Hi guys! Been awhile, huh?
Well, I'm back...with a new story! Hope you guys like it!
I love you all, and I'm sorry I've been gone.
And if you don't know who I am or whatever, HI! (and ignore that above)
Enjoy!
p.s. - The title is taken from the Jack's Mannequin album of the same name. In addition, the lyrics at the beginning of the chapters are from the album. Thanks!
Everything In Transit
She thinks I'm much too thin
She asks me if I'm sick
“You need to eat” she said sternly, tossing me a croissant from the breakfast tray the hotel provided. I scowled at the piece of bread, not really in the mood for food. I hadn’t been very hungry lately, but I knew if I didn’t eat it she’d argue with me until she got her way anyway. That’s why mom liked her. I bite into the croissant, the flaky bread and butter tasting better than I thought it would, and the hunger that had been kept at bay revealed itself with a growl as I devoured the croissant.
She doesn’t say anything as she watches me eat, for which I’m thankful. I dive into the fruit next, tasting strawberry on my fingers as I’m already grabbing a slice of pineapple. My manners are never this callous, but she doesn’t seem to mind. She’s just happy I’m eating. My brothers bound into the living area of the suite, and look at the nearly empty breakfast tray with satisfied eyes. Everyone was worried about me not eating, but afraid to say anything. Ever since she left that morning I’ve been a monster to my family. But they took it; they understood. A broken heart needs time to heal.
My eyes must have portrayed my thoughts, because the next thing I know I’m wrapped in a hug by what feels like my entire family; biological and extended. I feel Maya’s hand softly patting my back as my mom whispers that it will be okay. I don’t cry. I’m afraid I don’t have any tears left, and at sixteen I shouldn’t be wearing my emotions on my sleeve anyway.
“Nick, you’re going to be alright.” One of my brothers say as they all pull away from the impromptu hug. I just nod, not having any words. Then it’s time for business and my personal life is put aside for a few hours as we call radio stations and conduct our interviews. Same questions, never any variety. But it’s okay. There’s only one question that stings, the bite and power of a simple question causing my heart to clench in pain as I manage to answer with a clear voice and the barest hint of a smile. Fake smile, but sincerity is impossible to manage.
“Yes, I’m single.” The words are spoken and I finish the interview. It’s only afterwards that I look outside and see that it’s still morning.
Morning. Mourning. How similar the two words are.
