Summer of the sea turtles

The move

On a rank of what my mood would be right now, I don't really know. I've had so much bad news lately. I am definitely NOT happy. Happy is the last thing I would be right now.

Two weeks ago my father announced to the family that he got a new job. Not so bad right? I actually was pretty happy for him! Then, (here comes the bad news I was talking about) he said to San Diego California! Nope, I wasn't thrilled at all. I've had to pack my stuff up ever since.

My friend Emily is helping me load all my boxes up. I'm really gonna miss her. After all, she is my BFF. We were going to be in high school together! Did my parents ever think how this would effect friendships? Nope! Not at all!

Anyways, I'm leaving Kansas today. So I'm pretty much saying all my goodbyes. I look at my empty room with bright pink walls one last time and sigh. I'm really gonna miss it here.

As we pick up the last of my boxes and load in the truck Emily gives me a small blue box.

"I know, I know, you have enough boxes. But this one won't hurt you. Open it when you get to your new house! I promise to Skype you every day Olivia!" She hugs me and I shed a tear.

"Thanks. I-I'm really going to miss you. Summer won't be the same..." She cuts me off and smiles. I try to smile back at her beautiful long blond hair and green eyes but it's hard.

"You'll make new friends! And maybe even get closer with your brother! There's a beach too! Just be positive okay?"

"Alright." I reply.

"Okay. We're all loaded up then. C'mon Liv lets get a move on! Time to get in the car! Owens already in!" My dad calls. Owen is my 16 year old brother who is two years older than me. Emily has a huge crush on him. He's taking this move a lot better than I am. He really doesn't seem to care.

"I'm coming! Just a minute!" I hug Emily one last time and then run into the car. "Goodbye!" I yell as we drive away. Emily waves back. "I'll miss you...." I mumble as I can barely see her anymore.

"You know you might never see her again?" Owen teases.

"Don't say that! I'll make sure we will!" I slap him lightly. Then I think, maybe I won't... We are going to be Freshman this year...

"You two behave! Or this is going to be a long drive." My mother butts in.

"Gosh someone's in a mood..." He mumbles.

"Or say that! You just don't understand!" I cross my arms and look out my window.

"Okay... Enjoy the scenery then!" I turn around and glare at his blue eyed and light brown haired face. I still don't see how my best friend could have a crush on him. He just ignores me and puts his beat headphones on. I know he's trying to cheer me up but it's not working. Poor guy.

My dad blasts his 80's and 90's rock while I groan.

"Can we listen to a pop radio station?" I ask.

"Nope! I like this!" He says turning it up more. Mom was right, this IS going to be a long drive!

************

We finally drive into California and I realize how far away I am. I look to talk to Owen but he is still sleeping. Lucky he can, it's hard for me to when I have all these thoughts on my mind.

A few hours later we reach San Diego. I do have to admit, it's beautiful! But I'm not sure yet... Owen seems amused. He's staring at all the teenage girls in their bikinis we pass. Or has he and other teenage boys call them "hot chicks".

We finally pull up by the beach and into the driveway of our new house. I guess on the positive side, we're close to the beach right? I guess this is a "new adventure" like my dad said it would be. I just hope it all turns out okay. I have to deal with enough already.