I'm Living with Who

Letting Go

"Absolutely not. There is no way in hell I'm moving in with them!" I shouted at my father.

"Hunny, please. It's only for this school year. I have to fly out to England for business and after that the company put me in charge of moving headquarters to Japan, so this is all going to span over about a year. I can't leave you alone for a year, Hon," my dad said somberly.

I know he's just doing what's best for me, but I'm 18! I'm an adult and I can live on my own. Plus, this is my senior year and I'll be going to a whole new place just for my last year of high school.

"But why do I have to stay with them? Why can't I just stay here? It's my senior year and moving to a new school and town is ridiculous!"

"Hunny, I've already arranged for you to stay with them, and they are more than happy to have you. In fact, Marley said she's ecstatic that there's going to be another girl in the house."

"But, Dad, there's seven boys in the house! What am I supposed to do! I had enough of Keaton when he lived with us, and he's my only brother. What am I going to do with a circus?" I pleaded. I did not want to live with those boys. I know they're Dad's childhood friend's family, but still, I am only a girl. I need my space, and living with seven boys sure won't help with that.

"I know, Cass, but please? Just try this for me. It'll be over before you know it."

"Fine. I'm only doing this for you. And as soon as you get back and I'm done with my senior year I'm moving back."

"Thank you, Honey. Marley will be here Friday night to pick you up, and then Saturday morning you guys are leaving to head back to her house in Alberta."

"Alberta? As in Canada? Dad are you serious? You're sending me to a whole 'nother country?" I furiously yelled.

"It's only a few hours from here, Cass. Marley and her husband moved to Canada about fourteen years ago to take over her family's ranch," dad said as if moving to another country was an everyday thing for most people; like I was the crazy one here.

I just stared at him, dumbfounded, not taking him serious. He can't really expect me to move across the border, none the less six hours away from my hometown.

"Hunny, please just think of it as a change of scenery. It'll be fun too; a new way to carry out your daily routine. Please just try to seem enthusiastic, it'll be over before you know it," he pleaded with me.

"Okay, fine. Marley sounds like she's going to be nice."

Dad smiled, "She is nice as long as you stay on her good side, otherwise you're in for a hell of a ride."

"Don't worry, Dad, I'll be good."

"I know, Hunny. And you can call me at any time if you need me."

"Are you sure? There is a time difference you know? Plus, it'll cost money."

"Don't worry about that. If you need me, call," Dad said strongly.

"Okay I will."

"Alright you better start packing. You're going to be moving away for a year," he chuckled to himself.

I walked upstairs to my room, starting to take down all my posters, pictures of me and friends, my drawings, and clothes. By the time I had everything packed up except for last minute things like chargers, my laptop, and some clothes for the next few days, I had three suitcases of clothes and shoes, five boxes of other random things like pictures, books, movies, and little things here and there.
I fell back on my bed, just staring at the ceiling thinking over how much my life is going to change in the next year.

*  *  *

Friday came faster than ever, and by dinner time Marley had pulled into the driveway with an old black pickup. The woman who stepped out was vaguely familiar, and beautiful, to say the least. Dad let her in and she immediately enveloped me into a hug.