Take a Chance

The Move

"I can't believe it!! She's making me move once again. Why does my father have to be in the god damn military? Why can't I just have a normal life? I hate being some stupid military baby," she screams as if someone is going to answer her. She picks herself up of the rugged carpet in the now bare room which was once fully decorated with elephants. She makes her way down the darkened halls and down the stairs. She gives the house one last look and walks out the door closing it gently behind her. 

"Mom I am so sick of moving!"

"I know sweetie. Once your father is home from the war we will finally be able to settle in one place."

"How much longer is the war going to take?"

"I wish I had an answer for you. There is no way to know."

"Ugh" she exclaims and jumps into the passenger side. "Let's go before I try something to make us stay." 

"I'm coming Athena. I'm going to miss this place just as much as you."

"Yeah well I learned to not get too attached. The more you attach yourself the harder it is to leave. NOW LETS GO ALREADY!"

Her mother jumps into the driver seat and buckles up. She glances over to Athena giving her the look to buckle up too. They pull away from the beloved house and make their way to the airport not speaking. 

When they arrive they meet up with the person that will be driving their car to the new home. He takes the keys and is on his way. They have done this so many times they make it through security in a breeze. They hurry to their gate and take a seat. Athena has her head plastered into her phone.  

"Athena, sweetie?"

"What?"

"Do you wanna know where we are headed or do you want it to be a surprise?"

"Mom, I can read. I already know we are going somewhere in Maryland."

"But do you  want to know the smaller details like the town? Or the high school you will be attending?"

"I honestly don't care. I've given up. It's a different place, but the same old thing. Every time we move, I have to fit into a whole other setting. I have to make new friends. I have to try to fit in. I have to adjust to the education level."

"I'm sorry sweetie. I wish I could make it easier for you. If there is anything you want or need, just tell me. I'll do my best to get it for you."

"Just let me die," she mumbles under her breath so faintly that her mother doesn't even hear it. 

Athena slouches back plastering her face back into her phone.Her mother sits beside her with absolutely  nothing to do as her phone died two hours ago providing them directions to the airport. She glances over at Athena observing the young lady she has become. Her long brown hair is pulled into a messy bun and her glasses are sliding down her nose as she reads text messages from her friends. She's dressed in jeans and a nice top showing respect for the airlines and a  bag of candy sits beside her ready to give the last chocolate to the woman at the boarding desk. 

2 hours pass

The woman's voice fills the waiting area over the intercom. "Zone A, please board. "

Athena and her mother stand up moving slowly in the line to board their seats. They make it to their row, put their luggage in the overhead carrier, and take their seats. As the plane is fully boarded and the flight attendants have done their safety speeches, the flight takes off. Athena stares out the window with the wing in view. She watches the ground slowly disappear and takes a nap the rest of the way to her new state.