As I said goodbye to Karen that Sunday morning, I could not help but tear up and think about everything that had happened to me within a year in New York. I also thought about what I would do now?

Still, I couldn’t help but question whether I should go home or not? I know in my heart it was the right thing. But, I couldn’t help think about how embarrassing it was going to be.

I wasn’t even sure Mama and Papa would take me back.

Heck, I wouldn’t take me back!

You did them wrong, Eliza.

I think I must have been talking a bit aloud. Suddenly I heard Karen calling to me.

“ Eliza, come sit with me for a minute before you leave.”

I took a deep breath and walked over to her.

“ Okay, first of all, It is okay to be nervous!”

I was surprised at her scolding.

“ Look I am not trying to yell at you or anything.”

Sure sounds like it.

“ Eliza, you have been through so much and I can’t even imagine being where you are.”

Karen took my hand.

“ But you are strong and I know you are going to be okay.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her.

“ How do you know I am strong?”

“ Eliza, I know it couldn’t have been easy to walk away but you did it.”

As she said those words I began to cry.

I have to admit it was a loud and ugly cry.

Karen immediately came to comfort me.

“ It is okay to cry, Eliza.”

I don’t know how long she held me for but I know when I got done I felt like a huge weight had come off me.

Well, It’s time now.

Karen wasn’t good at goodbyes. She had to go to work.

“ I promise to write you everyday Eliza.”

“ Thank you, Karen, please be careful.”

“ Don’t worry about me I will be okay.” She gave me one last hug. Then Karen walked out the door.

After a few minutes, I went out to get on the next Train Back Home. I was so nervous. Once I got on I looked out at New York City.

Goodbye, New York.

Before I got on the train though, I noticed a group of young women getting off the train.

I could not help but overhear how excited they were to be arriving there.

If only they knew

What they were in for.

“New York City is where dreams come true", said one.

“ I know I am excited, Broadway here I come.”

I guess with all that had happened to me I just wanted them to know they had choices.

“ New York isn’t all glitz and glamour.”

“ Excuse me?” said the brunette with an irritated look in her eyes.

“ I am just saying don’t be fooled.”

“ Just who are you?" asked one of them.

I hesitated for a moment. Then looked right at her.

“ Let’s just say I was once like you, filled with so much 'til my star came tumbling down.”

I guess I must have terrified them or something because they soon walked away.

But I could hear them whispering.

“ I think she was drunk or crazy jealous!"

“ I think both!" said the blonde.

Well I tried.

As the train departed away from New York I felt a sense of freedom and calmness.

I wasn’t sure what would happen when I got home but I was willing to find out.