"Are we almost there yet?" I asked resting my feet on the dashboard of our new car.
"About five more minutes" my mom said as we continued down the long highway. Palm trees strung along the side of the road, the bright sun was setting, and buildings surrounded us.
My mom and I were moving to California from Kentucky to have a better life. My mom being only 33 and stunning scored a modeling job with really good pay. The drive to Cali has been filled with crappy hotels, blaring music, and lots of junk food.
"This is it" my mom said pulling up to our new apartment building in LA. We both got out and grabbed our bags from the trunk. Two young boys appeared with badges showing they worked for the apartment.
"Mrs. Johnson?" the taller one asked.
"That's me" my mom said with a tired laugh, she had been driving all day for the past week and was beyond tired.
"Go check in and we'll bring all your stuff to your room" he said with a wink.
She nodded as we headed to check in and gave a sly smile back to the young guy.
"Mom I think he just hit on you" I said with a giggle.
"I know" she said laughing back.
We checked in and got two room keys and headed up to our room. Our stuff was outside waiting and so was a slip of paper.
Call me sometime? The names Kevin. Here's my number... The slip of paper read.
"Are you gonna call him?" I asked.
"Kansas Rae do I look like I'd call a man like that" my mom said shaking her head a giving me a weary smile.
"No ma'am"
"Well there's your answer"
"Momma are you gonna go in first"
"Why don't you do the honors Kansas?"
"You sure?"
"Get in already baby girl before I beat ya to it"
I giggled and opened the door. Finally, a place on our own. Back in Kentucky we had lived with my grandparents, because my mom didn't have a good paying job, plus she needed support. My mom got pregnant when she was 19 with me, and her parents were kind enough to not kick her out.
Anyways this place was the most beautiful home I've seen in all 14 years of my life. The floors were laminated and a light brown. The kitchen had modern appliances, and and a bar stool. There was a large chandelier in the dining room. I had my own room and so did my mom. This place was gorgeous.
We set up our once shared queen sized bed, soon to be my mom's. Tomorrow we were going furniture shopping, and I was getting a desk and my very own queen sized bed. The modeling company who my mom made the cut for, Victoria Secret, payed her more than enough money.
My mom and I layed next to each other tonight, for the last time. For the last time we'd be sharing a bed. For the last time we'd be sharing a room. Our new life in LA would be full of new beginnings. Ever since my dad left me when I was 11 I had never really been truly happy. Except tonight I felt a happiness that I haven't felt since he left.
***
I woke up and rubbed my eyes. I checked my iPhone, it was 10 am. I walked into the kitchen where my mom was sitting on the floor on her phone. When she saw me she got up and wrapped her arms around me, engulfing me in her scent.
"Good morning baby girl, how'd you sleep?" she asked planting a kiss on my cheek.
"Good, can we go get something to eat" I asked as my stomach growled.
"Sure, let's go furniture shopping after. We better get some groceries too. We can't go too long, I have a shoot at 6" she replied.
I nodded before opening my suitcase and getting changed into some shorts and a t-shirt. I put some mascara on and grabbed my phone and my purse and followed my mom out the door.
We decided to go to McDonald's and get egg mcmuffins. We went to the furniture store and got some bar stools, a queen sized bed for me, a dining room table, lamps, nightstand, a couch, and some other little things. We then went to target and got some sheets, pillows, clothes, decor items, and food.
My mom dropped me off back at our apartment because she was already running late for her shoot.
"Here I'll help you with that" a voice said from behind me. I was struggling to get all three grocery bags up the stairs. I turned around. A young boy, probably about 16 or 17, was standing there staring at me.
I handed him two of the bags as he followed me to my apartment space.
"What's your name beautiful?" He asked as I felt his eyes scanning my body. I blushed.
"I'm Kansas, Kansas Rae Johnson. And you are?" I replied. As I looked at him for his answer I realized how hot he was. He had medium brown hair, and gorgeous green eyes that made me fall into his trance. His style was pretty good for a guy.
"I'm Connor Franta, but you can call me Connor." he told me.
I stopped in front of my door and slipped the key in the slot.
"So you're my new neighbor huh? Aren't you a little young to be having a place of your own?" Connor said breaking the awkward silence.
"I live with my mom, and yeah we just moved here from Kentucky." I replied bringing in the groceries.
This boy was so hot, and I didn't want to say anything to ruin my chances with him. He probably already has a girlfriend, who am I kidding. Either that or he's probably gay. Both ways I have no chance with him.
"Well Kansas it was nice meeting you." he said setting down the grocery bags not wanting to force himself in. "Could I get your number, I'd like to get to know you better."
My heart began to race, I wanted to trust this hot boy so badly, but I just met him. Did I even hear him right?
"So is that a no?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
I wrote down my number on a post it note.
"Here" I said with a smile.
"I'll see ya round" Connor said.
"Yup" I replied shutting the door.
The rest of the night as I put away groceries, ate dinner, and unpacked all I could think of was Connor and his cute little smile, and hot face.
Boy did I hope this boy would text me. And boy was I loving LA.
