I?m not doing it anymore.

The redhead left the note on the kitchen island, centered upon the marble surface. Steps swiftly took her out of the kitchen and through the house to the front door without a backward glance.

?I?m going to be me,? she stated to the sun as its rays first kissed her skin after maneuvering her way outside. Her face turned unerringly upward in tribute. ?Mmm,? she murred, hands spreading wide. ?I?m going to learn everything I want to, and do everything I want to try.? The heat of the sun served as a benediction for her resolve and plan. Her eyes opened and lips curved upward, and she took her first steps as a new woman.

?I?m Briana.? The words came out haltingly at first but more assertively as she repeated the introduction to the air. ?My name is Briana, and I?m excited to meet you all.? She hurried toward the town, shedding clothes as she neared the outskirts.

A young child stopped short across the road and tugged on the hand connected to her father, pointing with a wide-open mouth at the scarred woman who seemed oblivious to the shock of her appearance. Briana strolled past, lifting a hand to wave at the pair. ?Hello! I?m Briana!? The man swallowed, clutching his daughter?s hand ever tighter as he raised a hand to slowly return the greeting.

She grinned and pranced down the lane, buoyed by the man?s reaction. Her steps jolted her body up and down, knees bending in a bouncing strut. A grizzled woman stormed by after pushing through once-Jaycy-now-Briana, arms burdened by the chunky load she carried toward the docks. The undressed redhead didn?t merit a second glance, even when she stumbled and fell with a gasp. Red welts covered her hands and legs with her forced and ungainly communion with the cobbled stone. ?Hey!? she exclaimed at the retreating back. She might have received a grunt in return, but it was hard to tell and the thunderous presence didn?t deign to stop and assess the damage.

?Hmph,? Jaycy-now-Briana huffed, pushing herself up and brushing dirt off her abused skin. ?I didn?t like that very much. I want something good.? Green-gold eyes drifted across the street in search. ?Hello,? she called a little too forcefully, expelling cheer as if it were a spear at the hapless boy. He startled and then scuttled away without answer.

?I?m fizzled,? she muttered, reaching a hand up to scratch at her shoulder. ?I?m just saying who I am!? She shook her head and plastered another smile on her face. ?I?m Briana!? she trilled to a mother and her baby as they slunk by. The woman stared at Briana, hissing softly and clutching her babe ever tighter to her breast. ?Shoo!?

Briana frowned again, truly puzzled by the short sound. ?What do you mean?? She turned about, trailing after her. ?Go away!? the other woman muttered, mindful of the babe?s ears so close to her mouth. ?Okay,? the redhead answered and resumed on her original path with her newfound enthusiasm for anything and everything restored.

A little tuneless whistle fluttered from her lips as she moved past the library, beaming her pleasure at being alive, being Briana, and being out in the sun?s gentle warmth at the shuffling masses drifting past her. ?I?m Briana,? was the chant from the woman determined to meet and greet each and every other man, woman, child, and beast she encountered. It didn?t matter that few responded appreciably.

??allo, lovie,? a toothless and white-haired scoundrel crooned several minutes after she passed the library, materializing through the crowd and stepping into her path. ?Up fo? a bit?a fun?? She stopped short, canting her head inquisitively up and to the left, meeting his brown eyes. Torn clothes were dank and mottled with the dirt of too many days and nights spent in the sewers. ?Sure! I like fun!? she finally answered, beaming up at him.

He chuckled, brown eyes glinting. ?C?mon then,? he murmured, touching crusted hand to her elbow and guiding her to a nearby wall. ??ow ?bout ya goin? down on me, yah lovie??

She followed easily, lips parted in excitement of her first true interaction since emerging from her metaphorical slumber. ?Okay! I?ll go down on you!? She paused, just briefly, then added, ??. How do I do that?? The smile faded as she puzzled out his words. He chuckled, unknotting the rope-belt with one hand while the other reached out to press upon her head and guide her into position.