I step into the corridor. I look left. Then, I look right. I take a deep breath and make my decision. I head towards the double doors surrounded by bright light. When I finally reach the doors, I turn around and give the hallway a final glance before leaving.
You’re probably confused as to why my story started this way, but trust me, this is only the beginning. It all started two months ago when I moved to Forks, Washington…
Summer 2021
Click! Click! Click!
I turned my head sharply to catch my mom taking pictures of me before we leave for the airport. “Mama please,” I tried to plead. “Oh, you know you’re my baby. I have to get every picture I can,” she said tearily. I sigh wistfully looking at the only home that I’ve known for the past decade. My daydream was cut off as I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders. Before I could process what was happening, I was thrown into the air. Screaming, I shout, “Please! Please! Put me down”. Actually listening to my request, my stepdad, Sam, returns me to my feet. “I’m sorry sweet pea. It’s just—,” he cuts himself off as he begins to fake cry. “We’re going to miss you so much!” he finishes. I quietly laugh and shake my head at the dramatic antics of my parents. I’m going to miss them so much.
We pile into Sam’s Escalade and begin making our way to the airport. Living in Texas, it takes well over an hour to reach the nearest airport, but this time around, the ride felt so much shorter. As we pulled into departures, I snap out of my thoughts. The truck finally stops, and I step out and reach to place my backpack on my back. Finally securing its position, I turn to my parents, who are waiting with my luggage. As I see the tears building in my mom’s eyes, I quickly step up to hug her. “It’s okay mama. Daddy will take care of me, and I’ll stay out of trouble. I promise”, I coo in her ear. I pull back and try not to cry myself. “And make sure you call me every day.”, she sniffles. “If you need anything or you wanna come back, we’re one phone call away, okay?”, Sam chimes in. I wave him off, “I know, I know. You guys have literally told me a million times”. “I know sweet pea. We just have to make sure you know we’ll always be here for you,” he says. “And I love and thank you, guys, for that.”, as I step over to hug him as well. We stand there for a second before I pull away. I check the time. Oh shit! I’m not going anywhere if I miss my flight.
“As much as I would like to continue this, I don’t wanna miss my flight,” I trail off.
My parents speak simultaneously, “Oh right!” “Of course, sweetheart”. I grab my suitcases and begin walking towards the entrance. I wave to them one last time before I walk in.
TSA surprisingly moved relatively fast considering it’s a Friday. I finally make it to my gate as they begin the process to board. I quickly run to grab water and some gum from the nearby convenience store. As I make it back, they begin to call my group. Once I’m in my seat, I finally relax. Thank God no one is sitting next to me. I put on my Beats and begin imagining my new life in Forks.
—
—
—
I’m jolted awake as the plane makes its landing on the runway. I rub my eyes and take my headphones off. I pack up all my things and wait for the doors to open.
Thank you for flying with Delta Airlines ~
Once I’m off the plane, I head to baggage claim, where I waited for what felt like 10 damn years. I lug everything to the pick-up area. I put my head on a swivel to keep an eye out for my dad, knowing that he had more than likely left his phone in his car. I swear he’d leave his head if it wasn’t attached to his body. I do one more glance over the area before I hear a laugh. It’s only one person I know alive that has that laugh. I turn to where I hear it and before I could do anything, I’m lifted off my feet. I squeal as I recognize the person to be my dad. “Daddy!”, I exclaimed as we embraced tightly. “I missed you so much cupcake”, my dad whispers into my hair. Placing me down, he chortles, “Last time I saw you, you were this tall”. As he says it, he puts his hand a good 3 feet away from the floor. I glare at him and push him away as he makes fun of my short stature, “You just saw me last year. And I know you ain’t talking. You’re 3 strands away from being bald old man.” He looked at me in faux shock before we both burst out laughing. “Man, I missed this. At least now, you’re here for good.”, he says in between laughs. “Only if your cooking has gotten better. I’ll have to run away if I eat another pack of noodles cause you burnt the food up.” I jested. “Ok ok it was not that bad. And that was only one time!” he defended. “One time too many.” I brattily say as he pouts. “But, I guess you can make it up by cooking my favorite”. As he hears that, he perks up. He sets into a soldier position, saluting me. “Ay, ay captain!” he nothing but shouts before walking off with my luggage. And, my mama asks where I get it from, I think.
