J.C.

Chapter One

Foggy. An adjective.  A word of which contains three definitions. 1: Full or accompanied by fog. 2: Unable to think clearly. 3: The condensation on a window or glassy substance. For thirteen year old girl Jordan Brookes, all of these were in her presence on that cold morning in Brookings, California. She and her little brother had been waiting in the car as their father loaded their belongings in the trunk.

Today of all days was the worst. Moving day. It had already been bad enough that her mother decided to leave, but now, moving away from the one place she felt safe, her home where she grew up, it has gotten far worse than she expected.

Since her mother had owned their house then stopped paying the bill after she left, they had been forced to move away. Not to another neighborhood, and not just to another town, but to an entirely different state, which meant she would have to leave  all of her friends, teachers, neighbors, and about every other important part of her life.

"Wow you're such a crybaby J.C., could you stop moping over there.", a familiar voice snapped, intruding her thoughts.

Her little brother, Leo, was three years younger than her and was always acting way to annoying and immature for a ten year old. He and most of her friends call her J.C., for Jordan Ciara. Ciara is her middle name, and also her mother's name.

"I'm not moping, I'm just thinking you idiot.", she argued back with a know-it-all attitude.

"Well, whatever you're doing, could it wait until we aren't in the same room."

"News Flash, we're in a car, not a room." outsmarting him gave her a sense of pride, but small because it doesn't take much to outsmart him.

They continue to bicker as the car door swings open, interrupting their conversation. A wave of relief overthrew her and security filled her emptiness. For Jordan, her father was like an idol to her. Ever since the moment she could speak his name, she always looked up to him and clung onto him like a weak puppy. As long as he was with her, she felt protected.

"You two fighting again? I would really appreciate it if for the next few days you guys could get along." his voice was despondent and discouraged, but had that calm, non-aggravated tone.

Jordan felt bad. He had already lost his wife, his house, and his job, so she and Leo arguing probably didn't make things better. I wonder, is it worse for him than it is for Leo and I , she pondered, then snapped back into reality. 

"Sorry Daddy, I promise Leo and I will behave.", she stared Leo down giving off that feeling of , if-you-don't-agree-then-you're-going-to-regret-it, sort of vibe. 

"Ok fine, I promise too.", he crossed his arms.

Good answer .

Her father let out a small sigh that you wouldn't notice even if you were looking for it. The smell of coffee and musk surrounded him, reminding her of those fuzzy memories of the happy mornings when he would pick her up and swing her out of her bed, where her mother would be fixing breakfast, usually singing, then the television would be on some kids channel that she used to watch while she cuddled her cat. My cat. Her kitten, Pip,  had always been in her life, at least what she could remember.  he was a small, orange cat who was always hyper and playful, except when you wanted him to be calm. 

"Hey dad, can Pip stay with me during the ride?",  She didn't like the thought of him being locked up in a portable cage for two days. 

"I don't know pumpkin', I'm not so sure its safe to travel like that with a pet." 

"Please?", she wasn't giving up that easy.

"Ok fine, but make sure you hold him and don't let him out of the car." he replied in defeat. 

She picked up Pip's cage, opened it, and set Pip in her lap and stroked him softly. He nuzzled his head against her hand, giving her more nostalgia but she brushed it away remembering her situation. Your moving. Remember that. 

Her father shut the car trunk, alarming her senses. Is it time, she thought. He opened the car with a ghost of what used to be a smile, but now became as fake as the hopes of her future in this town.

"Well, I guess were leaving now, aren't we?" she said, faking a smile. He gave her a small nod. Her throat tensed. This is it, she thought, my final glance of my home. she had to hold back from crying. Pip gave a a small yawn and curled up in a ball. 

"I know Pip, I'm gonna miss it too.", she whispered to the small bundle of fur. 

"So are we gonna leave now, or are we just going to sit here staring into the distance.", Leo said annoyed. 

"I guess so.", there father replied as he started the car engine. 

Jordan closed her eyes and held her breath. The car was moving now. Pip pawed at her chest making her more aware of reality. She didn't want to, but she opened her eyes slightly just to turn around and watch her home slowly disappear into the fog of that January morning.

The morning that would forever change her life.

Goodbye.