Comfort Zone

Paisley

Chapter 1

I wish I had black bed sheets.

If I had black bed sheets, the brightness of my lights wouldn't be this bright. Even as I pull my white bed sheets over my eyes the brightness shines through and transforms my vision from black to pink.

I squinted as I carefully opened my eyes, to see the pink walls I had chosen as a child, which were filled with pictures of my family and friends. I smiled as I sat cross-legged on my painfully sheer bed sheets and looked through all of my memories in my small yet lovable town, in the middle of literal nowhere.

This was the type of town where everyone knows each-other, and since there was hardly any service anywhere, we were sort of cut off from society.

I grabbed a quick shower before putting on some light makeup and throwing my boring semi-long brown hair in a bun. I dressed myself in a pair of black leggings, and my favourite, most comfortable light pink sweatshirt.

I'd be spending a lot of time on a plane today, so I decided to dress comfortably.

It was mid-February, and in Canada, the winters are harsh. I stuffed a pair of my favourite high wasted shorts in my carry on bag, as well as a sheer black tank top.

Tomorrow I would be in Croatia, and this outfit would be a bit inappropriate for the warm weather there.

I threw on a pair of fuzzy socks and strolled over to my bookshelf to pick out some reading material for the flight. Of course, I had already packed my kobo full of new books to read for the trip. I wanted to bring my "real" books, but my mother argued that it would be a waste of space in my suitcase.

Personally, I would have given up some clothes or makeup or shoes for some books, but my kobo was a Christmas gift and I didn't want to disappoint my mum.

Next, I tossed my new yellow iPod into my purse along with two pairs of headphones, one pair for back up just in case.

"Paisley, are you almost ready hon?" My mum called to me from downstairs. "I made you some oatmeal to eat before we head out!" My mother was one of the sweetest people in our town. She would do anything for me, and even though I prefer independence (which she still supports), she goes out of her way just to make me happy, as I do for her.

"Yeah, Mum! One sec, I'm gonna grab my stuff and bring it down!"

I put my carry-on backpack on my back, pulled my purse around my neck, and as I reached for my guitar, my Dad stopped me and threw it onto his shoulder, then proceeded to grab onto my suitcase with a cheeky smile.

"How are you feeling Pais?" He inquired.

I shrugged and returned his smile. "Alright, I guess. A bit scared, but you know."

His smile brightened and he reached to mess up my hair but I ducked out of the way.

"Dad! I don't need to look like even more of a scruff today." We laughed and he started out of my bedroom. I shuffled slowly after out of my room and down the spiralling dark hardwood stairs.

After eating my oatmeal, and quickly eating a banana, I snuck back upstairs. It was 5:30 in the morning, and though in their excitement my parents had been up bright and early for my departure, Jack was still asleep in the room next to mine.

Mum and Dad warned me not to wake him, as he had school in the morning, but I couldn't go to Croatia for 3 weeks and not say goodbye to my little brother.

I crept into his boyish bedroom and tapped on his shoulder. He rubbed his eyes and groaned. "Pais?" He muttered.

"Hey, bud." I smiled.

My little brother was only 10, and though he was 8 years younger than me, he seemed just as mature, at times even more.

He instantly reached up to throw his arms around me in a comforting hug. Jack's hugs always made me feel better. He and Justice were my two best friends.

Even though we fought like any normal siblings, we always laughed it off and could never stay mad at each-other.

At times it seemed as if he knew me better than even I did. "You're scared" He told me.

"Yeah, I really am."

"Did you bring your anxiety pill things? And gravol and stuff?"

I smiled and scuffed his bed head hair. "Yeah, I did. Anyway I think I'm late, I love you buddy." He yawned and smiled.

"Have fun, Paisley, I'm gonna miss having you around for three weeks."

He let me go and I tucked him back in with a peck on the forehead before sneaking back out and downstairs.

Mum and Dad had already packed my things into the trunk of my car, and we're waiting for me in the two front seats.

"I figured you'd appreciate not having to drive this early in the morning." My mum laughed.

"Thanks, Mum."

The drive to my school only takes about 5 minutes, but those 5 minutes felt irregularly long because of my constant thoughts and worries.

Once I arrived, I gave my mother, who was tearing up, a long hug and kiss on the cheek, and threw my arms into the safety of my fathers, who whispered a joke into my ear which lightened up my mood. I said goodbye to them, and put my things into the compartment under the bus my school had rented for the drive to the airport, which was about 4 hours away.

I kept my backpack and purse with me, and as soon as I waved goodbye to my parents as they drove away, Justice spotted me and instantly ran towards me, wrapping me in a warm hug. She pulled back and held my shoulders, slightly shaking me. "WE'RE GOING TO CROATIA!!!" She hugged me again and again until I smiled back at her. She looked me up and down. "Well damn, you actually look cute."

I laughed at her statement and looked her up and down too.

Her hair was similar to mine, same length, cut and colour, but instead of a messy bun her hair was thrown in a ponytail which rested at her shoulders. She wore grey roots sweatpants and a tight, long sleeved blue shirt from American Eagle. Her purse which was identical to mine was draped around her shoulder and her black backpack rested on one arm, after jumping and hugging and screaming.

"You look good too, J." I smiled. Justice was one of those people who's smiles were contagious. She was the most stubborn person I've ever met, and since we've been best friends since elementary school, she's always been set on making me happy. It always works. "God, I hope those hot new guys don't see me like this!"

She hid behind me playfully and I tugged her hand, pulling her in front of me. When I didn't reply, her eyes widened. "Oh my god, have you not even seen them?? I think their names are... oh I don't know, I forget. But good lord they are attractive. And there are no cute guys in our town. We better hop on that on this trip, Pais." She rambled on about them for a couple minutes before we were called onto the bus and took our seats next to each-other near the middle.

The chaperones gave their speal, the bus started, and I was on my way to the airport.