The Journey

Chapter one

Since it was July and still a summer month, I didn't need my alarm clock to wake me up in the morning. I did happen to wake up at eight and threw my blankets to the side. I grabbed the pen that sat on my stand and crossed off today's date. I ruffled up my hair and went to the kitchen to start off my summer routine. I grabbed the wheat bread and placed two slices in the toaster, pushing them down. When they popped up, I sat them on a plate and spread on some nut butter. I cut a banana and placed the slices on the butter. I sprinkled on some Chia seeds and sat down to eat my breakfast. After cleaning up, I did thirty minutes of stretches and went back upstairs. I went to the bathroom and did my skincare routine and brushed my teeth. I drew a bath and played some instrumental music. I laid back in the bathtub and closed my eyes. I heard the sound of a text message ring from my phone, so I looked at it. 

"Hey, do you know what time you're coming over?" Toby asked.

"No, I don't. Both of my parents are at work and I'm doing my summer routine." I said explaining today so far.

"OK, I was just wondering." she said and I sent her a thumbs up emoji. I cleared the screen of the messages app and placed my phone back on the towel stand. It was eleven in the morning when I got out and dried off. I brushed my hair and put on some natural makeup. I dressed in a flannel and blue jean shorts with gray and white flats. I went out for a jog to get some fresh air and regain some Pennsylvania reputation. It was a beautiful day with the birds chirping and all kinds of animals out. I stopped on top of a hill I used to run to when I would have a hard day. I looked at the field of purple flowers for awhile and jogged back home. I went to the kitchen to make a healthy lunch. I cut an English muffin and toasted it. I spread on some cottage cheese and sat two slices of tomatoes on top. I sprinkled on a few strands of avocado and a tablespoon of spicy brown mustard. A leaf of butter lettuce came next with a tablespoon of chopped chives and garlic powder. I grabbed a banana and a square of dark chocolate. I cleaned up after eating and went to my room.

I grabbed my suitcase and wondered what to pack. I went to my dresser and picked out enough undergarments for the trip. I went to the closet for my shirts, pants, and shoes. I grabbed a hanger that had a flannel hanging from it. I took it off, folded it, and sat it in the case. I found another shirt with flowers printed on it. I packed that one too. I packed another flannel along with a white shirt and a striped one too. A small, plastic organizer sat in my closet holding my shorts. I picked out a gray pare with a draw string. I folded them and sat them with my shirts. I picked out a pare of blue jean shorts and threw them in. Another pare of gray shorts went it with another pare of blue jean ones and a pare of blue athletic shorts. I packed enough shorts for the trip and looked down at my shoes. I was satisfied with them and decided I'd wear them to New York. It was three in the afternoon, so I took this time to get rid of any extra energy. I brought out my canvas and continued on the project I was working on. 

"Jenny, sweetie!!!" I heard my mom's voice yell. I looked at the time to see four o'clock. It was the normal time for my parents to come home from work. I went down to the kitchen to see a box of pizza and a container of chocolate strawberries. 

"Since you'll be leaving, we want you to enjoy your favorite dinner and dessert before you leave." dad said. I smiled, thankful they thought of me. I sat down and had a slice of pizza and four strawberries. I finished my cup of Sprite and sat everything in the sink. I ran back up to my room and cleaned my paint brush. I zipped up my suitcase and placed it by my door. I drank my normal cup of water and went up to shower. I finished up cleaning and organizing and sat on my bed. I let out a sigh and grabbed my phone to check up on Mark.

"Hey, babe." I said seeing that he quickly read it.

"Hey, baby!!!" he said with heart emojis. 

"How's it going?" I asked.

"Good. You?" he said.

"Wonderful, I'm leaving for Toby's tomorrow and than we'll be heading up to New York." I said.

"Alright, sounds fun. I hope you have a good time." he said.

"I will, trust me. I'll be with my best friend." I said reassuring him. He sent a thumbs up and we said our goodbyes. I plugged my phone into the charger and popped in my favorite movie, Flicka. I watched it until nine o'clock, the time I usually unwind by lighting candles and reading a book. I started to get into the book when my mom knocked on the door.

Jenny, honey. It's ten o'clock, You should get some rest for Toby's house tomorrow." she said.

"OK, mom. Thank you." I said closing the book and blowing out the candles. 

"You're welcome, good night." she said.

"Good night." I said and she closed my door. I put the book back on the shelf and I turned off the light. I wrapped the blankets around me and closed my eyes, ready for another day.