The Leader

42- After Grad

My mom was trying to figure out what to do with me now that I've graduated. Before it was imperative that I remain a good high school student for her but now I was free to do what I wanted. To an extent. She didn't want another Erica.

We had agreed I would take a few classes online and I could help my mom with her show on the marketing and social media front because since news broke that the reality show was cancelled, my moms views have sky rocketed. She's wanted all of us to do like weekly updates of our life's on her show but only dad has actually done it. Seth just didn't want to and I really don't want to be on tv.

Seth also got a apartment that was close to the studio where my mom filmed because he didn't want to be in the same house as us anymore. He didn't like Erica, but he was closer to her than he would ever be to me.

My mom was thinking I should do the same and get a house but in this same neighborhood because she still worried that I could turn into a mini Erica. She also had heard some troubling rumors of some gang members at the graduation party. When she had asked me I told her that I didn't invite any not telling the whole truth. She brushed it off because she had no proof and was busy with other things too.

Everything was moving so fast. Last month I had graduated. As freeing as it should be I still feel trapped. Trapped in literally just this life. Honestly I'm not completely ungrateful. I'm getting a house, my mom bought me a new car as another graduation present since I totally fucked up the old one. I have school paid for and a job that I can't get fired from.

But I feel bad. I feel lost. I truly don't feel like this is MY life! Would I ever have a career? Would I even be able to. Yes Caroline said I could but how far is her recommendation gonna actually get me. My reputation is a innocent daughter whose never really worked a day in her life. People may think I'm a diva like my mom. Or that I'm too sheltered to know what hard work is. What can I do but just go day by day because there's nothing else I can do.

Jaden moved to her university to UCLA cuz soccer practice was already getting started and Brenna was getting really sick from her baby. I visited but she could not get out of bed. It was taking a huge toll on her, her family, and especially Dave. I was always friendly to him since him and Brenna started dating but I would never say we were friends. Though he has opened up to me ever since Brenna hasn't been feeling so good.

He would text me whenever something new happened or whenever they had a doctors appointment or if Brenna was getting sick of him, he would text me to come over so that she can have a break from him. He really stepped up and took care of her. I was very happy for her. Brenna loves Dave and I was comforted knowing that he loved her too.

It was nice to see love since I hadn't been getting any of it from the person I really wanted to be around.

Harry was out of the country again with Liam. Sophie tried calling me a few times to see if we could get together and do something but I thought it would be weird. She eventually broke me down and I agreed to meet her for dinner.

We met at a steakhouse that was close to where the boys lived. I drove my new car even though it looked exactly the same as the other one but it had the new car smell again.

I parked the car and walked in to greet the host. He took me to the table that Sophie was already at.

"Hey you!" Sophia said as she stood up to hug me. She was wearing a tight red dress with long sleeves that showed how slender and long her legs are.

"Hey!" I said as I hugged her back. We both sat back down and continued to talk.

"Oh my god you are a pain to schedule with!" She said smiling.