The Foreign Exchange Student

Chapter One

February 15th 2019

Lotus Jones

I looked at my father as he continued driving us to the airport before looking away.

"Lo, I know you don't understand now but-"

"Dad, it's fine...I'm ok with you sending me to another god damn country." I scoffed.

He let out a tired sigh, we've been arguing about this for months. My mother was no where to be found and he barely tells me about her. He raised me himself, from the attitude to the way I dress and do my hair is all John Jones.

We didn't have much, but as long as we had each other I thought things would always be ok. I didn't think he would send me to another country.

"Watch it. I'm doing this for your own good...you know it." He said.

We arrived at the airport before he found a parking spot. He killed the engine and looked at me.

"Dad, I don't need this. This is my senior year...I've been doing good." I said.

"I know Lo, I know. Korea has better resources for your talents...you're smart as hell. Too smart, it's only for a year and I'll be there with you after." He said grabbing my hands.

I looked at him as fear finally set in.

"But dad...no one is there with me. Yeah I know the language but...dad please." I said.

He reached for my face and wiped away a stray tear. I didn't even know I was crying.

"Listen to me Lo. The lee's are a good family...this program will look amazing on your college application. I bought you a new phone so you can call me anytime." He said.

"This is about the eviction notice isn't it?" I asked.

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

"I saw it this morning. All of them, we're going to be homeless aren't we?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"Don't you worry about that." He said.

"Dad-"

"Come on, we don't want to miss your flight." He said opening the door.

I sighed as I unbuckled my seatbelt. I got out of the car before he pumped the trunk grabbing my suitcase.

"Daddy, please don't make me do this." I said.

"I promise a year will go by so quick." He said.

I shook my head as I followed behind him. Yeah I bet. We walked into the airport and stopped just behind TSA.

"Listen, I love you Ladybug...your grandmother will be so proud of you." He said.

I nodded, my grandmother recently passed...she was the best mother I've ever known. She helped me be a girl and not a guy my dad tried to raise.