Walking on Solid Ground: Footprints of a Young Woman’S Inspirational Journey

By Raine Anne

LeeAnn is a senior in high school when she discovers an alarming revelation: her self-image no longer reflects her desire for near-perfection. While desperately attempting to harbor a secret that is slowly debilitating her every day, LeeAnn remains in denial.

Although LeeAnn struggles, she is not alone. Her close-knit Italian family, childhood friends, and others she meets along her difficult road become her stepping stones to self-discovery. But when her tumultuous coming-of-age journey leads her into adulthood, an unexpected chain of events and surprises soon cause her dreams to spiral into the darkness of uncertainty. As her career, marriage, and angelic visions of motherhood hang precariously in the balance, now only time will tell if the ambiguity surrounding her challenges will ultimately shatter her world or ignite her determination to set out on a brighter, more promising path.

In this novel inspired by true events, a young woman with big dreams and aspirations encounters a tumultuous world of uncertainty where she must somehow learn to spread her wings and bravely walk through her struggles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532046162

Raine Anne

Raine Anne was born and raised into a family of educators; earned a BA, MS, and postgraduate degrees in elementary education; and was an accomplished teacher for twenty-four years. Her writing is inspired by her desire to encourage others to attain their dreams despite their challenges. She resides in Freehold, New Jersey. Walking on Solid Ground is her first novel.

Book preview

1

Unanswered Questions

I t was eight o’clock when LeeAnn opened her eyes. The brilliant sunshine peeked through the tightly drawn bedroom blinds. The alarm hadn’t sounded. Oh, my God! I overslept on the last day of school. I’ll never make it. She’d suffered from a sleepless night, tormented with an excruciating headache. Half-heartedly, LeeAnn convinced herself to get going. If I don’t get my butt moving, I’ll miss homeroom. I refuse to get a cut slip for missing gym class—detention! It won’t make any difference to them that I’m a senior.

She washed her face, brushed her teeth and threw on her sweats. She hustled to get her sluggish tail moving, while her mom waited in the car for her. I know Michele won’t start without me, and I’ll definitely need her to motivate me. Don’t worry honey. I’ll get you there on time. And, she did. LeeAnn kissed her mom, and rushed into the building. She checked into homeroom, and then dashed out onto the field. With the bright sun glaring, LeeAnn squinted her eyes and scanned the track.

And there Michele was, just as LeeAnn had expected.

Hey, LeeAnn, I’ve been waiting here forever. I already started stretching. What took you so long?

Sorry, Michele, the damn alarm clock didn’t go off. You know I wouldn’t leave you hanging. I’m a mess, but as ready as I’ll ever be for one of our final runs on this dreaded field.

Droplets of perspiration trickled down their flushed foreheads and cheeks as both girls began their last hurrah. In between their sporadic panting, these best friends shared their many apprehensions about what lay beyond the confines of high school. With graduation approaching, they envisioned their futures unfolding. Each was inundated with the many decisions she had to make, intertwined with daily teenage dramas. The soon-to-be graduates never before had been in such a quandary, not realizing the uncertainty of it all. Their nervousness consumed them. "My thoughts are so scattered, Michele. What a great way to start my day, she said. She rolled her eyes and breathed out heavily. My heart is beating out of my chest!"

The girls’ first major dilemma was selecting the right college to attend next year. They had applied to several universities, received a few acceptance letters, and were waiting to hear from the rest.

This whole situation is kind of scary after being in this nurturing comfort zone for the past twelve years, Michele said. "Our teachers practically spoon-fed us. It’s going to be a whole different ball game, come the fall. It’s college time; we’re totally on our own now."

Yeah, going to an out-of-state college seems so cool, but you promised that you wouldn’t choose a college too far away from me, LeeAnn responded as she offered her hand. Pinkie swear.

LeeAnn and Michele were besties, born and raised in the Pelham Parkway area—the good section of the Bronx. They’d attended first through eighth grade together at a Catholic grammar school run by strict habit-wearing nuns. They were the cool girls who challenged authority, wearing rolled-up plaid skirts and eyeliner. Back then, the long road to graduation had seemed endless—LeeAnn often referred to it as a mild form of torture. Attending a local public high school together, where there were fewer rules, made school life more bearable for the four years that followed.

LeeAnn was an intelligent, vibrant teen and the youngest of her family’s big brood of six. Always referred to as the baby of the family, LeeAnn was convinced that she was spoiled, getting preferential treatment from her doting, loving parents. Her mom and dad were of Italian descent and were proud to raise five daughters and one prince. LeeAnn was proud that she favored her pretty-and fashionable mom in looks and friendly demeanor. She often bragged that personality could be inherited. They shared the same big brown eyes; the rest of the family had blue and green.

Michele was a cute freckle-faced bubbly teen with an adorable crooked smile. Her personality was contagious, as was her laugh. In LeeAnn’s eyes, her best friend was just a little more brilliant than she was. Michele’s sweet little Italian mom, with her thick Italian accent, was the best pasta cook in the Bronx. LeeAnn just adored her, and the feeling was mutual. LeeAnn was treated like another daughter whenever she was there. It was her home away from home. Now, LeeAnn realized she would miss her second home. She would miss Michele, too, and their close bond. Nothing, not even boys, ever had come between them … but their college choices might.

Out of breath, the young women continued their lengthy jog, attempting to finish their chat before the next bell. Dripping with perspiration-soaked T-shirts, they headed to the musty-smelling locker rooms. Each girl showered, threw on her clean clothes, and rustled through her disorganized, overcrowded locker. LeeAnn hastily grabbed her heavy textbooks, tucked in her shirt, and hurried out of the locker room, alongside Michele. The next period would be followed by an early lunch. They dragged themselves into the congested classroom, with accelerated heartbeats.

