Dear California Summer

Birthday Dinner

I quickly grabbed my suitcase from the hallway closet and went back to my room to pack. I decided to wait until the last minute to pack. I packed some of my money in the bottom of my suitcase because I didn't want anyone to mess with it. Then I went to my closet to get my sweaters. I grabbed my grey one, my white one, and my black one. I didn't want to take all of my sweaters because California was supposed to be hot. At least, I think it so. I packed almost all my shorts and skirts. I zipped that suitcase up and went back to the hallway closet to get another one because I ran out of space. I took it back to my room and laid it on my bed. I opened it up and continued to pack. I put my tank tops and t-shirts in first. Then I put in a few long sleeve shirts and about six dresses. Just in case I wanted to dress up while I was in California. I shut and zipped the second suitcase. I went back to the hallway closet to get two more suitcases for shoes and anything else I might need in California. Then I went to my closet and got my backpack and bag. I put make up, hair supplies, nail supplies and perfume in my backpack. And in my bag, I put my laptop, phone cases, chargers, the rest of my money and my wallet. I take my backpack and bag downstairs and then go back for my suitcases. Then take it all to my Jeep. Suitcases in the trunk and my backpack and bag up front with me. I don't like planes, so I asked mother if I could leave two days early and drive. I'd still get there in time to get Ethan and Sarah from the airport. Surprisingly she said yes. But why I'm not gonna complain. I get to drive to California. I walk back inside to tell mother I was leaving.

"Mom?" I yell, walking into the house.

"In Sarah's room." She yells out Sarah's door. I run up the stairs to Sarah's room.

"Hey mom, I'm gonna go ahead and go so I have time to drive before stopping at a hotel. Is that okay?" I ask her as she helps my younger sister pack. She looks up at me from her current seat in the floor. Folding clothes that Sarah just threw into her suitcase.

"I would like it if you would wait till we eat. It'll save you some money. And it's gonna be the last time I get to have dinner with all three of my babies till halfway through August. I'm gonna miss your birthday for the first time ever. So, I'm celebrating it tonight." She pleaded with me. I give her a 'really mom' look and then nod in surrender. I wasn't about to make her change her mind about me driving. It was true though. She won't see us until August 23rd. My birthday is August 14th. She has never missed a birthday since I was born. I know how hard it's going to be for her. She hates it. I know that. So I can't argue with her over this one. I turn around and walk out of Sarah's room and walk across the hall to check on Ethan.

"Ethan?" I ask, lightly knocking on his door.

"Yeah? Come in." He says, telling me it's safe to enter. I open his door and walk in. He's on his bed sorting his shoes in his suitcase. Yes, he's one of those boys. But, he's my baby brother so I still love him. I sit down next to him on his bed. He is kinda mad at me because I won't let him ride with me to California. Mom barely let me, she'd never let him. Plus Sarah can't ride a plane to California alone. And I don't have enough room in my Jeep for both of them.

"Hey Eth. I'm sorry I can't drive you. You know I would if I could. But, are you excited about your first time going to California?" I ask him semi-jokingly. He looks up at me and smiles.

"I know. And I'm really excited. It's gonna be so much fun. Dad's house is huge and right on the beach. It's going to be awesome." He said with so much excitement, it was adorable.

"Good. I'm glad you're looking forward to this summer. Me, total and Sarah have to spend one full day together. Just us. Okay?" I say meaning it. Me and my siblings aren't like most. We are extremely close. I'm always there for them. And I mean after dad left, someone had to help mom. So I stepped up. I might not have the best attitude or behavior but, I am always there for my siblings and for my mom.