My Summer Fling (editing)

Chapter One*

"Soph! Are your bags ready? It's time to go!" my mom called up the stairs. I take in a breath, doing one last double take of my room. Confident that I have everything, I make my way down the stairs with my suitcase in hand.

I pile it into the back of the van with the rest of the bags, smiling at my dad. He thanks me, shooting me a quick smile.

"You excited for Florida, bug?" I nod, shrugging my shoulders. In truth, I was bummed that I had to spend my last summer as a senior away from all of my friends. Everybody was looking into universities within the local area but I decided to venture a little further for the sake of saving my parents a few bucks on school. And by a little further, I meant an 18-hour drive away in an entirely different country. I'd like to blame my parents but the truth was I was excited for a new experience ahead.

"It'll be fun," I assured him, making my way into the back seat. I kick my feet up on the other side, adjusting my seat belt so that I was comfortable. I reached into my handbag and pulled out my earbuds, putting them in and playing a podcast in an attempt to tune out my surroundings. I checked my phone to see a few texts from my group chat.

Since '09 <3
Bianca: anyone up for a day at the mall?
Anna: i'm soooo down for that! which one?
Bianca: i was thinking Valley Fair? feeling a little bougie?
Damien: I'm in! I've been wanting to hit the Nike store there because they're selling limited editions.
Anna: you and your shoe obsession omg
Bianca: y'all i just realized my family made plans to go to the boardwalk with my little cousins smh. i'm gonna have to ditch the plan i created lmfao
Jaden: I can't either :(
Jaden: I was actually planning on another recording session for my Youtube. Meg I was hoping you'd join?
Sophia: sorry jay haha i'm actually on my way to Florida already
Anna: Florida?!?!? girl since when
Bianca: this was supposed to be hot girl summer soph
Anna: yeah, bad bitch club remember
Sophia: i know my parents sprung this on me last night with literally no warning
Jaden: bummer :/ when do you get back
Sophia: the end of summer...
Bianca: GIRL NO
Anna: this was supposed to be our year :(
Anna: all finally single all at the same time, ready to be hit on by exqusite men at the beach in our hottest bikinis
Jaden: not to mention she's literally leaving us within the next year
Bianca: girl we needed this
Sophia: i know... i'm gonna miss y'all
Sophia: and just know i'm counting the days til school starts again
Sophia: never thought i'd be excited for school to start again omg
Damien: so what time are we going to the mall Anna?
Bianca: WE LOVE YOU SOPH.
Damien: yeah fly safe and don't crash the plane

My mom put my little sister into her car seat quickly as my dad hopped in and started the car. He looked at the time on the screen, his eyes filling with panic. He ushered my mom to get in her seat quickly, taking off before she could even finish closing the door.

"Paul!" my mom exclaimed in surprise, visibly angry at him for the rushed gesture. He laughed a little bit, trying hard to not show it.

"Sorry, honey," he chuckled. "I love you." She roller her eyes as he sped down the road. It almost felt like the car was going to fly to the airport.

**

My family and I ran through the corridors of the crowded airport, lugging our carry on bags behind us. Once we reached the gate, we crowded around the desk, breathing heavily. The lady at the desk looked at us as if we were a bunch of wild animals let loose from the zoo, maybe we were. My dad was the first to speak:

"Flight 2867 to Miami, Florida! We're like a minute late. We should be allowed on right?" The lady typed away on her computer, looking panicked.

"Um, the plane is just about to start wrapping things up but if I could just-" she typed some more, speaking into a little headset. A small part of me secretly hoped that she said no so that we could turn around and I could head straight to the mall to surprise Anna and Damien. "Okay, they've paused the starting, you have to go now!" she ushered us out of the room, practically pushing us. That little part of me died as we walked outside and up the steps of the large aircraft.