Becoming Kelly

Life giving

Ethan

I'm excited. No one can ruin what I feel because I need this release. No parents involved. No one I have to pretend for.

I'm looking forward to snowboarding with my friends. This year only the guys will go. A whole 3 bedroom cabin for the three of us. We each can bring girls in after a day of taking on the slopes. A different girl every single day if I want to. I like to have my options.

Man, do I love life. I really can't complain. I feel like life was finally giving me the thumbs up. I mean, life DOES owes me. I lost a lot this year. I can only let the situation go. Nothing I can do. With time, I will move on. All I need is some time haha. Life is giving me time and recreational activities to fill in with. Life is apologizing to me in a way if you think about it. 

Like 'Sorry Ethan, man, for your loss, here is a vacation!

I feel like that's exactly what life is saying.

Thanks life.

I will enjoy this.

Evan's dad was kind enough to let us use his Tahoe on our journey. I had thrown my things into the SUV about 20 minutes ago. We are driving to Manny's place next.

"Did you hear who else is hitting the slopes this year?" Evan asks me.

"I know that Mace will be out there and he's bringing Dustin with him. I think he also mentioned something about maybe Kira and Claire going with them. Tabitha and some sophomore girls are going at the end of the week."

"Do you think Dustin likes Kira?" Evan says hesitantly.

I scrunch my eyebrows. Why does he care? "I don't know man. Why?"

"I think I might be into Kira. I can't think of a better opportunity to approach this then on the trip. I also want to make sure I have a good chance. I know she's always around Dustin. So maybe they like each other or if they are just friends then his opinion of me is going to matter."

I start to laugh. Like a full on belly laugh.

"What the hell Ethan? Why are you laughing?"

As my laughter dies down I start to think. "Evan, I'm sorry. It's just your that guy who doesn't give a fuck about what anyone thinks. Second of all Dustin is on our football team, you could just ask him."

"Maybe I should rephrase this, you little shit" My eyes bugged out when Evan called me a little shit. The guy never curses.

"Ethan, I really like this girl and the last thing I need is to look like a fool. If there is someone in her life, I want to know now so I don't make a move."

I clap the guy on the back. "That's cool Evan. I'll ask Mace for you. He's buddy buddy with Kira. No need to fret. I got your back man."

Evans shoulders relaxed. Guy must be really stressed about this. "Thanks, I really would appreciate it. Its been on my mind for a while."

I chuckle. I think it's pretty obvious that Evan won't be inviting any girls to his room. Which is okay with me. I don't think Evan had dated anyone since 8th grade. He's really picky and serious when it comes to girls he wants to date.

Evan parks the Tahoe in front of Manny's place and honks the horn.  He gets out to move stuff around in the back. I look out the window just in time to see Manny coming out of his garage with snowboarding equipment. I can always count on Manny to be prepared and then some. He's letting me borrow his brothers snowboard since mine got lost in the airport a year ago.

Manny popped into the backseat of the SUV while Evan buckled himself into the drivers seat. Manny started talking to me about a new game he has for his PS4 and his expectations for the trip. It's awesome to know that him and I have the same agenda.

_____________________________________

**3 HOURS BEFORE**

KELLY

I shoved my hands in my pocket. It did not help. It did not change anything. My affinities were on. Alight. They were around me and would not calm down. No matter how hard I try.

I cannot be upset over this though. Fire left a faint burn on the forest beneath my feet, Air rustled my hair continuously, Earthy smells tickled my nose, and water caressed my face. 

It is really my fault. My elements cannot be locked away for as long as they have. They have pushed themselves out full force now. I have to let them protect and play for the time being. When they have spent all of the pent up energy they will go back to sitting idle. I called the gang and asked if we could leave at a later time. So we will be leaving for the slopes at 2 instead.

Back when I used to live on the Isle, my elements went out to play once a day. They co-mingled everyday and I enjoyed the exercise. I asked too much of them when I stored them for this long. I can only hope that they don't misbehave and come out forcefully like they are doing today. 

I have to remember to take them out when I come back from the slopes.

At 12:30ish my elements became subdued and before I knew it, I was alone. I started walking to town, headed toward the town square. I stepped off of the wooded area and onto the cobblestone sidewalk. The square was peppered with shops of all sorts. I passed a few places medical spots. I felt wierd knowing that I would never need any services from Dr.Carroll. Dr.Carroll has giant poster cut outs of teeth displayed at the window. Next to the tooth a giant cut out of a blocky red tooth brush is displayed. Beside Dr.Carroll's practice, Dr.Jones had a practice of his own. A modest and simple sign read Doctor. Small print on the door suggested that walk ins are welcome. A drive way beside the doctors office led me to believe they had parking available out back.

I waited at the light to cross on the pedestrian sidewalk. When the sign said walk in white letters I started to cross the street. Imagine my surprise  When an Suv barreled toward me and honked the horn.

"Hey! It's my turn. See!" I said pointing to the pedesteian walk sign.  When I reached the side walk the suv stopped beside me. The window rolled down.

"I didn't mean to startle you Kelly!"

I looked into the suv and saw Evan. He was a really nice person. "It's okay I believe you." I said to him.

Evan smiled and offered me a ride home. I got in and buckled up. "How's your break?" Evan asked, making small talk.

"Pretty good so far I finished all the work for winter break yesterday so it should be relaxing."

"I haven't even opened up my bookbag." Evan admitted.

Evan and I had a lot of classes together so I know what his work load is.

"Its literally two days worth of homework if you concentrate. I'm sure that you'll get it done." I say as he turns into my driveway. "Bye Evan! Thanks for the ride!"

"It's no problem. Have a good rest of your break!" Evan says as I close the door of the SUV. He drives off and I'm over moon that I have extra time to prepare for the trip. Finding Evan in town means the gang and I can leave earlier to the slopes. I ended up texting everyone that I was ready at 1.

Mace, Kira, Claire, and Dustin jumped out of Dustin's old but trusty ford car with smiles on their faces. I was so excited for this and knowing that I had my best gals and boys made me truely believe that my human life is complete. I live for perfect moments like this. Moments like these are uncommon but they always come when you needed it the most.

I had my things in the trunk and Delia said her farewells to each of us. Giving hugs and kisses like the doting aunt she is. We ended up leaving for the slopes at 1:30pm.