Alyssa

Three weeks has passed since my aunt Maxine's baby shower, and now I'm on my laptop trying to look for a job.

I'm honestly looking for something smaller since I won't be having that much time on my hands.

Lately school work has been kicking my ass, and it's most likely because I'm taking advance classes so I live well once I go to college.

Knowing me, I'd most likely have to re-stalk the shelves because it's simple and easy enough, plus I love organizing.

The only thing that's a problem is that my OCD will go zero to a hundred really quickly.

I don't know about you, but I hate it when someone puts something in the wrong area.

Like say if it's the soda section, and you put a jug of milk there or a box of cereal in there, that will literally irritate the living hell out of me.

And if I catch someone in the act, I might have no control of my actions.

A knock at the door lure me from my thoughts and I look back towards it while closing my laptop, then adjust my clothes, and slide my flip flops on.

It's most likely mom checking up on me. She does that every hour or two to make sure I'm fine.

"Yes?" I ask sweetly as I open the door

I'm taken back when I see it's dad, but I blink twice, step back, and let him in.

Once we're both settled in, I grab my laptop and place it under the bed.

"Hey kiddo, I need to talk to you." Dad starts face filled with worry

His forehead has wrinkles in it, and under his eyes, you can easily see bags.

His appearance makes me question his sleeping, but I don't say anything.

"What's this about?" I ask raising a brow

He takes a deep breath which makes my heart pound harder.

"Well, I wanted you to know that the police station has given me a promotion. I get to be the sheriff–"

I cut him off before he finishes.

"Oh my God, are you serious! That's so amazing dad. What does that mean for the family?" I ask enthusiastically jumping up and down

He heaves a sigh and takes my small hands in his.

"Pumpkin." He says calmly looking me in the eye

My heart begins to beat faster at the nickname he gave me as a kid, but I keep my mouth shut and wait to hear his next sentence.

"They promoted me to become the sheriff in Los Angeles."

My entire heart shattered as a hundred emotions crash through me.

Enthusiasm

Confusion

Sadness

Anger

I can't help but to smile as I thought of how it would be.

Then realization hits me.

We'd have to move.

"No." I reply shaking my head and rip my hands away from his grip

I moved to the corner of the room with my arms wrapped around myself and started telling myself this is a dream.

I lived all of my life in Arkansas, and my best friend, Cindy, would surely never agree to this.

We've been best friends since the third grade, and I promised I'd never leave her for the world.

I just can't leave her like that.

I just can't leave my home like that.

Then other people start to pop into mind.

What about aunt Maxine and uncle Kyle?

Aunt Maxine is going to be having a baby in the next 2-3 months and I can't miss that for anything.

They know how excited I was when I first heard the news about her being pregnant.

How am I supposed to just up and leave them like that?

And what about school?

I don't want to be the new kid again.

The feeling of being the new kid is stressful and annoying.

"Pumpkin, listen to me..." My dad trails off looking at me

I frantically run my hands through my hair and try to control my breathing, but it only quickens as different scenarios came to mind.

This can't be happening.

Has he even told mom?

I look towards the door and jet out.

"Mom!" I scream loudly running through the house to find her

In seconds, I hear footsteps and my mom runs out of the bathroom in slippers, a robe, and a knife in hand.

If I wasn't going through so many emotions right now, I'd laugh and take a picture, but it's not the time or place.

"Mom, tell me it isn't true." I plead as my body shakes

"Honey what are you talking about?" She asks sincerely putting the knife down to cross her arms

Another pair of footsteps makes its way to the living room, and we turn our heads to see a red faced dad walk up to us.

"Is it true that dad got a promotion to become the sheriff in Los Angeles?" I ask on the brink of tears

She sighs and looks between dad and I.

"Lyssa..." Her voice breaks as she replies trailing off at the end

My heart shatters into pieces as I look at them with tears.

"When did you find out?" I ask turning around to face dad

"A week ago." He says looking down making my eyes widen with disbelief and shock

"You've known about this for a week, and didn't tell me? How am I supposed to explain this to Cindy?! I don't want to move to Los Angeles and be the new kid to a new school." I yell and run my hands through my hair again in distress

I can't believe this.

We have to move, and they don't look affected at all.

"Honey calm down, we know how you feel. It's going to be okay." My mom says trying her best to reassure me

"How can you say that?! Aunt Maxine is 6 months pregnant and if we move to Los Angeles we won't be able to see the baby! Does that not affect you? Even in the slightest?" I question feeling hopeless

"Of course it affects me sweetheart, but your dad has been working hard, and he deserves better than what he's receiving at the station. Plus this could help the family in so many ways. Once we get settled there for a few months, we're going to come back here to visit them sweetheart." She answers making my heart stop

Did she just say months?

At this point it's not even about the fact that dad could get better pay, or better a anything.

It's the fact that I'm leaving everything behind in Arkansas to meet people I'd most likely never like.

I'm going to leave my best friend, my family, and my home to start over somewhere fresh and new.

Can life get any worse?