*Gia's POV*
"Why don't you start applying for some colleges, which is something you should've started months ago." my mom said, annoyed with the fact that I have yet to apply for any school. And today is my 18th birthday.
"Because, mom. I've explained this, like, a billion times. I'm moving to Cali for a year then applying for schools out there, because then it's cheaper." I took the box of Froot Loops out from the pantry and grabbed a handful before shoving them all in my mouth. My mom gave me a look.
"Seriously? First of all, you're an adult now. Which means stop acting like a child. Second of all, why not go to a school here? There's plenty to choose from. Not to mention, you'll be close to your family."
I laughed. "Mom, don't you understand that that's the reason why I'm moving out of Michigan. I hate it here."
"Don't say that." She walked out of the room with her coffee mug and sat on the couch and began reading a magazine.
"Why not? You told me not to lie to you about anything." I walked into my room and shut my door. I quickly got dressed and straightened my hair. I usually don't wear makeup so I didn't bother putting any on this morning. I don't care if it's my birthday, I'm not dressing up or anything.
"Gia, do you need a ride?" I heard my mom yell.
"No!" I yelled back. I like walking to school. It gives me time to think about everything. I grabbed my backpack, phone, and headphones and left without saying bye to my mom. I live with just my mom in a big condo. I have a brother, named Andy, but he ran away when he was 17 and I was 14. About a week before he did, he wrote me a long note and gave it to me and told me not to tell anyone about it. It basically said how since Mom and Dad won't let him be himself, he couldn't live under their roof anymore. Andy was gay, and my mom honestly did not mind at all. But my controlling dad was completely against gays. So after Andy ran away, my parents got a divorce and my dad moved to New York and I believe he has a girlfriend now. I wouldn't know, though. I haven't seen him since he moved out.
I walked really slow to school today since I left earlier than usual. When I got to school, I heard a bunch of people yell "happy birthday" to me even though I literally have like one friend.
"Happy birthday, Gia!" I heard a particularly perky voice sing. I turned around and saw Jenna, who is also known as the happiest bitch alive. Well, that's what I call her. She's always happy and hyper and positive. It gets annoying. Her mom is the principle and her dad is the gym teacher. Jenna is...well, she's Society's "perfect" daughter and student. It's irritating. She's irritating.
"Thanks...Jenna..." I walked away and went to my locker.
"Happy birthday Gia!" I turned around and saw my (only) friend, Sarah.
"Thanks."
"Gia, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Liar. What's wrong?? It's your 18th birthday, Gia! You're an adult now! The school year's almost over!"
I sighed and looked down. "I'm 18, Sarah. My mom got mad at me this morning because I haven't applied for any schools yet. I told her it was because I'm gonna move to California, which is true, but sometimes I miss being a little kid. There was less responsibilities and less stress. And I wasn't depressed."
"Aw, Gia. Don't get all down on your birthday! Oh, by the way, after school today you wanna go to the mall or something?"
"Um, I don't know. I'll think about it." I honestly didn't wanna go. All of our shopping trips consist of stopping at PINK or Hollister or American Eagle. I'd rather go to Zumiez or Wet Seal or Charlotte Russe or Tilly's. But Sarah told me that those stores are for "sluts and skaters", so we don't go there.
"C'mon, we can go to your weird stores that you always wanna go to! I'll pay! It'll be my present to you."
I rolled my eyes slightly. "Fine."
~
After school ended I met up with Sarah outside and we got in her car and drove to the nearest mall. The whole way there she was talking to me about some guy in her biology class, but I wasn't really listening.
"Gia?"
"Hm?" I looked at her.
"Everything ok?"
"Uh yeah. Just gotta headache." I really did have a headache from all her talking. I love her but...we just have totally different personalities.
After about 2 long ass hours of shopping, we left. I ended up getting a few shirts from Wet Seal and a beanie and a pair of Vans from Zumiez. I paid for some of it, since I knew even Sarah couldn't afford all that shit at the moment.
She drove me home and I thanked her for the clothes. I saw my mom through the living room window watching for me. I walked inside and saw two suitcases on the living room floor.
"Where are you going...?" I asked as I set my bags down.
"I'm not going anywhere, you are." She smiled.
"What?"
"My birthday gift to you is a trip to California to see if you really like it there. Two weeks by yourself in California. I booked your hotel room, I packed your bags, I bought your plane ticket, and I have some spending money for you, although I suggest you bring more."
"Oh my god! Mom! You didn't have to do this!" I hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much!"
She smiled and handed me my purse. "Your plane ticket and spending money is in there, and the plane leaves tomorrow at 4:30am so you should rest a little before leaving, and I'll drive you to the airport."
~
My alarm woke me and my mom up at 2am, and we left right away since the airport wasn't too close to my house. I fell asleep on the ride to the airport but I woke up right when we got there. My mom and I said our goodbyes and she left.
I did all that boring ass airport shit and waited for my flight to be called. Some lady and her sleeping kid sat next to me in the waiting area. She decided to start a conversation with me to kill the awkwardness but it really didn't help. Her son rolled off the chair in his sleep and woke up and was crying for literally 30 minutes. Finally, right after the kid fell back asleep, the lady on the loud speaker called my flight. I got up and went to the ticket lady. She checked my ticket and I went inside and sat in my seat. I tried sleeping during the ride but I was too excited. Well, that and some kid behind me was crying half the time and occasionally kicked my seat.
Once the plane landed I got off and looked around. A group of teenage girls, who were probably younger than me, started singing "I hopped off the plane at LAX..." loudly. They saw me looking at them and stopped singing and walked away.
A taxi drove me to the hotel, and I went inside and checked in and went to my room. It was a pretty nice room, and the view was beautiful. I took a quick shower and got dressed and grabbed my purse. I decided to go shopping since I had a lot of free time. It kinda sucks that I'm all alone but it's California so there has to be something to do all day everyday.
I walked around for a while since my hotel was right by the beach and a bunch of clothing stores. Cali is absolutely beautiful. God I can't wait for these next two weeks.
_____________________________________________________
hope you liked it, even though it sucks but its just the beginning :-)))
-celina
