Never the Same...

The Change

*PRESENT*

Everything in the house that belonged to my parents is packed. I finish dusting my parents’ old bed frame when the doorbell rings. I pray that it’s not another condolence. I mean why people must feel the need to remind me of the deaths.

I hide in the back for Hunter to tell me to come for it. “Rain, it’s for you.” He calls around the corner. Therefore, reluctantly, I slide around the corner and the people that are in my doorway make me angry.

It’s my family. “Get out; none of you are welcome here, in this house.” I slam the door and take a shaky breath. I slide down the door in a mess of tears as Hunter rubs my back soothingly.

“Let’s get off the tile,” he stands me up and hugs me tight. I sniffle, wipe my eyes and walk away. “You can go home. I’ll be good for the rest of day. Go see your family.” I walk into my bedroom and close the door ever so slightly. I hear no doors opening or closing, indicating that Hunter didn’t leave.

                I start cleaning up my room and hours pass before my phone dings with the news of a new text message. I open it and it’s from a friend at school. I only have a quarter left and then I can start online schooling. I stare at my "Memory Board" and carefully unpin the picture of Emily Dickens. I wanted to become a writer. It’s funny how my life took a turn down the wrong path.

                “Rain?” Hunter came into my room and I looked up at him. “There are some men here that want to buy the car." I take a deep breath and go out to greet them. 

"Hello I'm Walter. I'm aware of your current status and wanted to see if you're interested in selling your 1969 El Camino?" He almost shakes with excitement. While the lump in my throat hitches. "No less than $20,000." I stick my hands in my back pockets and Hunter places a hand on my shoulder.

"Deal."

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

I'm sitting on my kitchen counter while my attorney, Greg, and my mom's boss, Jennifer, work out the rest of the details.  "So, you have sold all the cars, and now the house. The furniture is reimbursed and you want to donate your parents things?" Greg reads through my demands. Jen's head whips towards me, "What!? You're donating all of your parents things? Baby, you're going to want some of their things."

  I just nod at her, "I've packed several boxes of things that I'm keeping of theirs, but I really find no use in their old clothes and glasses. I was reasonable with what I parted with." That was the end of that discussion.

                        Now, I have one week until I make a move, where do I want to go?

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          "Why don't you move to London? You've always wanted to go, well now, you can." Hunter elbows me. I think about it. "You should do it," Carrie insisted, "I mean you can't stay here. You need to fly." She laughs and makes me giggle along. 

          "You guys are absolutely right! I need to get out of here." I jump from my seat and pick up my phone, I'm leaving.