What if We Were Real?

1

"How are you feeling?" Ethan asked me, fitting his hand into mine as we both watched the stars from the back of his truck.

"What are you talking about?" I asked him.

"Y'know, senior year is literally one sleep away," he replied. "One more year and we graduate".

"Oh yeah," I said.

"You haven't realized that?" Ethan asked, turning his head towards mine. I looked into those cold blue eyes and almost got lost in them.
"Raina..." he said to get my attention.

"Sorry, I was just- what was the question again?" I asked, feeling guilty.

"I said, you didn't realize how close we are to graduating?"

"Oh, I mean, I knew I guess. I just try not to think about it too much. The sooner I graduate, the sooner I'm forced into medical school."

"You still haven't told your parents about your dream?" Ethan said.

"Nope, and I don't plan on it. It's not like they're gonna care anyways. They say writing should be done in free time, not as a career. But doctors get the bills paid."

Ethan sat up and looked down at me as I continued to watch the stars.

"Well yeah, but you're writing is career worthy. You're amazing at it babe. You gotta let that work of art be known."

I paused to take a look at Ethan. He seemed very passionate about my writing, and I was flattered.

"I mean hey, you never know. I may go to medical school and then drop out and become a journalist. At that point, I'll be an adult. And I can just tell my parents to take it or leave it."

I sat up and rested my head on Ethan's shoulder. He softly kissed the top of my head and started running his fingers through my smooth brown hair.

"So, any goals for this year?" I asked him.
"Goals?" he said.

"Yeah, things you want to have accomplished by the end of the year," I replied, looking up at him.

"Hmmm...well, I want to maintain a 3.7 G.P.A, get into a great college with a scholarship in track, and still be with the love of my life," Ethan said as he gazed into my eyes.

"What about you? Any goals you have this year?"

"Honestly?" I said. "To finally become my true self."

"And what might that be?" said Ethan.

"Well of course, standing up to my parents. That's the main priority, but once that's said and done, I'm thinking of a whole new look. Gonna cut my hair, and buy new wardrobe that screams 'Raina' instead of 'plastic personality'"

"Did you say you're gonna cut your hair?" Ethan said, interrupting me.

"Most likely," I said. "Why?"

"You cannot be serious. You have such beautiful long hair, it'd be terrible to cut it off. Besides, wouldn't it make you look like this dyke or something?"

It took everything in me not to hurt Ethan in that moment, but I took a deep breath and replied in the most polite way I possibly could.

"Not necessarily, a lot of women have short hair."

"Yeah but that wouldn't suit you, you look beautiful as it is." Ethan said.

I turned away from Ethan in disgust, but he lifted my chin and made me look into his eyes again. I think he does that when he wants me to shut up. He knows how I get lost in the beauty of his eyes.

"Look, Raina. I love you, and I only want what's best for you. I may say something that you don't like, but I'm only trying to help you. Okay?"

I tried to turn away from him again but his grip was too tight for me to even move my head.

"Hey," he said. "Where's that beautiful smile?".

Even though I was irritated with Ethan, I couldn't help but smile at how adorable he can be. As I smiled, Ethan leaned in and kissed me. He wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug and whispered.

"Now, you ready to go kill senior year?"

After maybe a couple of hours, I left Ethan's house. His house and mine were a five minute walk away. I got home, and opened the door quietly, trying to sneak in. Turns out, my mother and father were standing at the door waiting for me.

"Oh..." I muttered. "Hey mom, hey dad."

"Where have you been?" my mother asked me.

"Just at Ethan's," I replied. "He invited me over for dinner."

"And you didn't think to consult us before leaving this house?" said my father.

"Dad, I'm 17. Don't you think we're past that stage now?"

"Last time I checked you didn't pay any bills." my father replied, his arms crossed.

I walked past the two of them to go get an apple from our counter. As I started to eat, my mother handed me this envelope. "What's this?" I asked.

"A letter. From Georgetown University, they want you in their medical program next fall. Isn't that great? You're not even a senior yet and you're already getting letters for college," my mom said as she hugged me.

"Yeah," I replied sarcastically. "That's great, I guess."

My mother noticed a sudden change in my voice and let go of her hold of me. She looked into my eyes with a look of disapproval.

"Honey, I know that the medical field may seem intimidating but you'll get the hang of it," she said. "Just give it a try, I promise you you'll love it. I loved it when I was your age and now I have my degree in medicine. I don't regret a single minute I spent to get that degree either."

"Where's Brandon?" I asked, trying to change the subject. My mother pointed towards the couch. I saw my little brother sitting there, reading a book and sulking in silence.

I went over to sit with Brandon. "Hey there," I said as I ran my fingers through his hair. "Hi Raina," Brandon said. "You ready for school tomorrow?" I asked.

"Not really," he said, putting his book down.

"What's got you worried about it?" I asked.

"I just....I'm afraid people aren't gonna like me. Last year, I made a total fool of myself and got bullied the rest of the year, all because I stuttered when I talked."

"Look Brandon," I said. "People are gonna find something to hate on about you no matter what. It's up to you whether you wanna let that get to you, or let it build you into a stronger man.

Besides, you got one really good friend, there's always Tyler." I said.

"I guess so..." Brandon said.

I could tell Brandon still wasn't happy, so I wrapped my arms around him and comforted him.

"Listen to me," I said. "You're 14, going into the eighth grade. Once you promote, you'll be in high school. Take it from someone who's been in your shoes not too long ago, these are gonna be some of the best moments of your life. Don't let the slightest bit of self doubt distract you from the adventure that's coming your way."

I let go of Brandon and looked him in his eyes. Just by looking at him, I could tell he was stressed. But I said one last line of encouragement to him, that was sort of a pep talk for me as well.

"All that anyone can ever ask of you, is that no matter what life throws your way, you just stay true to who you really are."