The Lake House for the Summer

Welcome to Odom

My family owns a lake house in Texas. It's in a town called Odom, and it has a population of nearly 3,000 people. It used to be my grandmothers' house, but she left it to my mom when she passed. We normally visit for a week in the summer every year. However, this year, Mom wanted to stay for the entire summer.

"Watch where you're going you gosh damn idiot!" A red ford pickup truck cuts me off, so Mom yells at him for me. Despite being such a put-together person, Mom has some serious road rage. However, she always said "gosh" instead of "god" because of her strict Baptist upbringing.

"Careful Mom, you've already lost enough money to the swear jar," I say.

"Oh shush Ceci, we're nearly there. About 10 more miles."

"It feels like we've been driving for weeks," my younger sister, Sophie, complains from the back seat. Sophie just finished her last year of junior high, but she acts like a 5 year old most of the time. I think Mom's too easy on her, but Sophie says I just have a stick up my butt.

I roll my eyes at Sophie as I ask, "Do you think that we can redecorate the lake house since we'll be staying for the whole summer?"

"I suppose we could, but you're going to have to get a summer job first," Mom replies.

"What! You've got to be kidding me. We're on vacation for heaven's sake."

"I was going to make you get a job back in Kansas anyway. You're 16 Ceci, and it's time to take on some responsibility."

I sulk in the driver's seat as Sophie giggles at my new predicament.

"You're not off the hook either Sophia, I expect you to do your own chores at the lake house."

I start laughing at Sophie now, and I see her glare at me through the rear view mirror.

Around 5 minutes later we arrive at the house. It's faded yellow wood and bay window are exactly like I remember. It's small and cute, and it reminds me of Grandma.

I park the car, and we hop out. The three of us look like we've just gotten out of bed with our messy hair and baggy shirts. We load all of our things into the house, and I start unpacking my stuff in my room. It looks pretty bare besides the pale green walls and the queen-sized bed that's covered in a white quilt with blue accents. As I finish tucking my clothes into the Mahogany dresser, Mom walks into my room.

"There's a cute pizza place just a few blocks down. Why don't you go apply there?"

"Okay, I will later."

"No. You will do it now. You have nothing else to do."

I roll my eyes and she glares at me. "Whatever," I say as I put on my crocs and pull my pale blonde hair into a high ponytail.

"Okay then, start walking right, once you get to Forest Lane take a left, then a right at Sunny-side Road, and then walk straight for a while. You should see the sign. It's called Spot's Pizza."

"Okay, see ya," I say as I grab my phone and head out to go get a stupid summer job.