Almost Eden

Chapter 4 The Countdown Begins

Adam and I entered the one school that intended to suck the life out of us until our four year term was absolute.  It had already succeeded to perform this action for our first two years, as freshmen and then as sophomores.  Fortunately as I declared repeatedly at this time, our days were nearing an end.  We had three days left to go and then we would be out of here and I would be thrown into the irresponsible clutches of my senseless parents.  Despite the fact that I would be forced from house to house all summer, I intended to make the best of it, for after all it was summer.  I also kept in mind that as the years go by, I soon would be an adult and would not have to deal with either household.  Until then, it was only simply another fantasy of mine. 
​As we came upon the lobby, Adam and I opened our lockers and went about our daily classes.  Being that we were in honors classes, we stayed in close proximity to each other throughout the day and got the chance to mingle with Willow as well.  Regrettably, during the afternoon (after lunch), we were split apart and left to fend for ourselves in the fight to find intelligent life.  I wasn't that deprived fortunately.  In my basic art class, I was able to be ensured the opportunity to spark witty conversation with my ex-boyfriend Duncan.  I know an ex doesn't sound like the best person for a discussion, but regardless of our numerous break ups, we still remained close friends.  This was probably because at the time, feelings for one another still lingered on and we both had hopes of making it work, as we did so often in the past.
​"Hey, what's up?"  Duncan glanced at me with an enchanting smile.
​"Not much.  You?"
​"Actually yes.  When  school is out, my dad wants to take me out to look for a car."  I nodded to assure him that I remained attentive.  "my search will continue for the next three months until I find the 'one'."  He said excitedly.
​"Sounds great.  At least you actually have plans for the summer."
​"And you don't?"
​"Not at all"
​"Still being tossed between family circles?"
​"Of course.  I wouldn't be me if that didn't occur."  I cringed sarcastically.
​"Oh come on, don't have such a negative outlook.  You never know, things could change a bit and before you know it, you could be having loads of fun."
​"Well..." I thought a bit.  "there is one thing I'm kind of looking forward to."
​"See there you go, thinking optimistically already.  So what's this newfound amusement at your feet?"  he asked.
​"My buddy, Vincent Cantos is supposed to be moving to Bridgewater."  I stated merrily.
​"Oh... that's great."  He responded feebly and turned away from me.
​"What?"
​"You know what."
​While Duncan and I were seeing each other, he had suspicions of Vincent and I being involved in some way.  Of course this was false, but no matter how much I pleaded for his understanding, he was convinced that there was something betwixt the two of us.  Maybe he wasn't so far off.
​"My feelings are indifferent towards him, he's just a close friend.  You know that."
​"Yea, I know, I'm just being dumb right now, sorry.  Besides, I know I'll surely be the one to provide all your summer enjoyment anyway."  His smile returned.
​"Right, I'm sure."  I remarked with my sarcasm returning.
​"I know you are." He confirmed, feeding the sarcasm right back.​
​The period proceeded as usual and so did the day.  Meanwhile, at home plans were brewing betwixt my parents.
​The phone rang within the now broken residence where my mother lay. 
​"I'm coming, I'm coming."  She squawked at the inanimate object as if it would wait for her tardiness.  She picked up on the third ring to find the voice of my father gracing the line.
​"What could you possibly have called for?  In need of finances or something of that sort?"  She questioned agitated.
​"No, not at all.  God, if that's all you think I'd call for, then I might as well go now."  My father retorted with the resonance of not being in the mood for my mother's usual none-sense.  Before hanging up, my mother apologized and claimed that her statement was uncalled for.  My father then continued his proclamation.
​"This phone call involves our daughter."  He paused for a moment, but before he could restart his speech, my mother interjected.
​"Oh gosh, what did she do this time?  Did you guys get into an argument again?"
​He fumbled with his words a bit.  "Well yes...but no... she's not in any trouble."
For a moment, he collected himself and spat out the comment.  "We're horrible parents."
"What?"
"I'm sorry Deb, but we are.  She's the middle child and we have had no consideration for that once so ever.  We have two boys and we have pretty much catered to her in the same manner, that's hardly fair."
"Hey, I gave her, that whole 'now you're a woman' speech.  I'm sure she knows her place." 
"That's not what I meant at all."  He sighed desperately.  "Let me start over."
"I'm listening."
"This whole divorce thing has taken a toll on her..."
"That's not my fault."  She interrupted again.
"Debra, please, let me speak, for once."  As he beseeched and she grew silent on the other line in shock of his remark.  "As I was saying, this has been really hard for her, quite possibly harder for her than the others.  I noticed that our family situation has gotten her a little down in the dumps and well, maybe we should do something in order to give her some space."
"What do you suggest?"  She finally spoke up.
"I was thinking about this a lot and I figured since her sixteenth birthday is coming up this July, we should send her away."
"Where exactly?"
"Well she's already been kind of a prodigy when it comes to the Romance languages, so I looked up some places on the internet and found that there is to be a tour of Europe held this summer."
"Who will be attending this trip?"  My mother questioned not too thrilled with the idea.
"I don't know.  I just figured we would let her invite two or three of her friends since we'll be stuck here working and besides if anything goes wrong, she can call upon your cousin in Wales.  All these things are optional right now because I know that money is tight and we should find some way to budget this trip."
"Keith, I am not too pleased with this idea, but I'll give it some thought."  She responded reluctantly.
"Debra, please, side with me on this one.  I want to make these new conditions work and in order to do that everyone must be happy, no one person is insignificant.  Are you with me on this?"  As he asked this, my mother rushed off the phone changing the subject quickly.
"Honey, you're home.  How was school?" she grinned.
"Fine..."  I said confused by her sudden interest in me and in a way repulsed at the same time.
There I stood completely oblivious to what was in store.  Over the next month and a half things would modify dramatically and here at the very beginning of change, I was utterly naïve.