every last penny for my rent. Six months later, I got a job in a bar but needed a vehicle to get there and back, which ate into my tips heavily. Shortly after, conditions proved negative for my mental health and I decided to go back to school for Web Design. After earning my associates, I tried getting freelance work but what little I got was always just enough to cover expenses.

Everything changed about one month ago when I got out of a shitty relationship and living situation. One of my best friends gave me a safe place to stay for the semester. Within a week, I got a job where I earned enough tips to apply for my passport.

I eagerly grabbed all my documentation and headed for the bus stop with my bestie, Clarese. The Route 100 took us to the post office downtown where, upon entering, I saw one of the friendly employees from the post office I normally frequent on Central Ave.

"I didn't know you worked here too!" I exclaimed.

"Meh, they move me around." He said.

"Today is a happy day. I'm applying for my passport. I'm going to see the world!"

"Congratulations." He said. "Talk to that lady over at the first counter. She'll help you out."

He turned to the middle aged brunette woman and said "She's my favorite Fort Orange customer. Take care of her."

I couldn't help but smile. For once, everything seemed to be falling right into place. I handed the woman my documentation and reached into my wallet for the $150 in cash.

"You're just missing one thing." She said.

My heart sank. I wondered if yet another obstacle had set up on my path.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Your application." She smiled.

Relief washed over me.

I'd almost completed my application with the pen I'd borrowed from the floating clerk before the woman came over and told me that I couldn't use blue ink. After spewing several expletives, I finally pulled myself together enough to fill out the damn thing all over again with a black pen. I didn't know all of my mother's information, but the female clerk at least found out that she'd entered this world in 1962. I stretched a smile for my passport photo and just accepted the fact that I looked like a dork. A very happy dork.

"You'll receive your passport within 4-6 weeks." She said.

Clarese and I counted down the moments until we walked out the heavy glass doors and back onto Pearl St. We hugged each other tightly as tears welled up in our eyes. My dream had come true. This poor, orphan girl is going to see the world.