Title: Diveedia
Author: Ann
E-mail: imigensummers@yahoo.com
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I used to think that life was so easy. That it was just a matter of black or white and that the gray was nothing more than a façade people created to make things more interesting. I never imagined that it would be that gray that would change my life so drastically that I would barely recognize it.
Having worked as a detective with the NYPD for the past three years, I thought I’d seen it all. Robbery, gangs, prostitution, murder. Everyday occurrences that neither scared nor even phased me anymore. I had become numb to everyone and everything around me. Everyone but Brenton. Since our days at NYU, Brenton had taken it upon himself to watch out for me, always trying to prepare me for anything that may come up. But even with all the years spent trying, it’s come to very little use. Nothing could have prepared me for this…
24 hours earlier…
“You can’t do this Vee.”
“Why not?” I asked, pushing my way through the crowded lobby of the NYPD East Precinct building, trying in vain to breath out of my mouth. Three years since the explosion in the staff kitchen and the smell of scorched coffee still lingered the halls. I was positive that would be my last day as Booking clerk but to my amazement, Chief Andrews simply laughed it off and went about his work. I know now that I should have taken the hint that I myself left and walked out. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy my job, because I did. Perhaps more than I should. But I didn’t like who I had become since I’d been here, unemotional and detached from everything that once seemed important. It was time for a change.
“Because you’re making a huge mistake, that’s why. You love it here. You always have.”
“Yes, I have Ren, but it isn’t what I want anymore. I want something other than sitting behind a desk taking pictures of drug lords and wannabe gang members while the real stories are happening beyond these brick walls.” I said, turning to face him. “I want more. What’s wrong with that?”
“I’m just afraid you’re giving up on your dreams.” The expression on his face was so sullen and pitiful, I had to feel slightly sorry for him. In the seven years I’d known him, we’d always decided things together, wanting and respecting each others opinions. This was the first time I’d made a decision entirely on my own and it was probably the biggest one I’ve ever made. I never intended to leave Ren out of it, but I knew that’s how he must have felt. Like what he thought no longer mattered.
“Do you remember when we first started at NYU?” I asked, finding an empty table in the staff lounge and sitting in one of the hard wooden chairs.
“Of course I remember.”
“Well do you remember what I told you on our first day? Do you remember what I said my dream was?”
“To make a difference.” He smiled at the memory, taking a drink from his steaming coffee cup.
“Exactly. I’m not making a difference here Ren. I’m not helping people, or doing good things. I’m simply pushing a button on a camera. Do you think I spent fours in college and well over $60,000 in student loans to do something that anyone off the street could do?”
“No.” He replied, glumly.
“And you know, Chicago’s really not that far.” At this point, I wasn’t sure which one of us I was trying to convince more.
“No, you’re right. What’s eight hundred miles give or take? Perfect for a nice Sunday jaunt.” I couldn’t control the laugh that spilled out. It was this very sarcasm that got me through many tough times. This move wasn’t going to be easy. It was going to be a huge shock to my system and for the first time in years, I wouldn’t have my best friend to fall back on when something went wrong. A fact that was both scary and exciting at the same time. I looked up at the clock on the wall and realized my cab was due in six minutes. Gut clenching, I stood up and walked to the other side of the table.
“Do I even get a hug before I leave?” Relief flooded through me at the smile that spread over his lips.
“Like I could turn that down.” Once he stood I reached out and pulled him to me, not wanting to let go but knowing I had to. This was something I had to do for me. Pulling back, I wiped the tears from my eyes.
“I’m really gonna miss you.”
“Don’t.” He warned.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t talk like I’m never going to see you again.”
“There’s always Thanksgiving.” I grinned.
“And Christmas.”
“And New Years.”
“And Arbor Day.”
Smiling, I stepped away and walked to the door, pulling it open.
“Diveedia.” I turned and looked at Ren who was now standing next to me. “Call me when you get there. And be careful.”
“I will.” With that I walked out of the building that held so many memories. The building that held the people who had become my family. The building that held my best friend.
TBC...
Diveedia (Teen)
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majiklmoon
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