GOLDEN OLIVE

II

My navy, blue converse clambered down the steps of the plane as I finally was able to stretch my legs after the long flight. I had been in Paris for almost 4 months now on a trip with my school, it was apart of the course I was doing. English Literature to be exact. We were able to analyse many books in the famously ancient library's and looking into more detail of them through the many museums.
That was really my only studious trait, the love I had for books. Apart from that I'm just like the majority in the Outer Banks. Living to feel Alive.
As I entered the airport I was greeted by my mother whilst my father searched for my beige duffle bag on the carousel. Her brunette hair slightly shorter than I recall it being before i left. But the rest of her was the same. Just as comforting as I remember. The small freckles on her nose and the green eyes she had. Her olive, green eyes that glow with happiness.

"Mom." That was the only breathless world i could release before diving into her arms. She still smelt the same. Warm vanilla and shea butter. Thats one thing i do with everyone, to make memories i take in their scent. That way in years to come, one small gust of a scent will pour back millions of nostalgic thoughts. All positive i would hope.

"Oh, darling." She smiles. "I have missed you so much. Remind me to not let your father influence you into trips like that ever again." Her pink lips touch the top of my head. However, I'm catching up to her i height so its not as easy as it used to be.

I look up at her and smile. "Noted for next time. Well, there wont be a next time." The slight horror on her face fades as we both chuckle. You see i wasn't necessarily influenced into going by my father, its just he is a money enthusiast. After growing up as a pogue with absolutely nothing he finds his new, more kook lifestyle very freeing. The money he now earns from his kook job and the money he shares with his kook wife allows him to not have to worry financially. And so at any given opportunity he wants to prove to the people of my age that i can afford stuff they cannot. I find it cruel and unfair but its just his mindset. Which i guess i understand.

My father walks on over before scruffing up my hair and leads us to the car. I wanted to sit in the front. I know that makes me sound like a kid but whatever. My mother insisted i sat in the back for one reason. When I opened the door there was a small goody bag to welcome me home. It wasn't much just a few candies and a singular orange rose, but it meant the world to me.
The drive back to the OBX felt like a lifetime, and the closer we got the more desperate i was to see my friends. I rolled down my window and stuck my head out of it. The air was clean and felt so smooth on my sun kissed skin. It smelt like home.
The sound of the gravel emerged into my ears. I jumped out of the car and grabbed my stuff before running inside. I was beyond grateful to be back.
Don't get me wrong, i loved Paris but 4 months is a long time. And with barely anyone i would class as a close friend. It felt even longer.

I chucked everything onto my bed before looking around the house for Sailor. Sailors my turtle back cat who was a stray until at the ripe age of 14 i began sharing my sandwiches with on my way back from school until eventually the small kitten followed me into my house. My mother wasn't best pleased but my father thought me having my own pet was a great idea. Why doesn't that surprise me.
The name Sailor was my brothers idea.

I eventually found him curled up in the sun on the balcony which faces the 'border' between the kook and pogue land. My feet carried me towards the cat before taking a seat next to him.

"Is that- Olive! O-..OLI!" My head shot up to see a blonde boy. A huge grin appeared on my face before I stood up.

"JJ?"
"JJ! Hey, how are you?" I shout down at him with glee. God it really has felt like a million years since I've seen any of my friends.