Tina stared down into an endless plate of food, making use of her fork as it pushed the vegetables from one edge to the opposing, creating a loud clicking noise with each stroke. Her eyes rose for a moment, only to find that her parents were in fact, still rambling on about her new life, her new school, her new bright future.

Her summer had slowly folded to its end, and the decision still stuck. There was no turning back now, for in a mere 3 hours Tina would be on a plane to Los Angeles, leaving behind 14 years worth of memories. 14 years worth of now abolished friendships. It wasnt her choice to pick up and leave, to move in with her moms wonderful sister all the way across the United States. If she had any say, shed be back on the beach with Billy, Cassie and Sara, soaking up the last of the suns rays before starting as a freshman on Monday.

Well Christina, arent you going to answer your mother? Her fathers voice interrupted, his arm gently brushing against hers.

What? Tina asked, looking up with an innocent smile. The Kennards knew that their youngest daughter didnt appreciate being shipped cross country to a new school. But in their minds, it was for the best. Only the best for their favorite daughter. Every smile that found her lips was plastered on, a faulty mask of emotion left to shield the pain and anguish that Tina felt. In her eyes, it wasnt for the best, it was only an excuse to rid her from their lovely 2 story home in the swinging town of Madison, Wisconsin.

Have you called things off with Billy? Youre going to be all the way over in California, are you two really going to make the long distance thing work? Her mother asked, taking a quick sip from her perspiring glass of water.

Tina sighed, rolling her eyes, I told you before, were going to see how things go. Depending on how school is for each of us and all that. Dont ask me again.

Dont talk to your mother like that! Mr. Kennard said coldly, eyes shooting daggers at his daughter.

Like what? Hm? Tina asked rhetorically, You dont deserve a say in my life, considering I dont even get a chance to have one! Youre plucking me from all that Ive grown up to know, all of my friends, my whole life. And now Ive got to start at some completely bogus school all the way out there in Hollywood. How the ***** do you expect me to adjust to something like that? Do you think its easy? Because its not.

Blonde locks swirled as the girl shook her head in disbelief at her parents attitude, pushing off from the table. She let the fork drop with a clatter onto the glazed China, ignoring the shouts that she left behind as she skipped the stairs two at a time, slamming her bedroom door behind her.

A defeated Tina Kennard fell back onto what was once her bed, staring up at the ceiling where fragments of tape clung to the paint. The room was desolate except for the bed and the desk, which had lost their personality as well. The walls were bare, sun stained in parts, completely clean in the others. Pictures had once taken residence there, now the photos were packed up tightly in one of the 3 suitcases that would be accompanying her on the long journey to a new life.

A gentle knock sounded at the door, and before Tina could even shout her reply, the door opened and there stood Mrs.Kennard, her eyes glimmering. Tina let the hazel orbs roll in a form of sarcasm as she turned away from her mother, refusing to meet the teary eyed gaze that was thrown her way.

Chrissy dear? Her mother asked, taking a seat on the corner of the bed.

Its Tina, mom. Dont make me tell you again. Tina muttered, stubbornly staring off at the wall.

I know youre upset, but you know that we want the best for you. Besides, you and your cousin are very close. It should be an easy transition for you. She added, trying her best to resolve the situation.

Yeah, easy for you to say. But what about my friends? What about my life over here? Its not easy to just pick up and start again. The young blonde retorted, I dont remember anyone asking me what I wanted.

Chr-…. Tina, you need to understand. Were not trying to hurt you. We just want a great future for you, one that the high schools here cant give to you. Youll fall into the theater in Los Angeles and maybe someone will discover you. Havent you always wanted to be an actress?

Tina sighed, Yes, but it can wait. I want to enjoy my high school years, now I wont be able to.

Dont say that. You dont know what awaits you there. Her mom said, brushing the hair from her lonely daughters eyes. Now why dont you make a few final calls, and well get out of here. We dont want you missing the flight.

Sure why not. Tina said, unable to find the emotional strength to argue with her mother. She reached for the phone, only to find its place empty. Already packed. She inhaled, keeping back the tears as she found her feet and wandered down the kitchen, ignoring her father as she found the phone, dialing down a list of numbers until she was sure that everyone in her group of friends had received their appropriate farewell.

The front door opened and Tina heard the familiar jingle of car keys finding her fathers palm. It was go time. Finally the moment that Tina had dreaded off and on for the past few weeks had come, and it struck her harder than a wrecking ball. She felt the hot tears, she felt the heartache, the homesickness, the loneliness. It all came so quickly that Tina could barely hold back her sobs as she walked the short distance from the kitchen to the foyer, reluctantly grabbing her bags without a word as she stalked out of the house, not looking back for even a moment.

