April was not exaggerating when she said her house was a ghost town and the chances of running into someone would be slim.
It’s been exactly one week since we got on the plane back to Los Angeles. It wasn’t my father’s private plane. Instead, it was a plane ticket flying economy next to a man who snored so loud when he slept, to a woman who kept complaining about everything. The number of times she called the air hostess was a joke. I didn’t think it was possible to be embarrassed by a stranger’s behavior, but this time I was. Some people shouldneverleave their houses.
The worst part of all of this is I used my savings to buy this ticket. I didn’t want a single cent from my father.
Of course, going against him caused drama in my family. My sisters were relentless in verbally abusing me over text messages. Well, Millie and Ava were. Addy was oddly quiet. I figured she was too busy being a newlywed to get involved.
Mom was pissed. Her tone was cold when I explained to her my reasons, all of which came out as one big fat lie which made no sense. In the end, I gave up trying and basically said they had to deal with my decision.
At the time, I felt somewhat empowered standing on my own two feet and making decisions without thinking about anything else. Then, I slowly began to realize that without a college degree or further studies, no one wanted to touch me. In Europe, hospitality roles were everywhere, and no one cared what I had or hadn’t done. Living in the States is a completely different story.
“Look, you’ve gone on four interviews this week and haven’t heard a thing,” April reminds me as we sit in the den, trying to find something to watch. “Will you please take me up on my offer?”
My confidence is shattered because two of those jobs already emailed to say I wasn’t successful, and chances are the other two will follow. They weren’t even anything special. Just junior office jobs involving answering the phone and filing.
“You’ve already done so much, like letting me stay here.”
“And?” April raises her voice. “You need money, right? Why not take the job?”
“Well, firstly, there’s no guarantee I have the job. You’re assuming your stepfather will hire me based on being your friend. If you say he’s some rich CEO like my father, chances are he doesn’t give a shit who the person is. If they don’t have the skills or education, they don’t have it.”
April lets out a frustrated sigh. “When are you going to just trust the universe?”
Laughter comes out of my mouth, followed by an unflattering snort. When I manage to calm down, reality shines its wavy red flags to remind me of the cold hard truth.
“The universe is not my bestie. I don’t believe in the whole universe thing,” I drag with a sarcastic tone. “You sound just like my sister, Ava.”
“Okay, so forget the universe for a second. So what if you’ve had rejections? It builds character. Supposed to make you stronger, or something like that.”
“Yeah, well, unfortunately, it doesn’t build my bank account.”
“I can lend you money,” April offers.
April isn’t wealthy by any means, but she is savvy in saving what she does have. Her car is some old Jeep gifted to her by her uncle. It blows out smoke and has rust around the edges, yet she loves it like it’s a brand-new Lamborghini or something.
During our travels, she flirted with guys to get free dinners and drinks, saving every dollar for no apparent reason. She’s on the fence about going to college but is considering studying abroad just to get out of LA.
“No, you’ve done so much already.” I glance at the time on my phone. My shoulders tense when I see it’s almost time to leave for dinner at my parents’ house. “I’m going to shower and get changed. You sure you don’t want to come to dinner?”
“Why, you sound nervous?”
“I just don’t want to go alone. If you come, my father won’t raise his voice and remind me of how much of a disappointment I am to the family.”
The moment it leaves my mouth, my phone pings with a text message.
Ava:Thank me later. I’m joining you for dinner tonight. Someone needs to keep a tally as you and Dad battle it out.
“Argh, never mind. Apparently, Ava is joining us.”
“See, the universe made sure it all worked out,” April gloats with a grin.
I yank the velvet cushion from beside me and throw it at her head. “Enough with the universe talk, weirdo.”
* * *
Upon entering the house, the smell of something delicious lingers in the air. If I’m not mistaken, it’s Mom’s homemade lasagna and garlic bread. When it comes to cooking, her food is always amazing.
The smell is not the only thing I notice, it’s how everything is in the same position, and nothing has changed. Without even thinking, a sigh escapes me while I take it all in. This place still feels like home, despite my moving out, and so many memories fight for attention the more I observe my surroundings.