Anemoia // Sally Face

19: The long road

June 20th

My alarm clock woke me up from my deep sleep. I forgot that I set it for 6:30 AM, and I wished I hadn't stayed up until 12 AM last night last minute packing. I sluggishly get out of bed and throw on a black hoodie and sweatpants.

Larry would be here soon to pick me up, so I gathered my backpack and duffle bag, and pillow with a blanket stuffed into the case, dragging myself downstairs where I threw everything on the couch.

Dad was already up, eating cereal at the dining table. "Good morning sunshine," he greeted.

"Morning," I slur out. I grab myself a clean bowl and pour dry cereal into it.

"No milk with that?"

"Not in a milk mood, ya know?"

"Whatever you say," he shrugs. "So, you're heading out this morning, I hope you have a good trip, and please be careful, don't go anywhere alone, and don't stay out to late with your friends."

"I know, I'll be safe,"

"Mom won't be up this early, but she told me last night to tell you she loves you and hopes you have fun," Dad says with a smile.

"Tell her I love her too,"

We wit in silence and finish up our breakfasts. I begin to wash the two bowls we used, when I hear a honk from outside. It must be Larry telling me he's here.

"Go on, I'll finish this," My dad pulls me away from the sink and gives me a hug.

"Bye dad, see you in a week!" I grab everything off the couch and head outside. The sky is still dark and I can barely see Larry's truck. I put my duffle bag into the bed of the truck, which has a cover over it in case of rain. Then I sit in the front seat. I'm the last one being picked up since I live the farthest away. Ash is sitting in the middle in the back fast asleep.

"I'm stopping for coffee before we leave town; you should get some too," Larry yawns. By my feet I see a plastic bag and it's filled with energy drinks.

"Also don't worry about Larry getting tired, Todd has his license and can take over driving if he needs to sleep," Sal says from behind Larry.

We hit the road after Larry grabs himself a coffee and I get one as well. I don't feel like talking to anyone since I just woke up, so I curl up in my seat and pull my hood over my hair, taking occasional sips of my coffee. Larry put on some casual music to set the mood for the long ride. It's to early to play Sanitys fall anyway. Todd has been reading a book since I've gotten in the car, and Sal just stares out the window.

In case I get bored, I brought art supplies, including my sketch book. Also, my Walkman for when I can't stand Larry's music anymore. Finally, two books to read. Most of my entertainment will have to come from my friends, but we are all too tired to try and hold a conversation.

...

It's been an hour into our drive and Ash has woken up. She's cheery and talking up a storm, forcing Todd to put away his book and listen to her. I listen the best I can to her words, but my eyes drift to the changing scenery. It feels like how it did moving here, although we flew to the town next to Nockfell, we still had to drive a couple of hours to enter Nockfell.

"Katie, what are you most excited for in California?" Ash asks catching my attention.

"I guess the board walk. It's one of the few places I loved going to," I turn my body to look at her in the back.