Dainsley

O1 - News

I can't believe it. 

I know she doesn't understand what this means, but I still can't believe she would do this to me.

I turn, unable to face my own mother, and run up the stairs. Slam the door. Collapse on the bed. Stare at the ceiling.

* * * * * *

I open my eyes, feeling groggy as if I had been asleep. Checking the clock, I realize I had been. It was probably around two o'clock when Mom broke the news, and now I can hear her calling me for dinner.

Wish me luck.

I rub my eyes and smooth down my hair, trying to look more presentable and like I hadn't just wasted the last three hours. My mother hates wasted time.

As I head down the stairs, the only thing I can focus on is my breathing: in, out, in, out. Inhale, exhale. Breathe. Relax.

And then I'm in the kitchen. There my family sits, waiting patiently around our circular dinner table in the alcove of the kitchen. Mom, Daddy, Tyler, Quinten. I take my seat, and we all join hands.

"Heavenly Father," my dad begins. "Thank You for this day, this time together, and this food, and all the blessings You have bestowed upon us. Thank You for the hands that prepared this food, and we pray that it may nourish our bodies. In Your son's holy and precious name, Amen." 

Several "amen's" are heard around the table, and we begin to pass around dishes to eat. My family is very traditional when it comes to meals.

Mom clears her throat. Here it comes. "So. Avery. I was slightly disappointed at your reaction earlier this afternoon," she begins.

Tyler and Quinten exchange looks. They may not know what has happened, but they know that it wasn't good, just because of Mom's tone. They've heard it plenty of times.

"And I've decided to shorten the length of the trip," my mother continues. I can't decide if this is supposed to make it better, or serve as a punishment. "So now, you'll be staying there for two weeks instead of three."

I decide it's a good thing. I have to hide my smile... I don't want to make it worse.

"Understand?"

"Yes, Mom. I understand. Thank you," I respond, hoping that's what she was looking for.

She smiles, and I'm glad. "Great. I'm happy we worked it out. I think you'll really have a good time."

"Okay, me too," I said. "Hey, I'm not really that hungry anymore. Can I go upstairs?" I ask, pushing away my plate. All that was there was some mashed potatoes and a small piece of meatloaf. My mother makes great food, but I was still in shock and feeling sick to my stomach at the thought of her news from earlier.

"Sure," Daddy says, smiling. "Come back down at eight, we're going to watch a movie, 'kay?"

"Okay," I reply, and head back up to my room. 

Leaving.

I'm leaving. Leaving my home, my mountains, my trees, my privacy, my everything. Just because my mother wants me to go to some little beach town three hundred miles away. Yes, only for two weeks, but still. Oregon to California is a big difference. I'm used to the quite serenity of the woods, where I can climb trees and sit and watch the wilderness for hours. Not the loud beach with seagulls and obnoxious toddlers and weird food. 

Nope. I can't do it. 

I mean, school JUST ended. A week ago! Shouldn't I get some time off before being shipped somewhere else?  Oh, sure, the beach is vacation... until you find out you have to go with your cousin who was born in the same month, same year, same hospital, goes to the same school, and is on the same cross country team. It can be a little frustrating to be forced next to your "long-lost twin" all the time. How am I supposed to deal with that? Especially when the town is called Dainsley. That can't be good. Sounds too much like some weird romance novel.

At least I'll get some time off from my brothers, Tyler and Quinten. Having twelve-year-old and fourteen-year-old brothers can get a bit annoying sometimes. Because, seriously--even tomboys need some privacy. 

I sigh. This sort of situation should not be such a disappointment. I'm just too used to isolation. Living in Oregon's mountains can do that to a person. My hometown, Ashwood, has less than 500 people. Do you know where the most people go during the summer? THE BEACH. Too many people freak me out. 

Okay, I'm starting to think of the negatives too much. I need to distract myself. That means YouTube, of course. 

I open my laptop and plop on my bed. Some Connor Franta sounds nice. He'll make me smile.

After a few videos, I'm already feeling better. Next thing I know, Dad's calling me down to watch whatever cheesy family movie was chosen tonight. I'll think about what to do about Dainsley later.

* * * * *

Yes, I know, kind of corny or over-dramatic. But I promise it'll get better! I hope. The girl on the sidebar (Ellen Page) is Avery.

If you haven't already, maybe check out my other story, "Can I Trust You?" 

Feedback please! :)

Love you all + stay tuned,

Josie ^.^