Growing Pains

Chapter 1

August 20th

6:18 am

It was an absolutely beautiful day in Athens, Greece. The sun was shining, the white clouds scarce, and my white curtains fluttered in the breeze. It was a warm 78 degrees if I had to guess. I slowly rose from my bed and slipped on my flip flops and walked out onto the balcony. Today was our last day in Greece and I wanted to soak up every moment. Daddy had promised me by the time I was 17 he would own one hundred percent of Royland's car dealership, which was by far the largest, and most popular place to purchase any car you could think of. It made our sort -of- small town of Valparaiso, Indiana seem big. Thinking back to our departure on June 11th, I am still shocked that mom even considered coming all the way to Greece.  Five two way tickets cost a fortune, especially at this time of year. Daddy sat us all down one day and explained that in one year our brother Brad would be in college, in two years, I would be too. He said we needed one more big 'shabang' before his little duckies left the pond. It was me though, who suggested that we come to Greece. You see, I've been writing in a journal for almost six months and I think by writing down everything important, it helps me remember days I'm going to forget. I'm also hoping by some chance I'll become famous and these entries will be read at my funeral;  well maybe not the really juicy stuff like the time me and Logan hooked up. Anyway, Daddy threw us all off guard yesterday when he told us he and mom now own the dealership and we were in for a boatload of cash. I'm normally not one to brag but the second I could get my hands on my so outdated iphone 6s, I tweeted, snapped, and instagrammed about my new fortune. Last night I had the most wonderful dreams about being able to buy whatever clothes I wanted, ordering lemonade at restaurants instead of water, and being able to treat my best friend, Regan, and my boyfriend, Logan, to whatever they wanted. Now as I look across the resort and over to the water I realize how much I miss them both. I've been so busy with my family this summer that I haven't been able to face time or text much, and the time difference doesn't help either. I'm thinking about getting Regan a new top to match the bracelet I got her but she hasn't let me know what size yet so I'm going to have to hope I pick right.

3:18 pm

I can't believe the day is almost up. Brad, Austin, and I had some brother sister bonding time at the pool before we did our last minute souvenir shopping. The whole time I was taking pictures so I could remember them, and probably annoying my brothers along the way. I finally got a text from Logan saying he couldn't wait to see me when I got home, but then followed it with the "We should really talk". I'm worried he heard back from Columbia about his job shadowing opportunity and that they rejected him. Both Logan and I have a strong love for the arts and I would hate to see his talent be overlooked. 

When our car arrived at the airport I turned back and took a really wonderful mental picture of the view of Greece. We'd been there just over two months but it really captured my heart. It also made me realize summer was coming to a close and it was time to head back to the real world. Greece would have to wait to be remembered, as I needed to remember everything I left in Indiana.

6:09 pm

We are waiting to board the plane and I am trying so hard to make creativity flow into my brain. I really want to come back home with a broader portfolio of drawings and pictures. Nothing comes to mind when I think, Greece. What does come to mind is that soon I'll be home and reality starts again and I'm not sure how ready I am for that. I miss my friends and my house but I don't miss the way I need to appeal to society, especially at school. Last year was rough; I had anxiety attacks and even started to feel like I needed to loose weight in order to be accepted. I'm happier when I'm alone and can concentrate on what matters to me, and only me. Regan and Logan get it, and I don't know what I'd do without them.

*Little did I know how oblivious I was to everything happening around me. I was in for a real surprise*

Note: I know this chapter was kind of short, but I'm just getting a feel for the characters and some quick intro to set the stage of the story. Next chapter will be longer. Please let me know how I'm doing writing, and please please please critique! I want to improve as much as possible.