I gave Alana one last hug before I go.

"Be safe, let me know when you get there!"

We were both crying but smiling. I'm extremely nervous but she's happy for me.

I'm ready.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I've been riding for roughly an hour and I'm exhausted, hungry and everything just sunk in.

I made it to the next town over. My family has visited this town a few times but I don't know where anything is.

I decided to stop somewhere and recharge and ask for some directions.

I walked into a nice diner and sat down in a booth in the back and automatically started crying.

A waiter walked up. She was short and had light blonde hair.

"Hi welcome to-- oh sweetheart, are you alright?"

I looked up at her and she took one look at me and pulled me into a hug.

When she pulled away, she gave me a warm, welcoming smile and disappeared.

When she came back, she brought 2 shakes and some fries and sat down across from me.

"What's wrong, honey?"

I whiped my face, "I'm on the run" I stated looking down.

She asked me why and I took a deep breath.

"Well, I came out to my family as trans and gay about 2 months ago. Ever since then.."

I wasn't able to finsh my sentence as tears rushed down my face, faster than before.

"Ah I see. Your heading for the LGBTQ+ youth center?" She asked, taking a sip from a shake.

I nodded and we talked a bit more from there.

I learned her name is Heidi and she actually grew up with the owner of the center.

She offered my a ride there but I insisted on riding there on my own. She hesitantly agreed to let me ride there but she did give me her phone number.

I felt safe.

I felt happy.

I felt home.