“ 5 miles honey, and we’re back to school!”
I groaned. It’s the first day back from spring break and my dad and I are driving to Barden University where he works and I go to college. I just spent the whole week with him up in his cabin in Arizona without any form of communication to my friends. No cell phone, no emails, no chatting on Skype. “So that we could connect with our inner selves.” he said. It was hell especially living with my stepmother and 2 stepbrothers, Jackson and Keith, who are 10 and 8.
My parents divorced when I was 7 years old. They tried to make it work, going to therapies and stuff like that. But it never did. A year later, dad met Meredith in a teacher’s convention while my mom busied herself with work.
“You’re quiet.” My dad noticed. “Aren’t you glad to see your friends again?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I bet you’re more excited to see Jesse.” He chuckled.
Jesse Swanson, my ex-boyfriend. We broke up a few days before the break and I never got to tell my dad about it. He always used to say Jesse would be the perfect husband for me someday.
I put on my earphones and cranked up the volume of my IPod. It landed on the song No More You by Akon.
There’s no more you. What am I gonna do when there’s no more you? I can’t believe there’s no more you.
Not the perfect song choice.
“Why don’t we stop by at my house first?” dad suggested. “I’ll make your favourite, beef casserole.”
“What was that again dad?” I asked taking off my earphones.
“I said I’ll make beef casserole for lunch.”
“Though it sounds tempting, I think I’m going to pass.” I put on the earphones again and hummed to the tune of Bionic by Christina Aguilera. We finally arrive at the campus streets of Barden, passing by different fraternity and sorority houses and dormitories. People were having picnics under the trees and some boys were drooling on their laps as college girls walk in their mini skirts and swanky tops that show off their bulging racks. Stupid college girls.
“Are you sure you’re going to pass off the offer?” dad asked as he turned a left. “You haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.”
“Oh that’s okay. I’ll just have an espresso or something down the coffee shop.”
“But it’s your favourite!” he exclaimed.
“I’ll just have it another time.”
“Okay then.”
Dad stopped in front of the main office where I asked him to drop me off which is a long way from my dorm room. But before I had the chance to get out of the car, he grabbed my arm and pulled me back in.
“What dad?” I ask surprised.
“It’s just that I’ve noticed something different about you.”
I gave him a puzzled look.
“Tell me something, Beca.” He scratched his head. “Are you...”
I held my breath. I was afraid of what he’s going to say. Did he found out? Does he know about me?
“Am I what dad?” I put on my toughest voice.
“Are you...are you anorexic?”
I breathed out a sigh of relief. That’s only it. “No dad, I’m not. What made you even think like that?”
“I don’t know.”
I shook my head and laughed. “You saw me ate 4 slices of pizza last night. You don’t have to worry about my eating habits.”
He also laughed. “I guess I don’t.”
I got out and slammed the car door shut. “Bye.” I waved at him.
“Bye.” He said. “Take care, honey.” And he drove away.
By the way, I’m Beca Mitchell. Not short for Rebecca. Just Beca with one c. I’m an aspiring DJ, music artist and now, a Barden Bella. I never planned on being a Bella. It just happened. Singing has always been my passion. But being with the Bellas makes me even more passionate and I love every moment about it. Even when the queen bitch, Aubrey Posen, strikes my back.
Suddenly, I heard my phone ringing in my pocket. It was a text message from Aubrey.
Meet us at the fountain. The Bellas are starting an epic first-day-after-spring-break performance. XOXO, Aubrey.
I smiled. Nothing like a song to start the afternoon.
