Hitchhiking

Part 9

Callie:
It's officially been one month since my parents kicked me out. So it's been a month since I started traveling around with the Avengers cast. I've gotten pretty close to them, especially Scarlett. She's like the mother I've never had. I've stayed in Scarlett's extra bedroom in her suite. I feel like I'm actually starting to have a real family. Well, as real as it can get.

Currently, I'm sitting in Scarlett's chair behind the scenes while they all work. June stopped responding to my messages about ten minutes ago. Now, I blankly stare at the set and let the sounds go muffled. As much as I say "I'm fine" and "It doesn't bother me", I'm not and it does. As I stare at one of the prop cars on set, I can't stop the memories of the family that kicked me out from flowing through my head.

"You don't get to talk to me like that!" Dad yelled, slamming his fist on the kitchen table. The cups and plates shook.

"This is bullshit and you know it." I knew I fucked up, but it was too late to take it back.

Dad stepped up to me, stopped right in front of me, and slapped me. Hard. I fell to the ground.

The boom of a fake gunshot brings me back to reality. I take a deep breath and clear my head of that awful memory of the first time he laid his hands on me. I watch the filming and focus on the cast working hard for another half hour.

My phone starts vibrating. I pull it out to see June's name on the screen. I get up to answer it.

"Hey," I answer as I'm walking away from my chair.

"Hey, beautiful. How's it going with your new friends?"

I crack a small smile at her name for me. Although, I don't know what she sees that's beautiful. "It's going."

"What are you up to?"

"Just going to Scarlett's trailer."

"How are you doing? I miss you."

"I miss you more than you know. But I'm doing okay. Better every day."

"That's so good to hear."

"What's up with you?" I ask, setting in the booth in Scarlett's trailer.

"Just got out of school. Everything is starting to calm down now that finals are over and we're prepping for graduation."

"Have you gotten your cap and gown yet?"

"I pick it up next week. But I just got my dress. Wanna see?"

"How could I say no? Wanna FaceTime?"

Without an answer, June video calls me. I could cry at the sight of her face, even just on a screen.

"Okay, I think you're gonna love this." June steps away from the camera but comes back with a white dress in hand.

She pulls off her shirt and I can't help but stare. I think it's safe to say I'm very in love with June. I gaze at her as she drops her shirt on the bed, pulls her pants off, and drops them on the bed too.

"June."

She looks at the camera and waits.

"I really love you."

She smiles. "I think you love my body."

"Well, I love that too. But I really love you, June. I'm in love with you."

"And you're sure you're not just saying that 'cause I'm half naked?"

"June."

"Sorry. I love you, Callie. Now, can I please show you the dress?"