Summer Desires

Chapter Two

Becca had a whole check off list made for my last summer here in Holmes City. She thinks I need to live and try to find my purpose here. But I have tried. My dream job in Paris is a photography job. I have a small side business, but in this small town, I have zero opportunity. I have tried the last two years and I have a session here and there but nothing consistent. So one day I submitted one of my pictures to an online gallery and the editors LOVED it. They reached out and asked me if I would be interested in taking a job in their office.. in Paris. I jumped the gun because I was going to get out of this small town and make something of myself. I wasn't going to be trapped by anyone anymore.

My mom is sad to watch me go, but i promised to facetime her every chance I got and to write to her and send her lots of pictures. Becca said she now has a place to vacation to and what better place than where some of the best designer clothes comes from, those are her words not mine. I can hope and pray the word hasn't traveled to Carson yet, but the rumor mill here runs faster than anything I know. I just want a fresh start, one where no one knows me and I can be who I want and what I want. I am not saying changing who I am but I can be Talia Baker who has no baggage. This summer is my last hurrah here. I can say it is slightly a bittersweet moment. Then again, I think I am going to just miss the familiarity of living somewhere.

Becca texted me stating she has planned a camping trip. Jason, Bec, Jason's cousin Alex who I have not met, and me. She said that this is my opportunity to really get over Carson. But honestly who knows what Becca has planned. All I know is she specifically told me to pack a "hot bathing suit". So if I had to guess Bec is trying to play matchmaker or maybe hookup maker nonetheless. As I am packing my bag, I think about every camping trip I've gone on. And the memories are honestly overwhelming. I don't know many 24 year olds who move all the way across the world but however, I need this. This is what I want. I'm not running away from something, I am running towards something. Ugh Becca is here already? I quickly finished packing my bag and ran out the door.

"Hey bitch! Did you pack your swimsuit?" Bec said winking.

"Bec I know what you are doing and it's not going to work. I don't even know the guy." I said while getting situated.

While Becca was pulling out of my driveway she said, "HELLO! The best way to get over a guy fully is to get under a new one. And who knows he could be it for you. I just want you to be happy babes."

"Are you happy Bec? I am only asking because recently you've been shut off towards Jason. What is going on? Talk to me." I expressed.

"Jason is Jason. Who knows, maybe I'll pack up and move to Paris with you. Could you imagine.. T and B taking on Paris. Sounds like a dream." Bec said while driving.

"Bec I am serious, what is going on? Just two weeks ago you were begging me to stay, now you are on board with possibly moving with me, I'm so lost right now." I said in a worried tone.

"Stop this is going to be a fun trip. There is nothing to worry about. Let's jam!" She said while blaring the radio.

We drove for two hours just listening to music and laughing. But despite the distraction I could still feel something was up with Becca. I knew the second I had a chance I was going to ask Jason. He cannot lie to save his life. Finally it seemed like forever, we entered the drive to the campsite. Gosh, I haven't been out here since I was a freshman in highschool, I forgot how beautiful it was. I rolled the window down and just inhaled the amazing fresh air. I could disappear here for the whole summer and not care one bit. We finally pulled up to our spot and I saw that Jason brought their family camper. Thank goodness, I love camping and everything, but I also hate sleeping in a tent.

"Babe, finally I thought you weren't coming." Jason yelled.

"Talk to Talia, she's the one who took forever." Bec said pointing at me.