I stood on my front porch with my bags in hand. I set them down with a heavy thump. I hoisted myself up onto the withered white porch swing. The spring breeze wrapping me in a warm hug. The bright sun beating down on my face. The day is beautiful but I feel gloomy, like a big ol' thunderstorm above my head. I squint to see any sign of a bus, taxi, or signs of life. Not a single one in sight, I blow out a sigh of relief. I stared down the twisted oak tree beside my house, lost in thought wondering what my life outside of Texas will be like. I hear the creak of a screen door open and slam shut. I look up to see my mom, she's wearing her pink and white apron, that's how I know she's cooking something.
"Tatum!" She gives me a sympathetic look. "I figured you'd be out here!"
I shrug, keeping my focus on that same twisted oak tree.
"Honey, listen, I know you're upset but it's only gonna be a couple of months! You and your cousins are gonna have SO much fun this summer!" She smiles at me.
I know she's trying to make me feel better but it ain't workin'. I give her a little smile in return but not paying her any mind. She sighs and sits down, the swing giving in to both of our weights.
"Darlin' I know it's hard. It's been that way ever since.." She stops herself, clearing her throat. "What I'm tryin' to say to you is PonyBoy, SodaPop, and Darry are going to LOVE having you around! I know it's only early spring-"
I cut her off. "Momma you don't understand! If I'm stayin' with them for as long as you need me to then I'm gonna have to switch schools! I just ain't ready to move!
I start to tear up, I wish she understood but she doesn't. She's been in this same little down ever since she was born. I haven't seen nor spoken to my cousins since I was about nine years old. Ever since then, it's been years, all's I know is their parents died not too long ago. I'm too consumed in my thoughts to see a black Ford Mustang pull into our driveway. Mom gets up from the swing clapping her hands together.
"Well Tatum, your ride is here! I've arranged for one of my closest clients to take you to Tulsa! Be sure to write to me!" She wraps me in a tight hug, planting a wet kiss on my forehead. I hug her back not sure of what I'm supposed to say. I feel as if I'm being sent off to military school for the summer.
"I'll try, Momma." I give her a half smile. I lug my bags with me to the Stang. The driver getting out to greet me.
"Ready for your ride, Miss Tatum?" The older gentleman smiles at me, holding his hand out for my bags.
"Your Stang is tuff. At least I'll be going out in style." I chuckle.
We load my bags into the trunk, taking one last glimpse at the house I grew up in. I wave to mom, unsure of when I'd see her again.
"I love you always, Tatum!" She waves back to me.
"I love you, Momma."
I get into the car. We pull off and I watch the town I once knew fade further and further away into nothingness.
YOU ARE READING
The Unfortunate Love
Fanfiction17 year old, Tatum Croft, had a so-called normal life. Or so she thought. Her mother got a "job opportunity" which meant new horizons for her mother, but not so much for Tatum. With no other choice, she packed up her things, leaving her small town i...
