the omaha boy • [s.w]

chapter 2 • getting settled

I wake at eleven AM on the dot, eager to start the day. I go through some boxes and settle on some black sweats from Pink, a tank, and a hoody, accompanied by my favorite pair of tan Uggs.

I get up and look around for the first time- this room is amazing. I spot a spacious walk in closet, a wall heater, and best of all, a balcony.

There is a grey, intricate wallpaper on two of the walls, which is actually pretty tasteful, so I decide on my theme early on.

The moving truck is supposed to be getting here at four, which leaves me enough time to tackle the other two walls.

I make my way downstairs and grab my car keys. When I reach the kitchen, the aroma of pancakes invades my nose. "Hey mom. I'm gonna run to get some stuff for my room."

"Okay, but hurry, because the moving truck gets here at four. And I made you some pancakes."

"Thanks." I say, digging in.

I finish quickly and rush out of the door. "Be careful!" My mom yells.

"Always!" I yell back.

I drive around and eventually find a Home Depot I remember passing last night. I run in and quickly buy four cans of light grey paint, along with some boring stuff, like light bulbs.

There's a Target across the street, and I pick out a new bed set and picture frames. This room is going to be sick.

*

After the paint dries and the movers come in, I got to decorating. It's almost complete.

Being OCD as I am, I straighten out a picture of me, my younger brother Matthew, my mom and my dad. I sigh at the happy memories we used to have, when we were a happy family.

I take a few steps back and admire my room.

Craving a second opinion, I call my mom to the room.

"Well, you don't waste time, do you?"

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, it's beautiful. I can't believe you finished it so quickly."

"How's you're room looking?"

"It's getting there. Wow, can't believe it's already eight. I'm gonna call your brother and check up on him." She leaves the room.

I sigh. My parents got divorced a little over a year ago, and my father took off to Cali with his new girlfriend who's half his age, and my brother. And my dog.

My mother comes into my room minutes later. "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I'm leaving in about an hour for my first night shift. I can already tell this job is gonna be a pain in the ass." She rolls her eyes. "But it's worth it if we're happy."

"Thanks mom, I love you."

"I love you too. Lock the doors when I leave, I have a key."

"Okay." I say, and she leaves the room.

I plop into bed and admire my room, already planning tomorrow. Omaha is annoyingly cold, so I should probably get some warmer clothes.

I put on American Horror Story, and fall asleep shortly, anticipating tomorrow.