Flying and Grounded
Millie
When my alarm blared in the middle of the night, I was definitely not ready to get up. But today is the day I’ve been waiting for: I’m flying across the world to experience America as a foreign exchange student.
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, ever since I found out it was a possibility. People tell me that America is a strange choice and that I should have picked somewhere more exotic, like Spain or Japan. But to me, America is where I want to be.
It’s not too terribly different from home, but it will definitely be a new experience. I feel like it’s a great way to dip my toe into being on my own. I’m going to make the most of this experience no matter what.
My bags have been packed for weeks. Everything is pristine and new. My suitcase is overflowing with tops, skirts, bottoms, and dresses. I’ve been slowly curating the perfect wardrobe for the last year, but haven’t let myself wear anything yet. I convinced myself I’ll feel best in America if everything is shiny and new.
I’ve been working with my mum after school since I turned fifteen. Nothing too fun—I help take care of aquatic plants, which really means I clean out a bunch of gross filters all day. That’s okay, though, because I made a good wage.
On top of my new clothes, I’ve also got quite a lot of money saved from my paychecks over the last year, so I’m ready for whatever America has to throw at me.
I’m tired, but the excitement of what the rest of today holds is enough to get me moving. After I force myself to my feet, I wander into the bathroom and shower, then do my best to make myself look presentable.
At this hour, that means putting on some cute pink sweats and pulling my light brown hair into a high ponytail. My flight is thirteen hours long, so I plan on changing again at some point before I meet my host family.
It’s not like we’re total strangers, but I’m still a bit nervous. We’ve been chatting via video calls, but meeting in person is different. I want to make a great impression.
I’m going to have a sister who is my age when I get there. I hope she’ll be nice and we’ll be fast friends. A cute outfit and a nice smile are a good way to start those plans. I’m going to have lots of coffee the last two hours of my flight so I won’t be totally buggered. As long as everything goes to plan, I’ll be golden.
I did as my dad asked and waited until I was ready to leave the house before I went to wake my parents. They don’t like waiting around for me to get ready. After I rouse them, it only takes them about fifteen minutes to wander out fully dressed and ready to go.
On the way to the airport, Mum quizzes me about a million things, but I have the right answer for everything. They’ve always teased me about being an overachiever, but let’s face it—that’s also why they’re letting me go on this trip.
“And Mills, what about the boys in America?” Dad adds.
“Don’t trust them until they prove themselves?” I reply, though I wish I sounded more confident.
I know that my parents haven’t minded me dating in the past, but I think Dad is more worried about me dating in America since he won’t be able to come help me if I need him.
“You know I trust you, sweetheart,” he looks over his shoulder to smile. “I just don’t trust the boys,” he laughs as he sets his eyes back on the road.
I know that my parents trust me, and it makes me proud because I’ve earned it. I’ve been hearing the same lecture since age eight: We trust you, Millie, until you show us differently.
I took it to heart. I don’t lie, I don’t cheat, I’ve done well in school, and this is when it’s finally paying off for me. I’ll turn eighteen while I’m in the U.S., but a birthday away from my friends and family is a small price to pay for the experience of a lifetime.
Once we get to the airport, my parents hug me tightly at the curb and then send me into the terminal. The traffic is wild, and they don’t have time to wait around because everyone is rushing them out of the way.
It’s a little bit intimidating just going and doing this by myself, but I think I’m ready. I follow the signs, and before I know it, I’m through security and waiting to board my flight.
I’m nervous. I know that I will have my host family to count on, but I am still mainly on my own for now. Come on, Mills, put on your big girl pants; it’s time to grow up.
Julian
This morning when I woke up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. But what else is new? Maybe something good will happen for a change?
Who am I kidding? This is my life—my life as Trouble. No one even uses my real name anymore. Did I earn this nickname? Of course not, but you know how people are. Everyone has an opinion, and once your story leaks out into the world, everyone makes up their own version of it. And kids at school are the worst.
It’s fine, though; for the most part, I’ve learned how to let it roll off my shoulders. I’m used to it, and someday I’ll save enough money to blow this town and start over somewhere new. Somewhere, I can just be Julian, not Trouble.
I stumble into the shower and do my best to get ready for the day. I have to stock groceries for a few hours before school, so I make my way down the stairs and into the store.
Sure, I don’t like waking up at five a.m., but the fact that Mr. Thomas lets me stay above the store for free and still pays me a decent wage is awesome. All I have to do in return is stock the shelves, work after school, and lock up; it’s too good to pass up. Ever since I aged out of the system, Arthur has been the only person to give me a chance. I didn’t want to live in a shelter. This is so much better than that.
When I get downstairs, I make a quick list of what I need and go to the back room to load my cart. It looks like Arthur has already come in through the back door because the lights are on.
It’s not normal for him to be here this early, so I poke my head into his office. “Hey, boss, I’ve got my stock list, but is there anything else you need me to do before I go to school?”
“Good morning. That’ll be fine; the morning shift can clean the windows and counters,” he smiles.
“Thanks, I’ll get to it then.”
Before I step away, he calls my name. “Julian, today I’ve got a family situation, and I won’t be around for the shift after school. But if you can just lock up like normal, that will be perfect.”
“Sure, no problem. Thanks, Mr. T,” I wave before going to the storeroom.
After I finish the restocking, I grab my backpack and walk to school. It was a typical day. The big news was that Madison Thomas, cheer captain and HBIC of the high school, was absent.
She’s Arthur’s daughter—that’s the only reason I paid attention. Of course, rumors abounded. I wonder if this has anything to do with the family situation Arthur mentioned earlier. But really I don’t care. I just want to get through the day. If it affects me, I’ll find out soon.
When school is out, I walk back to the grocery store. After I stash my stuff, I put on an apron and get to work restocking what sold during the day. By the time I get to produce, the place is a madhouse.
Our grocery store is small but busy. Arthur offers the best prices and is conveniently located. The store is clean and well-kept, plus he is a genuinely nice human, and that’s why I respect him so much. Getting this job was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.
