"Mother, as much as I appreciate your loving sight in my future, why NEW YORK??" Jayden exclaimed, waving their hands to their mother, who was helping them pack the things they wanted to take on a trip for an amateur model career. "Why not? The woman I spoke to said you had great potential. It's only for a month, and then you can come back to visit."
Jayden sighed and went back to packing. Shirts, shorts, socks, jewelry. Hoodies, underwear, toiletries. Pillow, vitamin pills, phone charger. The list went on and on. Finally, the bags were packed, and it was time for dinner. "Alright. We're having tv dinners tonight. Do you want spaghetti or meatloaf?" Mom said absentmindedly, stopping at the freezer.
"Spaghetti. Can I take Terry with me?" Jayden gestured to the colorful fish tank on their dresser, with a good-sized, blueish-purple Beta fish swimming around.
"You think you can take care of Terry while you're there?" Mom asked, grabbing the dinners out of the freezer and giving a quick side glance at Jayden. She opened the microwave to cook the meals. "I don't see why not." They paused, "If the people at the place I'm going don't want me there anymore, can I come home early?"
Jayden asked, practically pleading. Mom walked to the couch, pulling up her phone and responding with, "If they don't want you, you can have fun for the rest of the trip. Me and Dad are taking your siblings to Florida for the month. We can't bring you home early. I'm sorry, kid."
Jayden got up and flopped down on the couch next to Mom. Dad was out fishing with his friends, so Jayden didn't have to worry about taking his seat.
"Why Florida?" "Because you've already been." "No? We went to Texas. You and Aunt Emmy went to Florida." Jayden sat reading stories online, halfheartedly continuing the conversation. The microwave beeped.
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After dinner, Jayden went to bed right after. Mom stopped at the door to Jayden's room, offering a quick goodnight and a hug. Jayden stayed up a while after Mom went to bed, looking up the complex they would stay in.
Not too far from Times Square. Surrounded by taller buildings, though. 'Huh. Has a rooftop lounge, at least.' Jayden thought. As they laid there, they spaced out for a moment. 'I wish I could make this better. At least a tiny bit better... I'll just roll with the punches for now. It's only a trip to NYC, then I'm coming back home!
Everything will be fine. Besides, New York should be amazing!' They pulled up their headphones and got comfy, letting the noise let them sleep.
You'll never believe how slightly wrong that was.
YOU ARE READING
Somehow Managing
General FictionA seventeen-year-old named Jayden is shipped off to New York City when their mother makes a deal for a supposed career they didn't sign up for. when they arrive with their Grandma, news quickly spreads that a monster has been spotted around Manhatta...
