Awe gosh, guys you have no idea what your love does to me! I just wanted to tell all of you lovely people how much I love you too! :)

Chapter 4

"All aboard for Washington, D.C," the man behind the desk shouts. I proudly get up from my seat and hand the man my ticket. I can't help the beaming smile that's on my face, because honestly I really thought that I would be too scared to take this step. But no. Here I am.

I've been there a while, but I'm so excited that I don't care about the time.

Why not go see the nation's capital as my first stop?

It seems like a lovely idea.

With that I step up onto the large bus and make myself comfortable.

My eyes are wide with adventure and wonder. We travel from city to city and the scenery changes dramatically.

My small town never had a building over three stories and now I'm seeing ones that could almost touch the sky. It's crazy to think about

It's not a long trip by any means. Only taking two and half hours. But for a girl who hasn't been outside of her small town, it's eye-opening. Very eye-opening. Some of the cities that we drive through were very run down and I'm a little nervous. But I also know that I'm not alone and there's nothing to really worry about with all of these people surrounding me.

It makes me think more and more about buses and other forms of travel. It's quite nice going along with someone.

The bus depot in Washington, D.C. looks a lot like the one in my town, only much, much bigger. The size is daunting, but it doesn't frighten me. It makes me enthralled to see more and go further out of my comfort zone.

I step out on the busy sidewalk with my suitcase clutched tightly in my hand and begin my adventure. It's thrilling. Seeing all the fancy cars buzzing down the streets and the numerous amounts of police officers. Back home there was never this many police officers or cars. I'm stunned.

I make a small plan. I know I need a place to sleep for the night. I'm already overwhelmed enough as it is and not having a few things in order is making me even more nervous.

First, I locate a hotel I can rest my head for the night. It's not hard at all.

The Marriot Motor Hotel stands out with its gorgeous set up. It's all lit up, even in the day time. And it looks as though it has a swimming pool. I'm so floored by the grandeur of the place that I have to stay there. It's not even a thought anymore. My mind's made up.

I've never even stayed at a hotel before, so this is one special treat.

I check in with ease and head for my room, which resembles a palace. It's got a palatial bed with a pretty orange cover and plush brown carpet throughout. The room even has its own bathroom. Pretty neat. And to add to the luxury there is even a record player in the room. Making it perfect for me. I know that my morning will be complete tomorrow with the soft sounds of music.

I run my fingers along the top of the desk in the corner and stare out the window at the amazing views. "Wow," I whisper to myself. This place is wondrous.

After putting my suitcase in the closet and checking out the extent of the room I head out the door to start my journey. I keep in mind that this trip is about making memories and finding my way in life.

I know for certain that my parents are probably fuming right about now, and while that makes me upset, I can't see myself living that tired life. They want me to settle down and have some kids. While that's the life that most girls my age choose, it's just not for me. And I'd love for them to understand that. But Mom and Dad aren't those kinds of open-minded free thinkers that can comprehend things like that.

My feet take me to all the great landmarks there are to see. I get to take in quite a bit. And it's so exciting.

First the Lincoln memorial, which is actually enormous. You know I've seen pictures of this place before, and I never imagined it was so big in person.

Then the Washington memorial, I'm breathless. Looking out at the top is so thrilling. And knowing that it was constructed for our very first president is something so exciting.

And finally the White House. It was very striking to get a tour of the President's lovely home. It's certainly nothing I will forget too soon.

I find a small diner to grab some supper at. And while I'm digging into my hot turkey dinner I start people watching. It's interesting to watch the walks of life that come in and out of that tiny establishment. I really get into it, wondering what everyone's back stories are, if there are more people like me out there. Or if they are just getting off work, or what.

I focus on one man in particular, he looks particular lonely. And his mind is definitely not on the coffee that he's sipping. I try like hell to figure out his story, but nothing comes to me. Nothing close enough to the pain that's radiating off of him.

When I'm done I look up and see that he's left. I guess I was in my own head for too long. Oh well…

That night after dinner I find myself questioning where I'm headed. I know it has to somewhere great, something worthy of my time. And as I rack my mind of what city or state for that matter meets those pieces of criteria, I find myself wondering what my aunt would do.

And wanting to push my boundaries even further I know it needs to be of some kind of distance.

I can't settle on the exact destination so I decide to sleep on it and make my final choice in the morning.

So as I'm going through the lobby of my hotel that evening after a fantastic day I take one of the complimentary postcards, I want to mail it off to my aunt. Thanking her for the fabulous gift and letting her know that I'm taking full advantage of it.

I quickly scribble down just exactly what I've done all day and how fun I had doing it all. I want my aunt to know that her gift isn't going to waste and that I'm really excited about this opportunity. I don't mention how I left or the note. I don't feel like she needs to know. Just that I miss her and I'm grateful for the adventure of a lifetime. I also promise to call her as soon as I get to where I'm going next.

After I read it back to myself, I place the stamp in the corner and leave it on my end table to be sent out tomorrow.

I lay my head down in the unfamiliar bed and begin to think about where life might take me. I picture myself in some tiny Parisian shop and stepping out onto a bustling road. And as my mind drifts off, so do, wondering what's next.

So what did you guys think?

I kept you guessing huh?

And I don't think anyone guessed Washington D.C.

Her first stop, pretty good for the time, huh? And her bravery?

Any thoughts?