Is It About The Plan?

Starting Alone

I had been driving for almost half a day. The early morning was misty and grey. Not the best way to start my so called "new" life. Was it bad luck that brought me here? I honestly don't know. Everything seemed to be planned out for me. I just don't think I'm the type to make a plan for myself and my future. These thoughts have been hovering in my mind the whole trip.

Some new hit song played on my small car radio as I drove off the highway entering Little Rock Arkansas. I never really knew of Arkansas, having lived in California my whole life and not being the best at geography.  The only real reason I'm here is because my Auntie Barbara is doing better than what my parents can do on their own.  I have to admit this song is pretty catchy.

"And we are never ever ever, getting back together", I sang with the radio. I'm not the singing type but that didn't matter; I was alone in this small car.

Alone is a strange concept, yet I feel familiar with it. College seemed to be a place of isolation, yet I'm still going to college. for a fine arts degree I might add. Sounds bland, I know, but it's not like I chose it. I gotta keep up the family tradition I guess.

My father was a crazy fun man, but he never seemed to have time for me once my mother lost her job and the only thing supporting us was his paintings being sold. He wants the same for me, I don't fully understand his logic but I trust him. Besides, what else am I supposed to do, college always sounded difficult and scary.

The car ride was over but that song will never leave my head. I parked in front of my Auntie Barbara's house. Two 6 and 8 year olds ran out on the lawn shooting each other with their so called guns, or rather hand gestured like guns. I saw loud energetic children turn to poorly trained ninjas as they tried to hid from me. acting as spy's, I could see them deliver my aunt the information of my arrival. I had a feeling my cousins were going to get on my nerves yet I haven't even met them yet.

I walked inside with a friendly greeting from Barbara. I naturally returned the gesture, although I vaguely remember my aunt from my childhood. Barbara had thick brunette hair, much like mines and my father's. Except I had short hair and hers was exceptionally long. I could tell she took pride in her hair, unlike me.

Barbara was cooking pancakes on the stove. Her kitchen smelled of pancake mix and syrup. I sat myself at the island counter top.

She began to ask me questions about college. I replied with fine arts, she chuckled and paused for a moment.

"Is that what your father wanted?" She asked, and flipped a pancake. After seeing this perfect flip I admitted, yes.
"You know you don't have to."
" I don't mind, I want to." I lied.
She looked in my eyes with doubt. "You look just like your father when you lie"
I didn't know what she meant; am I that transparent?
She pulled out the lasagna and called the boys.
"Joshua, Jamison, breakfast is ready!

I met the boys. Joshua seemed to take lead as the elder child, running to grab the first plate. Not far behind ran Jamison. James quickly said hi and grabbed the second plate. I grabbed the third.

"Joshua Bennett!," Barbara said with a firm voice
"Say hello to your cousin"
"Who?" Josh replied
He paused and saw Barbara point to me.
" Oh!" He remembered my existence," Heya umm, what do I call you?"
" My name is Jamie" I replied.
" That's a girl's name" he chuckled.
" It's also a boy's name" Barbara said trying not to snap at him.

After eating and sitting through a conversation on boy and girl names I asked where my room is. It was the last room in the hall.  I headed to get my bags, I wanted to relax after that long trip. Barbara insisted on making the one of the boys help. I naturally asked Jamison but Joshua had to help as well.

"Why did you bring so much school stuff?" Asked Jamison
"Are you a teacher?" Asked Joshua
Josh followed with another question before letting me answer
" Where do all the other teachers live?"

Josh was an energetic kid, and Jamison personality seemed to contrast his. They were like polar opposites. I was surprised they got along so well, but I guess that's yin and yang for you.

" I am not a teacher, I am moving here to go to school"
" But our house isn't a school" Josh replied with a laugh.
James covered his mouth and laughed.
"Just help me with these bags" I said as I smiled and rolled my eyes.

Josh and James set down the bags on the bed in my baron room. The walls were eggshell white with no posters or frames. The sheets were pink, but I didn't care; I was so exhausted. I lay there looking at the shadow the blinds casted on the far wall. It was peaceful being isolated and not having to worry about anything. I slipped into slumber, not caring that I might miss a whole day from sleeping.