Chapter 29

Fair warning, despite the fact I wrote these chapters, they are cringy and cheesy but I think it is a good way to end it. Hopefully you can bear it.

“Eveee,” I heard someone call in a sing-song tone. I smiled to myself, sitting up in bed and turning to face the window, already knowing exactly who would be there. I laughed to myself as I saw Ellie waiting outside, sliding off the bed and padding over to the window. The same routine, unlatching the window, pushing it open, and smiling at her.

“Why, hello,” I hummed, stepping back to allow her inside. She manuverd herself to a lower branch, crawling inside the window and pulling something from her back pocket. It was a piece of paper of which she unfolded and pulled out a wad of cash from, and then turned it to me. I squinted to read, my eyes slowly widening.

“California?” I scoffed in shock, grabbing the paper from her. “California? Senior trip to California?” I laughed.

“California,” she confirmed with a smile. “Apparentally a bunch of our friends are gonna be there, too. Mom, James, and your parents have been planning this together,” Ellie shrugged. I squealed, shaking the paper excitedly. Suddenly, my door flew open and Kaylee stood in the doorway, holding a similar paper. She noticed mine and we were both squealing together. We ran downstairs and I tugged Ellie along, running down the ramp and to Mom and Dad, embracing either of them excitedly with Kaylee.

“Thank you!” I said excitedly. “Thank you, thank you!” I gasped.

“Oh, you’re welcome, honey,” Mom murmured fondly, patting my back. “Remember, before anything, be safe,” she reminded softly.

“Yeah, and- how the hell does she keep gettin in?” Dad suddenly asked as he looked to Ellie.
“Magic, preacher,” Ellie murmured ominously, playfully pointing to the ceiling as if gesturing to a higher power. Dad just sighed, slowly shaking his head and rubbing at his forehead as Kaylee, Ellie, and I all laughed.

“We’re going to Cali!” I cackled, throwing my head back. “We’ve gotta go visit Stanford,” I told Ellie excitedly, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“Really? We go to Cali and all you think of is college? Gosh, you’re such a nerd” Ellie snorted.

“Hey!” I scoffed in mock offense, frowning.

“I mean…I wasn’t gonna say it, but…” Kaylee teased, sucking in a breath through her teeth.
“I am being ganged up on!” I complained.
“Well…” Dad shrugged as Mom laughed under her breath.

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“Kaylee! Stop, that’s mine!” I groaned in complaint, snatching my shirt back from her. We were packing for California, shoving things into suitcases and bags. We had to leave in a few hours and I had to admit my anxiety was kind of through the roof right now. I had never been on a plane before this, it would definitely be a new experience. I guess it was worth it for California, though. Plus the fact I got to stay in a room alone with Ellie…

“But I- ugh! Whatever!” Kaylee groaned as she stormed out of my room. I rolled my eyes, zipping up my suitcase and hauling it off the bed. I stared down at my bags, taking a deep breath and smiling to myself while glancing at my Stanford letter one last time. I grabbed all my things, heading down the stairs, nearly tripping and eating it, but catching my balance and calmly walking the rest of the way. I got all my stuff set up by the front door, running a hand through my auburn hair and letting out a breath of relief.

“Ah, leaving me,” Ivory teased as she rounded the corner. I glanced up, smiling softly at her and smoothing the front of my dress.

“Yup, we’re both ditching ya,” I said playfully. I looked her up and down, reaching out and wrapping my arms around her to hug her.

“….You’re so gonna cry,” she snorted in eldest sister fashion. I scoffed, pulling away with a frown on my face.

“Be quiet! Am not!” I insisted as she chuckled, shaking her head.

“I’m only messin’…kinda,” she smirked, nudging my shoulder as I gave a playful glare. Mom rounded the corner with a little bag in hand, holding it out to me expectantly.

“What? What is it?” I asked curiously as I took it, about to open it up but she grabbed my wrist.

“No…open it later. When you are in California…” she murmured ominously. I blinked at her, laughing softly.

“…Okay?” I said softly, a confused look upon my face. She simply nodded and patting my hand, lingering a moment longer before puling me into a strong hug.

“Be safe…” she whispered. “Don’t be stupid. Always stick with someone. Call me as much as you can. Think with your brain-,” she rambled.

“I will, Mama…promise,” I hummed, rubbing her back.

“You better,” Dad said gruffly from behind, watching over Mom’s shoulder. I smiled at him, nodding as I pulled back. Just then, I heard a loud honk from outside followed by a knock on the door. Ivory peaked out the window of the door curiously, smirking to herself.

“Your girl- Ellie is here,” she said, correcting herself when I gave her a sharp look. She laughed awkwardly, looking between Mom and Dad who didn’t seem to notice as she gestured to the door. I rolled my eyes at her and opened up the door, smiling as I saw Ellie standing there patiently, hands tucked in her pockets as she looked off to the side, then to me.

“Hey,” she said casually. “Ready?” she questioned, gesturing to her car. She had already picked up a few friends, a mix of hers and mine, music absolutely blasting from her speakers, and I internally cringed at the sight.

“Yeah, of course,” I nodded, turning to grab my things while Dad shouted for Kaylee to hurry. “Everything gonna fit in the back?” I asked as I hauled my suitcase up with a bit of struggle. Ellie stepped in, taking my other bag for me as I smiled gratefully.

“Sure, we’ll make it work,” she shrugged. That girl was so nonchalant about everything. It was refreshing but definitely a bit frustrating at times. Like she said, though, we did in fact make it work, even if we had to press ourselves up against the trunk door to get it to close. We all clambered inside, me, Ellie, Jada, Jaqueline, and Kaylee inside Ellie’s car, all about to head to Cali as stupid teenagers before college came crashing in.