In My Hands

Part I: AC

Before life in Santa Monica began, I had a quieter life. West Point, Nebraska. The cabin was a rich, thick, dark oak and we were surrounded by tons of trees.
Born yet not raised. Every day I went to a small public school with no more than 25 kids. Two of which were my best friends. Jaret and Haven. We were not all ready for life later on, and we hadn't had a clue.
Oh the monotony. We always walked toward the apple orchard owned by Mr.Straff. Sat. Four, five hours. Jaret talked about his life at home. The big, beautiful, modern day house. His dad's. And his mom's. A house similar to mine.  Now Haven often shared her life at the Mrs. Watts House for Abandoned Kids. The putrid meals, the unreasonable curfew or the absurd behavior of the housekeepers. I normally didn't share during this time. It was not my place.
   "It's just stupid."
She watched to sun to know what time she needed to go. Which was now.
Jaret suddenly spoke up, minutes after Haven left.
"I think it's time for me to go."
"You never leave this early"
"My father is wanting me back for chopping lessons early."
Jaret's father owns a tree service and he wants Jaret to own it in the future.
"Oh, okay. Will you be back tomorrow? It's Friday! You know what tomorrow is?"
"Yeah. I'll see you Chandler," he winked like a fool.
The breeze started to pick up and I stared out onto the crystal clear lake.
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I reached home to see my mother cooking my favorite meal, beef stew with mashed potatoes.
  "How was class?" She asked.
  "Good," I looked at her but she kept her widened, icy blue eyes fixed on the pot.
"Everything okay?"
She nodded silently, slowly stirring up the stew.
"Where's dad?" I asked.
"I don't know maybe finishing up at work," she mumbled.
I walked around the back to the deck. I grabbed a Minute Maid lemonade pouch and headed out the screen door.
The first step outside felt like a warm summer night but it was early spring. I sat out, neck cocked back, looking at the glistening stars.
Slowly, raindrops kissed my nose gently. After a few seconds, it poured but I stayed put. My mother looked out and summoned me back in side.
"Honey, I know you love West Point but we have to move. Dad has gotten a new job offer and you need proper schooling. We're going to Santa Monica, California. A beach house next to the pier. Aren't you happy to leave this old house and go to a warmer, nicer and bigger house?"
  She stared at me. I didn't dare answer her. I ran to the phone and called Jaret. The little things that he says may make my mood better, normally.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey"
"I'm moving"
"Well me too. I'm going to Charleston, North Carolina. Where are you going?"
Silence filled my lungs. I couldn't say anything.
"Santa Monica, California."
The line went dead.

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Sorry for a short chapter! I'm just getting this started.
XOXO,
gymnast1230