Once all was settled, the car began its everlasting drive towards the airport, the overwhelming roar of silence overtaking each member of the Kennard family. Each of them longed to say something, to help the situation, but no words seemed sufficient. Even the airport seemed small compared to the large hole in Tinas heart, the hole that her family had once occupied. The teen had never dreamed of hating anyone, but now she knew that the feeling was there, the intense dislike of the people who had tried to hard to make their daughter perfect, to rule her life.

Checking in, Security and boarding were all a breeze, or perhaps it was that the youngest Kennard wasnt trying to care, trying to pay attention to anything other than what sat before her, her future beginning right here, right now. As she settled back into the itchy coach seat the thoughts continued to nag at her, to tug at her insides and brains until she was mentally and physically exhausted. She felt a soft vibration from behind, then a cry. Then two pounding hammers slamming into her seat, sending her forward. She turned, expecting to find a parent trying to control her child, instead, she found a child, all by his lonesome. His parents were across the aisle, paying no attention to the distraction that their son was causing.

She slid back into her seat, tugging at the loose strings on the edge of her sweatshirt. The fraying edges reminded Tina of her life, once whole and beautiful, now unraveling before her eyes. Eventually the unraveling would lead to destruction, to a useless end. She closed her eyes, slowly adjusting to the free massage she was receiving as all thoughts vanished and the girl found peace; in her dreams.

****

Im not going to have any friends. Tina repeated for the 4th time, looking up to her cousin who was sorting through lists and books, checking off each object as she placed them into her backpack.

Tina, would you stop telling me that? If youre so negative youll never have friends. But if you just act like yourself the guys will be all over you. And of course, youll find a few girls wholl be your best friends for life. Her cousin stated simply.

Tina ignored the compliment and turned to her stack of books, Do we honestly need to carry all of these? I mean a book for gym, are they serious?

Welcome to Los Angeles. Dana stated simply, laughing as she threw her organized bag onto the floor and curled up on her bed, staring at her cousin. You know what, Tina? I think that if youve got a positive out look and you find the right places to be, youll have some good friends in no time. And if that plan doesnt work, Im always here. I dont have to be only a cousin, I can be your best friend.

You already are, Dane.

Well, see. Youre off to a good start already. Dana smiled slyly and climbed into her bed, body wiggling beneath the over sized comforter. Cmon ,I think we both need to sleep. Itll be a long day tomorrow.

Im not going to be able to sleep, too nervous. Tina yawned, climbing into the queen sized bed beside her cousin. I cant believe Im actually here. Its so unreal.

Yeah, It is kinda strange. The lights slowly dimmed to darkness, the two girls fidgeting beneath the covers. So tell me about your life back in Madison.

Im going to start crying. Tina smiled through the darkness, managing to find the two eyes that had been desperately searching for her own. Why dont you tell me about school? Who to be around, who to stay away from.

Ugh, stay away from the thugs. You know, the white people who think that theyre so tough and from the Ghetto. Theyre not fun to be around, and no, there isnt a hood around here.

Good to know, I dont think we had many of those guys back in Wisconsin. Tina laughed and looked to her cousin again, Who else?

Well I cant really tell you who is worthy of your time and what not, I think youll figure it out for yourself. Dana paused for a few moments, trying to find the words to convey her thoughts and feelings. Hey Tina, you think I can tell you something. It might kinda…. surprise you or freak you out, but dont worry, Im still the same old Dana youve known forever.

***** youre not pregnant are you? Tina whispered.

Dana was surprised even by the thought of it, What? No. Its not that insane. Tina Im beginning to think that the confusion has changed into something more, I think I really know what I want. Relationship wise.

Oh? Tina asked, arching both brows. So that tennis camp thing has finally broken through to you?

Yeah I think it has. Dana nodded, falling silent. Im a stark raving mad *****.

No problems with that. Tina laughed. So youve got someone new then, I assume?

Nope, but this year is going to be the year of Dana Fairbanks. I am going to get myself a woman. She admitted determinedly.

Good for you, Dane. Im happy youve finally found the truth. Tina said quietly, closing her eyes as she listened to her cousins breathing fall into a steady rhythm, her chest rising and falling with each fluctuation of breath. Dana was asleep, leaving Tina to ponder her own happiness. She surely wasnt happy with school, or with her family. Maybe she would find the friends, the happiness, the everything that shed ever wanted.

***** it. Ill worry tomorrow. She thought finally, slowly drifting off into a world of tormented dreams brought on by never ending nerves that raged inside her. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new life for Tina Kennard. A future bright with possibilities.

TBC…if you guys comment and end up liking it.