Do Not Drown

one

1)

Sometimes I wish things weren't the way they were.

It has been the three longest days since my father died from liver cancer. My mother has been too busy at her CEO position at The View magazine.

She was always too busy for her personal issues.

I would be the issue.

I wouldn't even call them personal issues anymore. All her time was spent at the company with models and shoot sets waiting for her approval.

And I was waiting for her approval of a son.

I guess today is a different day though.

My mother called me out of school. For once, I silently thanked her. But I didn't want to go home either. I knew my dad wouldn't be there waiting for me to ask how my day at school was.

"Carl, go to the car. I have to discuss some matters with your principle." My mother informed me.

Walking out of school, I located my mother's car and unlocked it with the keys she gave me. I opened the back seat doors of the car and got in.

I wonder what she's up to this time.

As I'm sitting there and waiting for her, I find some half melted gum in the cup holder, a pen, some receipts, and money.

Two dollars and fifty cents...

I spot two vending machines next to the gym building of the school so I ditch the car and get some soda. As I insert the money in to the machine, my mother spots me and starts walking in my direction with an unhappy expression on her face.

"Do you know how many times you've disobeyed my orders and always followed your father's orders? You know what?! Your father is dead now! I'm so sick and tired of your attitude." she exclaims in my face.

For once, I have nothing to say to her.

Silently I follow her back to the car with a sad, cold, lonely, and detached Coca-Cola in my hand.

***
An hour has passed in the car and my mother was in no mood for me to ask where we were heading.

We were driving fast on the highway. That's when I began to see the airplanes and the airport come into view.

"Where are we going?" I ask her nervously.

Sighing, she responds, "A few weeks ago when your father was sick, we planned to send you to the Aquatics Academic Academy in Florida. We found out from your coach that is a very good school for swimmers like you. Not only do they focus on your swim career, they focus on your school too."

She keeps on going.

"You'll spend the rest of your high school years there. I'm sure they'll take care of you. I hope that at least you'll learn take care of yourself and be more responsible."

Wordless and in shock, I only stutter out an "okay".

As we walk to the terminal, I can't process anything. My mother had my suitcase ready and packed.

Then it dawned to me.

I was letting go of my dad.

I was letting go of Colorado.

I was letting go to Florida.

Then, I boarded the plane without a goodbye to it all. But instead a goodbye from the person I hated most- my mom.

...

At last the plane landed and I was escorted by a woman waiting for me with a sign that said my name, Carl Tyde.

[<>]

Did you enjoy the first chapter?

JXYCIE
edited by KIRWA.