Checking Up On You

1 Nora

"Do you have all your stuff packed?" my mom walks by my room.

"Yeah I'm all–" I stop short when she shoots me a look and then I see Callie. "Oh, you weren't talking to me..."

Callie rolls her eyes. I can hear the criticism oozing out of her eyes.

I mutter an apology and stuff my last shirt into my duffel bag.

I need to get out. I've been waiting for this day for a while. A couple more minutes and I am gone.

I head out of the house, to where my car is parked in the driveway and throw my bag into my trunk.

"Hey John, I think we should get Callie a car. I don't know why we put it off for this long." Mom is bickering to herself, thinking my dad is listening as she loads up her car with Callie's stuff.

I worked for my car and everything I own while Callie has been too busy getting "clean" with the help of Mom and Dad even though she's been sneaking anything she can when they aren't paying attention.

I start my car but get out to say goodbye.

Dad is sweeping the already spotless garage. It's either that or get yelled at by Mom so I don't blame him for looking busy.

I go for a hug. "I'll see you around."

He gives me a weird look, "We're going to help you unpack at school."

I keep the sigh internal and give a fake smile. "Oh great, that's awesome."

He gives a stiff nod and awkwardly steps back when Mom approaches.

"You need to get to school, what are you still doing here?" She looks me up and down, clearly disappointed with my outfit choice.

Callie is dressed up with a full face of makeup (probably to cover her baggie eyes) and curled hair. Meanwhile, I'm over here in an old 5k shirt, sweatpants with a hole in the knee and slides, prepared to move my entire life into a dorm room.

I should probably change my shoes though, slides don't seem the most reliable with boxes.

I nod, avoid voicing my thoughts to her and head to my car.

I was really looking forward to this but our farewells can be pushed a little bit later.