by Ted Drake

Question: How do you like my writing..About a 16 year old girl who Runs away from DC to LA looking to be a Star?
The smell of marijuana, beer, and urine filled the hall leading to the place Lauren dreadfully called home. It had become routine that she’d hold her breath walking through the trash filled hallways that wreaked. Entering her key into the door she gasped for air. Her mom was in the dim living room as usual layed out across the couch beer in hand.
“Lauren, is that you?” she called out.
“Yeah it’s me mom” she replied dryly making her way to her bedroom.
“I need you to go to the store” she said going through the contents in her purse.
Pulling out about nine crumpled dollars she extended her arm.
“Vodka.”
“Mom I’m sixteen I can’t buy liquor.” I stated.
“Well find somebody who can!” she snapped.
Taking the dollar bills out of her hand I sat my bookbag on the stained recliner chair.
Going back into the filth I prepared to hold my breath. Walking very fast and taking the stairs. It’s not like I had a choice the elevators had been broken for months. Living on the third floor I was luckier than those living on the fifth floor through the ninth. In a building with senior citizens I found this completely unfit. I wouldn’t be surprised if they shut this hell hole down.
There was always a security guard on duty . For what, i hade no idea they weren’t worth two cents. They mingled with the criminals instead of being cautious of them.
I avoided eye contact always or if I was spoken to I pretended not to hear. This made people think that I was stuck up or snobby. If being civilized is what they felt was snobby then I guess I fit their description. Girls my age wearing tons of make up filled the side walk. Some of them with their babies in strollers.
“That’s Carmen’s little sister, you know Carmen the stripper” one of the girls whispered. Or maybe she wanted me to hear it .
I kept walking without acknowledging her and the others who laughed along with her.
The liquor store was on the next corner. I spotted my brother and was relieved. I didn’t have to ask a random drunk to buy vodka for me.
“Greg, great you can buy mom’s vodka” I handed him all of the money.
He took it running inside of the liquor store filled with people. Young and old trying to get alcohol.
Looking at a majority of them I vowed never to abuse alcohol.
My mother included. Over the years my mom’s habit worsened. Her beauty fading fast. I wondered if she noticed or even cared.
Shoving the brown paper bag into my hand my brother took off running to catch up with his friends.

Answer:

Answer by HonorHumility
You are a great writer. I expect to see you on the Oprah show soon.