Focused

Pack Your Bags

What? I haven't seen my Aunt Jade since I was seven years old!

"I jus--" I didn't even know what to say.

"Marley, I miss you and I can't imagine what your going through, but honestly moving in with me might be the best and healthiest option for you." She sounded just like my mom.

"I don't know." I mumbled into the phone. 

"Well, I'll tell what you need to know. I live in Rockford Bay, Florida. It's a very small town, but you would adore it. We live right by the beach in our own beach house. We have a pool and your favorite cousin still lives here. She misses you so much. We have been praying for you, Marley. There's so much more here." She sighed and waited for my reply.

Two of my cousins live there. My Aunt Jade had a boy and a girl. Kary and Stephen. Kary is my age and at every family reunion we always used to play together. I haven't seen her since I was seven either. Stephen was always pretty quiet. He is two years older than me and last time I saw him he was a nine year old boy with dirt up his nails and band aids all over his arms and legs. 

"Aunt Jade. It sounds...good. I guess, but I'm not ready for another quick change." I swallowed hard ignoring the lump in my throat. 

"Marley, I know you don't have anyone staying with you anymore, because grandma is sick and is back here. Also you're under eighteen so therefore it's illegal that you are by yourself." She stated matter-of-factly. 

"I'm sending out airline tickets for your way here, Marley. You should start packing your bags. That plane takes off in three days. I hope to see you then." I could tell she was going annoyed with me, but was trying hard not to show it. 

 "You can't force me." I tried to sound like an adult. 

"Yes, actually I can. I'm sorry Marley. You're getting a police escort to the airport. I reported that you were living alone and said you were going to start living with me." She cleared her throat.

My head was throbbing. "What? Why?" I was yelling at her now. My face was turning bright red.

"I just told you. I have to go. See you soon!" She sounded pretty content with herself, but if she had told me that in person I probably would have slapped her a few times. 

I muttered a string of "bad" words and hung up the phone. I get to go to a crappy town in Florida in a few days. Yay me.