Vacation or Reality?

My mom told me a few days ago to pack my things because we're going on vacation to Texas to see my Aunt Helena. Her and my mom are two peas in a pod. They both believe women should take charge of their life and become something men didn't think were possible.

The thing is, we live in the 21st century, and they still act like we're in the 1800's. I still don't understand why picking a big time career could make anyone happy. Ever since I was a girl, I wanted to find my own destiny. I want to follow my heart, but my mom has never allowed me to do such a thing. I'm not allowed to date or bring anyone over because it might distract me from my future.

I really hope she slacks off soon. I'm turning 17 next month, and I have to decide what job I'll pursue. If I don't, Mom will kill me. Well, not literally, but I'm worried she might go as far as disowning me or something. I don't want that, but I don't really want something like that to happen, but I also don't want to become a doctor or lawyer or a social justice warrior. Can't she just understand I want a simple life?

       "Are you all packed and ready to go?" Mom asks. "Yep. Ready, Freddie," I reply. She looks at me like she wants to say something, but she doesn't. She's never liked the way I talk. The way Dad talked. We didn't talk much on the drive to the airport or the plane ride there other than the ocassional,"Can you hand me that?" and "Do you have your ticket?" and "Turn your music down." Mom doesn't like anything I like. Especially when it comes to everything that makes me me.

       Before we know it, we've landed in Texas and are greeted by Aunt Helena. "Sister! Kimmi!" She yells as she runs up and gives us hugs. "We should do this more often! I miss seeing you two. We only get to see eachother around Thanksgiving and Easter and I don't know if you know this but there's a lot of time in between one year and the next," she whispers the last part with sarcasm. "Yes, I know I know. It's just so hard to take time off from work, get to a point where Kimmi can take a break from school, and preparing for another year of school." Mom replies. "Oh yeah, a lot of work for both of us," I add. "Well thankfully you can have a break for a few hours!" Aunt Helena says. You would think she's kidding, but she's not. She's just like Mom. Always working, always looking forward to more work.

     We arrive at Aunt Helena's house and are greeted by Uncle Ian. I jump out of the truck and give him a big ole hug. He's always been closer to me than Mom or Aunt Helena. Him and dad were great friends growing up and just happened to marry to sisters. They became brother-in-laws and uncles to the other's kids. Well, kid. I'm the only child. "Kimmi! I swear you look more beautiful each time I see you." "Awwe thanks Uncle Ian," I reply. He gives me one more hug and whispers, "There's someone else on the farm that might think the same thing, but you didn't hear it from me." When I pull back, he's smirking and has a look in his eyes that says it's only for us to know about. I'm excited to see who he's talking about.

(2026 Note: Here is another short story that I will probably never turn into a real book because I have too many book ideas that are more important to me. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed it!)