Making it to his truck, the ride home was fairly short. It wasn’t long before we pulled into the driveway of one of the most beautiful houses I’d ever seen. I will never get over the fact that I get to live here. I’m pulled from my daydream as I hear my dad call my name. “Y/N!” I whip around, “Yes?”.“You ready to head inside lil bit?” he asked. I nodded my head and slid out the door. I followed him up the pathway with my bags. Stepping through the front door, I’m met with instant warmth and comfort. It felt homey. The reason for that reveals itself as I turn right into the kitchen. “Hey, doll! Oh we missed ya darling.” Cue in my very southern, very white stepmother. Think Georgia Miller. “Hi Charlotte. I’ve missed you too,” I say, smiling at her. I don’t not like Charlotte. She’s actually really cool. Usually, when I would come to visit, she’ll let me drink or smoke while she revisited her sorority days in Chi Omega.
“They used to always call me ‘Hottie Lottie’ back in my day,” Charlotte said, reminiscing. “Yea, well, in my day, they would’ve called you ‘Thottie Lottie’,” I snickered. “Hey!”
“Well get over here and give me a hug!” she exclaimed. I walked around the counter and into her embrace. She smelled of vanilla and vodka, a Charlotte signature. Hearing a commotion, we pulled away from each other. Following the noise into the living room, I see my dad and that girl going back and forth. “Well, it’s my life so I’m going to do what I wanna do!” the brat yelled. I rolled my eyes and began my trek to my room. Anything relating to Cassie is the least of my worries. She’s Charlotte’s daughter and the bane of my existence. The pretty little princess has never lifted a finger a day in her life and still finds something to complain about—typical. She’s a headache within itself and I’d rather not deal.
I make it to my room and immediately began stripping out of my clothes. I rummage through my suitcase for a second before grabbing my body wash and a rag. I wrapped my hair with my scarf and put on my shower cap. I head towards my bathroom and quickly hop in the shower. Once I’m done, I head out into my room and apply my lotion. I began thinking about what I’m about to put on before it pops into my head. I go into my suitcase and find the pieces for my outfit. I’m quickly out the door once I’m dressed.
“Aht aht where you going?” I hear from behind me. I turn my head slightly, with my hand still ghosting over his keys, to see my dad. “Uhhh nowhere of course,” I say, laughing nervously. He squints his eyes at me like he’s trying to read my mind. There’s a steady pause as we watch each other. Then suddenly, my dad puts his hands up and takes a step back, “Oh well I guess you won’t have the chance to test out that purty Jeep on the road.” I quickly whip around towards him, “IT’S HERE?!”. I waste no time hearing his answer as I rush to the front door. Trampling over the threshold, I’m met with my black beauty sitting pretty in the driveway. Squealing, I rush to my baby before realizing I don’t have the keys. As I turn to go back inside, I see Charlotte and my dad on the steps watching me. Hastily retrieving the keys, I continue to my truck. I start up the engine and press the gas, relishing in the sound. Shifting the gear, I began pulling out of the driveway, honking my horn goodbye. I let all of my windows down as I turn onto the road. I sing along with ‘Money Trees’ by Kendrick Lamar and let the wind blow through my fresh press. Cheers to a new beginning…
consistent skincare routines, healthier meals, being more active, opening the windows to let in the fresh air, crisp new book pages, green juices, smoothies, daily walks, journaling, meditation, prayer, positive thinking, affirmations, mirror work, spending time with amazing people, vision boards, stretching, burning candles that smells like spring, buying flowers, planting something special, baking, picnics, feeding ducks, going to the fresh market, visiting local farms, going on a bike ride, sunshine, clean products, enjoying personal time, trying new cafes, studying, working on self-development projects, spring cleaning, spending more time in nature, thriving in femininity and stillness, seeing the bunnies in the grass, going to bed early and waking up early, listening to smaller musicians and bands, trying different things, new bedsheets, new pillows, massages, stargazing, listening to the birds, dancing in the rain, unplugging, and allowing spring to be the season of true mental growth.
