Moving On

A bump in the road woke me up. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up to find I was still in the car. I frowned. We were still going to Carroll. I turned my head and saw my little sister, Lily, sound asleep, her toy rabbit, Buster, in her arms. My mom, who was sitting in front of me, finally noticed I was awake and smiled at me.

"Good nap, sleepyhead?" She asked in her normal high-pitched voice. I turned my head, ignoring her. She just sighed, grabbing the map. "Sweetie, I know it's hard, I mean, new school, new friends, new town, but it'll get bet-"

I simply cut her off, coldly, "Better? I had awesome friends back in Villisca, I knew my community well, I knew where f*** I was! But, no, you just had to move us." My step-dad, Max, rolled his eyes, but stayed silent.

Mom sighed, looking at the map instead of me, "Jananee Joy-"

"J.J.."

"-You'll make new friends, and you'll grow to really like Carroll."

I crossed my arms, grumbling, "Dakota would have been on my side...."

My mom's hands tightened on the map. Her voice came out slow and angry, "Your brother made his choice." She took in a shaky breath, then smiled again, "Now! That's be happy! We're outside of Carroll and I bet your dying to meet your grandparents."

"What-" I was cut off, when Max made a sharp turn, sending me flying into the door. I glared at him and he shrugged, "Missed the turn." He said in his gruff, deep voice. As we drove into the city of Carroll, I wondered if Max was going to survive the week.....