JUST US

in the beginning

 Seeing the raindrops hitting the window, I could tell that this is the calm before the storm. Hearing the pouring rain hit the soil outside as it plummets from the sky is something of a relaxation for me. I could tell sooner rather than later it's going to get harder as I sit here. Thinking about how everything in life, once you hit adulthood, starts out smoothly then it just gets progressively harder. It's really a pain in the ass honestly. This is my last night living with my family. I will move out tomorrow to a whole new state, just me and my cat with a suitcase and my computer. I'm feeling anxious and excited about starting my career and life by myself. I just hope I can stay afloat and not drown. "Natalie, are you ready? We're going to celebrate your graduation!" "Let me get dressed real quick!" "Wear something cute please!" As I go through my packed suitcase I realize leggings and sweatshirts along with my scrubs are the only thing I have. I got rid of all my nice clothes. I have a small SUV, it has a backseat just not enough room for people to sit in. I love and hate it at the same time, but I just wish I had something just a tad bigger. Going into my sister's room, I search for some jeans or a skirt or even a dress but most of her things are packed as well. while I'm going to Georgia, they're going to Tennessee. 6 hours away from me but still closer to me than living in Kansas. I find a pair of cute jeans and run to my room to find a shirt. Getting dressed as fast as I can, I slide on a pair of sneakers and go downstairs. "I'm ready. Let me just put on my makeup really quickly." "Of course, we're going to be late Natalie." "Yeah, yeah." My makeup only consists of bronzer and blush with some mascara, less than a twenty minute time frame of full out glam. "Now I'm done." I said out loud. We all head outside and mom locks the door. "So where are we going?" "Just to Texas Roadhouse, thought we could have a last supper together before you leave." "That's sweet. I really appreciate you doing this." Mom turns on the windshield wipers as the rain starts hitting harder. Staring out the window, I wonder if I'll make new friends, or have a boyfriend, or make it in life. I wonder what God's plans are for me.

What is the sound? What is that annoying ass sound? I rolled over in my bed. My alarm, duh. I turn it off and wipe the crusties out of my eye and blink a couple of times. "Ugh today's the day." I said to no one. At 5 a.m. I smell coffee. Mom's up. I head to the bathroom brushing my teeth, etc. I put my toothbrush and deodorant away in my bag. Check my room one more time knowing my car is packed to the brim and can't take anything else. I shut my door. Heading downstairs I call out, "Mom?" "In the living room." She's sipping away at her coffee, I sit down on the couch beside her. "Good morning." She said, "Morning, mama." "I'm going to miss you so much!" she says as she puts her coffee down and hugs me. I hug her back and start to feel tears coming on. "I want you to know I appreciate everything you have ever done for me. I want you to know how much you mean to me, mama. I can't believe I won't be here for your birthday." I say as I feel a tear go down my cheek. "I want you to know how proud I am of you, Natalie. When you came here, I didn't know what you were going to do. Covid just started and I felt like you were in a hole. Seeing how you applied yourself and got accepted into this dental program and graduating no matter the downfalls you experienced, has shown strength and courage to see you fight for your dreams. I want you to turn on Life360 so I can make sure you're safe. It's going to be a long road trip. Are you ready?" " I am. Is Adele ready though?" We both laugh. Through this sad moment. I go back upstairs and kiss my sleeping siblings goodbye on their foreheads. Grab my cat and put her harness and leash on. We walk outside and it's foggy, put my cat in her bed and walk back to my mom, give her a big hug and I start my car. "Are you ready, Adele?" she starts meowing, knowing this will be a long drive I turn on my GPS and music. I wave goodbye and back out of my driveway. Full tank of gas, money in my checking, money in my savings. Check. Driving to the interstate and never looking back is saddening. I'll miss my friends, but they're moving too. The life of being a military brat. You meet some of the best people and continue to move forward as the Earth continues to move as well.