I really dread our last day in this class, LeeAnn said. At least it’s less grueling than gym. Well, we’re in this together.

Michele nodded. You’re right, Lee. I can’t imagine what it would have been like without you.

LeeAnn grinned. They continued to discretely whisper, throughout the remainder of Mr. Kane’s mundane economic class. Always absorbed in his lecture, he never acknowledged their infrequent waving hands. Although, he did give them an occasional stern stare. The girls looked at each other embarrassingly, shrugged their shoulders and smirked.

LeeAnn repeatedly glanced at the bold roman numerals on the clock hanging above the door. Finally … the blasting bell was music to her ears. She stomped out clumsily—her legs still ached. She raised her voice so Michele could hear her over the din in the hallway. "June twenty-seventh can’t come any sooner. I’m really excited to get out of this place! But I am gonna miss all the crazy times in this old school, graffiti and all." LeeAnn’s eyes welled with tears.

You’re not going to cry, LeeAnn?

Nah, I’m okay.

Well, I can’t believe we’re done, either. It just flew by like that. Michele snapped her fingers to emphasize her words.

When they reached the cafeteria, Michele quickly canvassed the crowded area. Those two empty seats by the soda machines are ours.

LeeAnn again lagged behind her friend, and then practically fell on to the chair. Her body was still tired from running. "Why am I so exhausted? I’m totally wiped out! It must be from running, or the heat, or because I have way too much on my mind? Or… maybe it’s a combination of it all! Probably, Michele nodded in agreement. Their conversation once again drifted to the college topic. Do you think your parents will let you go out of state?"

Michele’s face froze. I really doubt that, LeeAnn, unless they have a change of heart. You know how old-fashioned they are.

Although the girls were inseparable, LeeAnn believed that her friend was extremely torn, and that her parents’ strong persuasion would ultimately win. Michele told LeeAnn that she wanted to attend the same college, but at the same time… she couldn’t imagine ever leaving them. LeeAnn knew that all along.

LeeAnn crossed her fingers anyway, hoping that Michele and her overly protective parents would eventually change their minds.

Despite LeeAnn’s own traditional Italian upbringing, she had been allowed to apply to out-of-state colleges. "My stomach is tangled in knots. I haven’t heard back from my two top picks yet. What the hell are they waiting for? My SAT scores were pretty decent, but I’m not sure if I’ll get into Albany or Stony Brook. They’re my two top choices; one of them better accept me! You know that Tara graduated from SUNY Albany? She’s so damn smart." LeeAnn considered her older sister Tara to be much smarter than she was. Maybe I can’t meet my sister’s standards, she thought. LeeAnn’s second choice was SUNY at Stony Brook, which was relatively close to home—a forty-minute ride.

Suddenly, LeeAnn held her breath and then gasped, thinking about what lay before her. My heart is leaping out of my chest. And it feels like butterflies in the pit of my stomach. As LeeAnn abruptly stood up, the ground beneath her seemed to cave in. That nauseous feeling is back too. She grabbed her friend’s arm. Mich, what’s going on with me?

You look really sick. Take a deep breath. Don’t worry. No matter where we end up, I’ll always be there for you.

LeeAnn descended into her own little world, slowly drifting away. She had a worrisome expression on her face that her friend couldn’t quite read. Michele, there’s a numb, tingly sensation in my stomach. It feels kind of like electricity. It’s really strange! What is this shit? LeeAnn breathed in deeply, as they headed down the busy hallway towards their fourth-period classes. They walked beside each other, although LeeAnn had to slow her pace.

"My legs feel stiff, almost stuck. I need to stop for a minute."

Michele tried to shrug it off, not to add to LeeAnn’s worry. You’re crazy, I’m sure it’s nothing, Lee. She believed in her heart that her friend would be just fine.

What? It’s nothing? LeeAnn tried to conceal her slightly agitated state, but she shook her head in disappointment. She longed for comforting, reassuring words or even a hug, reaffirming to her that everything would be okay. Feeling somewhat disheartened, she rolled her eyes, sucked her cheeks in, and abruptly dismissed her friend’s words. LeeAnn seldom complained, but this time was different. It’s probably just the heat, or maybe I’m just plain exhausted from two hours’ sleep or from all of this damn stress. I won’t let it ruin my last week in school. LeeAnn added, "Plus… prom night is just two days away. And nothing … nothing’s going to go wrong!" Michele just listened, and tenderly smiled at her friend.

Prom night was on Michele’s mind too, but that wasn’t the main focus of her thoughts. She diverted the conversation to one of her top priorities. She pondered which career path might suit her. Hey, LeeAnn, I was thinking … I love computers and technology, but I’m still not sure which I’ll major in. What about you? LeeAnn was slightly taken aback by the quick digression, but replied anyway.

I’m thinking of nursing or editing, but I’m not sure either. I’ll probably change my mind a million times. But, first … I’ve got to figure out what’s going on in this body of mine.

2

Anticipation

E xams, prom night, and graduation all seemed to fly right by. It was bitter- sweet for the three friends. They sat at the kitchen table of Michele’s house while her mom prepared lunch. She made their favorite pizza, as a reward for their hard work and achievements. The girls excitedly chattered about the end of their school year, the impending summer, and their family plans. LeeAnn went on about one of her family’s favorite pastimes. This was typical of her unusual way of conversing.

She talked about packing her hand-me-down summer wardrobe and other inconsequential belongings that she’d soon be taking along for her lengthy vacation. This was a first for her family of eight, who would be leaving their home in the Bronx for the entire summer. LeeAnn shared with her friends how it