Life in All Directions

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Roughly, October 2015

The tour has ended, and Dad Ni and I are home. I have been nothing but a mess. I miss being with all my dads, and due to my emotional state getting the best of me, I managed to get myself grounded within only a week of being home. I've been allowed to do chores, decide how I want my room decorated, train for cheer tryouts, and call my dads. Although it's been quite the shock, I don't think I would change anything. Hate to admit it, but I think dads were right when they decided I need to settle and attend an actual school. Damn.

"Okay missy, I think you've earned this back," Dad says as he enters my room and gives me my phone back.

"Hah, thanks, dad. I'm sorry about last week. I clearly was not ready to be without all my dads, but that doesn't mean I should have had the attitude I did towards you. I love you."

"I understand, and I love you too. Now, get ready and let's go get whatever else you want in this room."

"What do you mean? I thought we got everything."

"We got some furniture pieces to be delivered, but that's all. I guess I'm just assuming you don't want to keep white bed sheets, white walls, and white curtains. Damn, I should have added more color to this room before now." Dad explains as he really takes in the room.

"Oh, duh. Yea, I want to color this place. Alright, give me a few." I say as I motioned him out of the room.

As I get ready, I write a note on my phone of everything I want to get. I decided I wanted my room's color scheme to be blue (kind of dark and mixed with grey tones), light grey, and black. My bed frame is black wood, and the furniture we ordered matches. While I may put a few things on my walls, one wall is going to be dedicated to pictures. I love taking pictures. My bathroom will, of course, have the same colors as my room since they are connected. Lastly, maybe I can talk dad into buying me some new clothes?

When I'm done I run downstairs and see dad waiting for me by the door.

"Let's hit it."

"Wow, I think that was the quickest you have ever gotten ready," dad applauded.

"Really? I mean I wasn't rushing, and I even made a note of what I want to get for my room. Which reminds me. Can I also shop for some new clothes? I'll go through and donate all the clothes that I can't wear, or don't wear, as soon as we get back. Please?" I ask as we get in the car.

"Ugh. Can you wait until you make friends and then go with them?"

"Dad, I'm going to need new clothes if I'm going to make any new friends. Have you seen the girls around here? I'm starting to think I'm attending a private school, not a public one." I reply as I look up a list of clothing stores that are in the mall. "Even better, I haven't even heard of half these damn stores."

"Watch your mouth, and yes, I have lived here a lot longer than you have EmiLee. And fine, but I'm not shopping with you. I'm giving you a budget and you can shop while I go run other errands."

"Okie dokie. Thank you!" I exclaim.

First, we go to the same store we bought the furniture from because they also sell miscellaneous decorations. I pick out light grey curtains, light grey bed sheets, black and white chevron comforter, blue paint, and a gigantic bean big! Almost exactly like the one on the tour bus! We then head to the mall. I get dropped off far away from the front entrance because no one can know my dad is out and about.

"Okay, listen EmiLee. Your budget here is $500. I don't expect you to spend nearly that much, but just in case you feel like going crazy. You will be grounded a day for every pound you spend over that, do you understand? And I want the receipt for everything purchased. Are we clear?" Dad speeches. I wanted to laugh because it really is hard to take him seriously sometimes. Although when we were touring, dads were strict and had rules. Things were much more laid back. So, the transition is just hard.