Valentina ✔

2. Cali's Blazin' Hot

I woke up with a smile on my face. For the first time ever, I actually got out of bed not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It freaked me out.

Today was the day that I had to leave for my new school in California. I don't if I'm more excited to leave Italy, or to meet all the fine men in America.

I got up and took a super long shower. I didn't really know what Californians wore so I just stuck with my favourite outfit: a black leather jacket, a black cropped top, ripped camo skinny jeans, and some cute ass combat boots.

I loved wearing make up, but I had the tendency of going a bit overboard so I stuck with a thick eye liner, some mascara, and a nude colored lipstick. I quickly straightened my hair from its natural frizzy state.

Franco and my second oldest sister Carolina helped me drag my luggage into my Mercedes-Benz. I knew my older sisters Alessandra and Vanessa wouldn't even bother so much as to pick up a shoe box, so I didn't waste mg energy asking them for help.

I loved that car so much. It was an early graduation gift from my father. I remember the day he got it for me, he promised that he would teach me how to drive when he'd come back from his business trip in Bangkok. But he just had to have cancer and just die on me.

My mother promised me she would send it to me once I got there, but I doubt she would. I could tell she was holding back a smile watching me as I shut the taxi's trunk, considering the fact that I was off her skin (and because I reminded her of my dad, but she'll never verbally admit it). I could hear the small yet clear chatter of my siblings as I sat in the unclean taxi and allowed the driver to close the door for me. Phrases such as: "I call dibs on her laptop!" or, my favourite, "No! I call dibs on her flat screen!" rang in my ears with such annoyance that made me wish I was an only child.

"Wow. So much for sisterly love," I said as I rolled my eyes, "But, if it makes you all so very happy, the least I can be is charitable enough for you to enjoy my leftovers like the sheep you all are." I continued. The grin creeping its way onto my face remained unhidden, as I positioned my sunglasses onto my face, blew a few dry kisses and "Ta-Ta" 's, and enjoyed the summer breeze hit my whisked lashes as the taxi driver made his way to the airport, leaving behind me the mutters and insults of my soon-to-be forgotten family.

After hearing a few goodbyes, shared a couple of hugs (and a few more tears), I was on my way to boarding the plane. I found my seat, took out my IPod, and listened to some music.

And that's where it hit me!

I remembered my cousin Janelle and a couple of her friends whom I befriended during Spring Break of 2012 lived in Los Angeles. Luckily I wasn't going to be alone in California.

And then it hit me again!

reached in my carry-on bag and took out one of the many wigs that I'd wear out on dates. It was a cute wig, to be honest: dark, long and curly. I braided my hair, put on a wig cap, and placed the wig on my head. I like to be a little extra sometimes so I put on some grey coloured contacts on.

I checked the time on my watch. Seven more hours Valentina, I thought.

Seven more hours until my world changes.

Oh my Lordy Lord.

I knew California was hot, but I never knew it was going to be THIS HOT!!

I was walking out of the airport when I spotted a couple in their late 40's. I instantly knew who they were the second I saw them.

"Zia! Uncle Rocco!" I screamed, like an excited child when they see an ice cream truck.

My auntie and uncle meant the world to me. They were like my second parents. Obviously mom contacted them while I was on the plane because what parent would let their 18 year old narcissistic daughter run a muck in LA by themselves?