Stowaways (ON HOLD DUE TO LACK OF INSPIRATION)

Chapter 2: This Prison Cell I Call Home

As Aspen desperately waits for a response, he awkwardly squats down and picks up the rest of my things. Still in shock of what is actually happening I catch a glimpse of Kiera's face in the doorway. With one facial expression I can hear her sermon of disapproving and scolding words like:

"Wtf Vale, why are you such an anti-social idiot. At least say sorry. Thanks. Hi. Ok. A mumble. A breath. Anything is an improvement compared to this 'deer stuck in the headlights' look you had plastered on your face."

Which is exactly what she told me at lunch.

After what seemed like a lifetime of sitting on the floor, I managed to get myself standing again, repetitively thanking him apologetically, in my head of course, and walk away with the word embarrassed written on my forehead.

School was finally over, and I could not hop in the car any faster than I did. With all this hullabaloo that went on in Physics, I totally forgot what I had been mentally preparing for this past week.

Every Friday my family has this "mandatory dinner" that for some reason only applies to me, and not my brother who lives on campus at college. And I mean, you think it would apply to him, considering we NEVER see him, and they see me every day.

Anyways, I was going to use tonight's dinner together to make a big announcement. Or... More like a big request.

Ever since I was little I have been dying to travel! My parents used to do so much when I was little like Disneyland, Catalina Island, Big Bear, Arizona, Nebraska, Mammoth. But that was the thing! I was really little!

And I don't remember one stinkin' thing about those trips. I even made this "travel journal" when I was 12, and filled it with cut out pictures of all the places I wanted to go. I mainly wanted a European trip. London, Paris, Ireland, it would be my DREAM to go there. Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia, I really wanted to see it all.

Of course I know those are all very unrealistic goals. But I was really hoping, I can plant the idea of letting me go to one of these places as a graduation gift.

I have never left the country, and even if I don't I'd be ecstatic to just take a road trip! Anything! Just get me out of this small town!

So for the past week I've been mentally writing my persuasive speech on why I should be allowed to travel on my own.

1. I'm not that fond of myself being shy and introverted, however it does benefit me in a sense that I don't do anything reckless or dangerous! My parents say they trust me 105% because I always obey their wishes and stay out of trouble. So they can trust me on my own that I won't be doing anything wrong or that they wouldn't approve of!

2. I've already calculated all the plans and costs of the trip. My dad travels a lot for work and we get bonus points for every time we fly with WorldTrvlr Airlines. My dad flies mostly monthly, but sometimes he'll be required to go twice in one month. So we have accumulated enough travel points to fly all the way around the world. Twice. Because we never go anywhere. So why NOT take advantage of free flights am I right? Plus Kiera has close relatives that just moved to London a few summers ago, that would be more than willing to let me stay with them for free. Lastly, I have enough money to take care of food and necessities thanks to many nights of babysitting!

3. I will text my parents every minute of every day! With pictures, phone calls, skyping, and many posts on Instagram~ it will be like they are right there with me!

How could they say no?!

* * *

"I'm sorry sweetie, it's going to have to be a no." my father said sternly. My heart sank so deep it felt like it was no longer in me. I pitched my plan perfectly! I even showed evidence of all my lists and calculations. And just like that a "no"? They didn't even take time to think about it.

"I-I don't... How come? Why?" I mumbled, trying to resist the strong urge to whine like a two year old and hide in my bedroom.

"Honey, it's just such a big request. So unexpectedly too. You're not even 18 yet and you want to travel half way across the world?"

I wish she wouldn't exaggerate so much. "But mom I'm ready! I'm more than capable to take care of myself on my own! Don't you trust that I can be responsible?"

"Vale it's not you that we are worried about. We trust you 105% kiddo. We just don't trust the other people out there. No one can control the dangers that are out there. And what if something did happen to you while you were away? We would not be able to come to you quickly. It just doesn't sound like the safest idea."

"But that's so unfair! If that's how you decide what I can and can't do, then I'll never get to do ANYTHING so long as there are "dangers." There are always going to be dangers! Do you just plan on keeping me here with you guys my whole life so long as there is a chance something can go wrong??"

"Oh darling, don't worry. Soon your dad's business will kick off and we'll have lots of money to do things as a family! We'll travel anywhere you want, you just have to be patient." My mom said trying to give a sympathetic smile that seemed to only anger me more.

I feel myself getting heated. It's taking everything in me not to become a nuclear explosion of frustration. Calm down Vale. They are just trying to protect me. They don't mean to make me upset. Calm...

"I know it's a huge decision. But pleeease think about it a little longer... Even if it's just a road trip to Seattle with Kiera or something. But please don't set on an official answer just yet?"

I can't stare at their 'it pains us to say no to you' faces anymore, so I get up and take my dishes to the kitchen before they can give an answer. Once I'm out of sight I immediately run up to my room and bury my face in my pillows. Why do I have to have stupid reflexes that prevents me from suffocating my stupid self?

I hate when I get so melodramatic but, I can't help but feel that if something doesn't start happening soon... then I'm just going to get left behind. I mean I barely have enough friends as it is. Once Kiera is gone, then what will I do? As much as I crave my independence and freedom, I fear being alone. Being alone with an uneventful life. With no excitement, no friends, no fun. Being left alone with myself.

And I bore the hell outa myself.