when the party's over | mike clifford

two

"It's time to go, Abigail," my mom yelled up the stairs. "We're going to be late!"

"I'm coming," I hollered back. I quickly scramble to grab my hoodie, my purse, and my phone. They were the only three remaining items left in my room. The rest of the stuff is all the way at our new house in Sydney, Australia.

I run down the stairs faster than I ever did in track last year. My mom & I made a deal that if I'd join a sport in my 8th year then she would take me to a My Chemical Romance show. Story short, I joined track and the MCR show was amazing.

I've always wanted to be with a band member. It's like a dream of mine. I've attempted to play bass and blew $200.00 on one just to find out I was complete shit at it.

My mom took in the house one last time as i turned to the door. I couldn't wait to leave this place after what happened with my brother. Ever since I've never seen it the same.

I wait for my mom in the car and my dog is insanely happy because he loves going for a ride in the car. I really hope he feels the same about a plane though because I'm already freaking out.

"Duke," I laugh as I tell the dog licking my face. "Stop!"

We finally arrive at the airport with about an hour and a half to spare.

"Want a starbucks?" my mom asked, looking down at her phone.

I looked at her, then my dog, then her again. "Are we able to bring Duke in?"

"He's a service dog, Abby."

I nod my head as we get up and walk across the airport towards the starbucks.

We waited silently in line for about 5 minutes waiting for our turn to order. Once we were about to order I looked at the menu.

I couldn't decide what to get so I choice my brothers old favorite, a cotton candy frap. My mom ordered the same as well.

The total cost of the order was $11.32. I pulled out my wallet before my mom could pull out hers, if I didn't she would pay. I really hate making her pay for things since she basically did my entire life.

We make our way back to a different set of seats since someone else took our original area.

"Pennsylvania to Sydney," I begin to say under my breath. "What a flight."

We sat in silence for a bit until i decided to put my headphones in. I hit the shuffle button on my iPod and I Miss You by Blink-182 began to play.

Next up is Cancer by My Chemical Romance, my favorite band. I fade away from the airport and into my thoughts.

"They called our flight," my mom said into my ear causing me to jolt back awake.

"How long have a been asleep for?" I ask as I grab my stuff and Duke's leash.

"Around 40 minutes."

"Wow that's the most sleep I've gotten since I was in the womb."

She laughed as she speed walked to the lady at the desk.

"You're so fast," I call out to her. "Slow down!"

I quickly walk to catch up with her and she hands the blond haired girl our tickets.

Boarding the plane was rough. Luckily, Duke was small enough for me to carry so it wasn't that bad.

He was shaking a little bit, but so was I. Dogs can sense fear, you know.