Blizzard Spirit

1- Ridgecrest

Life was good here in California. The only thing that every really worried me was the shortage of water and boys, but really I didn't care much for the world. I say I didn't because this person telling this story has already seen what has happened. I want to show the people of today that the world matters, every living thing. But I had to learn that the hard way.

My life story began on the afternoon of April 23rd. The dry and dusty landscape of Ridgecrest greeted me from the windows of Bailes Middle School. I ignored it. I stared at the clock as it ticked ever so slightly. Five minutes. Three minutes. The wait was excruciating. Then as Ms. Hamby suddenly mentioned, "Remember we will be testing on this tomorrow." I woke up, remembering my plans to take notes, I shrugged it off. The ball rang and as I avoided my ex-best friend Katie, I turned to the long walk toward my house. I could feel her gaze on me as I turned away from her usual path.

After I Knew Katie was gone, I decided on thinking about my step-dad's surprise. Not even mom knew, which was bad since she usually rejects his ideas. Her main defense would always be 'no way, remember last time we went on a boat' Benjie (my stepdad) would plead, but mother always made the definitive choice at the end. I was like her that way.

Benjie is a full on deer, elk, rabbit pretty much all life hunter. Sometimes he would leave two weeks on a hunting trip. he'd ask me to come along, says it will be fun, but I never would accept. Not if mom didn't.

While I was pondering, Benjie out of no-where drove up on the dirt road to me. He called, " Hey Charlotte! hop in the truck." As I did, mom looked back to me from the passenger seat, "Honey, when we get home, you're going to need to pack." Her and Benjie both looked at each other in unison as if they had a mind connection. "Even though it's April, and summer break is still a month and a half away, were going on a family trip." I really hoped it was somewhere like Malibu or Hawaii. I've been dreaming of a tropical vacation since forever, the smoothies, and the beaches! I thought, I wonder what Katie would think of me then!

As my daydreaming was still taking a hold of my imagination, Benjie said, "And guess where? Alaska!" All my hopes and dreams were dashed. "What? Mom, did you allow this?" I hollered. Who could possibly enjoy a trip to bitter cold Alaska? The only place worse would be Antarctica, but Alaska was pretty close. "Charlotte, it will be fun. Benjie has had to put up with all the things we do. He did not like the Hollywood trip if you remember that. It just isn't his type of entertainment. Just think of all the new places you'll see." Mom was in it now. I couldn't believe it. How could she betray me and leave me alone in a dark deep hole like this. Alaska. Creepy crawly Alaska. Ugh. I had no fear in exclaiming my feelings that evening. The only thing I could look forward to was not being at school... and missing that test.

 During dinner, Benjie couldn't help but boast of all the excitement he felt. "The cabin will be right on the water overlooking the mountains. Charlotte, we can take a family photo with matching sweaters! And behind all that scenery! Ah, if it could only be today." yeah, I'd like it in a million years please. Then as I was thinking that, I thought of a promising idea, " Hey, why cant I just stay home, and you two take the trip? I bet it would be easier without me and all my griping." Benjie and mom thought, but again in annoyingly perfect unison said, "No, it would be good for you to go." They laughed and I left the table all the more furious. Katie will howl when she hears about this 'vacation'. Ugh.

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Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoy the rest, and am anticipating how you think of it! Please feel free to comment below in what ways you like my writing and how I can improve it!

Be your finest best,

Finepest