Pierced Love Read Free Page A

reverse and head back out of the garage.
    If I’m able to escape the inquisition of my parents for a few more hours, I’ll be content.
    I drive back out of our development, through town and toward the highway.
    There’s one place I know I’ll find freedom from my pain. It’s a bit of a drive, but I know I’ll be able to be alone and relax.
    As I pull onto the highway, the road sign reads thirty miles until I reach my destination. I crank up the radio and drift into a daze as I drive down Highway 235 and listen to my music. There isn’t much but farmland and fields along my route, but there’s a sense of peace that runs through my body knowing that I’m on my way toward my future in Ames, Iowa
    It takes me exactly forty-two minutes to get here.
    I love the way this town looks, the way it smells and the way it calms me. Everything about this place makes me feel things that I’ve otherwise bottled up for five years. Happiness isn’t something I let show, mainly because I’d rather hide it in the darkness away from my fears. Something about this town feels right. I’ve come here a lot over the past few years and every time, I know this is going to be where I start my future. There’s a plan waiting here for me and I know that no matter what, I’ll achieve everything I set out for myself here.
    I pull over into one of the parking lots, shut off the car and get out. For just a few minutes I lean up next to my bug, but after awhile I find myself starting to walk around. I take in the tall brick buildings and the rows of trees that run along the sidewalks.
    My stomach begins to growl and I look at my watch. Shit! It’s already 5:30, I must have lost track of time with my wandering and now I know I should get something to eat. That oatmeal for breakfast and apple for lunch aren’t going to keep me going for much longer.
    I pull out my cell and send a quick text to mom letting her know that I’ll be home later than expected.
    It’s the least I can do to keep her from wondering where I am, since she’s already sent me at least a dozen text messages. I put my cell back in my messenger tote and walk down the sidewalk. There are a few places I can stop in to grab some food, but with all these choices I need to just pick one.
    The smell of pizza hits my senses and I decide to walk into the local pizzeria. Inside there are a bunch of bistro tables and some booths in the back dining area. As I walk towards the counter I see a huge brick oven set up in the kitchen and my mouth begins to water.
    A large Italian man greets me at the register and asks for my order. He’s friendly and doesn’t seem to judge me by my appearance. Handing me a number, he tells me to take a seat and he’ll bring my food to the table when it’s ready.
    There are a few empty tables in the front of the pizzeria so I grab one over by the giant bay window. This will give me a chance to people watch and enjoy the warm sun shining in through the glass.
    The bell chimes at the door signaling new customers coming into the restaurant. I turn my head towards the sound and my heart begins to pick up; its beats going faster and faster as more of them walk through the door. My hands begin to sweat and I feel a lump forming in my throat.
    I quickly turn my gaze away from the door and focus on the warm sunshine hitting my face. I need to calm this panic attack before it carries me away. There’s no reason to feel this way. I’m in Ames, a town where no one knows me or the way others treat me back home.
    Taking a deep breath, I feel my body begin to relax and my breath steady.
    A strong accent startles me and I look in the direction of the Italian man from the counter. He sets my pizza and drink down on the table and asks if I need anything else. I shake my head no and thank him for bringing my food.
    I watch as he walks away and my eye catches a glimpse of the guys that just walked through the door. So many emotions run through my body in this instant and