The Better Americans

Today is the day. The day that will change everything, my daily life, my daily interactions. I would say relationships but what boyfriend? What do you mean friends, I’ve never heard of those. But that was okay, the only relationship I needed was the one with my mother. I love her but I am scared that even that relationship will change as we move. Move out of our lousy studio apartment in Incheon to an even lousier, no hot water, mattress on the floor, American apartment. But that was okay, I had my mom. Here we come Aspen, Colorado… I hope you’re ready.

Walking down the streets of Incheon and not getting noticed is quite hard for me, especially since I'm mixed. The part that I live in isn’t too open to foreigners even though I was born and raised here.

I look at my feet to notice rocks being flown at them, “Hey sunny why so sad? Did your mom bring home another guy?” Mikyong…

Lord, please help me. Her name is supposed to mean beauty and brightness, but I guess the facial masks seeped in too far and took away the second part.

“You know it’s been going around that you’ll be moving soon, is it because your mom has found a new all American man? Or maybe it’s a job…? Being an all-around hoe in that country is easy money.” She snickered. God, she makes my blood boil.

“Please don’t talk about my mother like that, it upsets me..” I try to push past her, she wears too much perfume.

“Oh come one sunshine, everyone knows what your mom did and what happened to her after. And you Sunny, you are the offspring of your mom’s mistake. It’s disgusting.” She got real close to my face, whispering in my ear...

“But I dunno, at best you’re a regret” She stuck her loli pop back in her mouth with a smirk and walked away.

Thank god we were moving soon. I can’t stand her, I can’t stand any of them. She has a whole army because her dad works for SM, so what? She has all the power because she’s daddy’s little girl, but she is quite the devil from what I see and experience. Whatever she says, go’s. The good girl, straight A’s persona was so stupid. I could see right through that fake red hair of hers.

I finally made my way to my apartment door and unlocked it with my key, just in time to see my mom almost starting a house fire. I don’t know how she manages to burn the pan and not the food.

“Oh Sunny, you’re home! Sorry, kiddo… I didn’t mean to start the next Goseong fire…” She said with an apologetic look, “I hope you’re all packed up, I just wanted to try and cook before we leave for good.” She slid what looked to be chicken onto a plate.

My mother only spoke English in the house. She wanted to make sure I knew how to speak it though I pass my English exams with flying colors. She learned how to speak after she started working for Docfinderkorea- Korea Medical Tourism. They would escort people around Korea, as well as give them plastic surgery. I also think she learned when she met my dad…

“So sunny-bee, excited to be leaving? I know how much you want to go far, far away from the land of silicone and bbq…” She said waving her arm around like she was spreading out the universe.

“Couldn’t be happier,” I said with a smile, assuring her that I wouldn’t miss anything about this place. I’d die if I had to stay another second.

The airport was very loud and held a lot of hustle and bustle as always. It’s like someone had a phonograph and constantly played a record called Sounds to Irritate the Hell Out of Someone. The air was filled with the scent of coffee and faint calls coming over the airport’s sound system. 7:30 am… we board soon. I can’t believe I’m actually leaving. I’ve always wanted to but it feels weird. This place was all I ever knew until now. I’m scared to change…

“Well, got your ticket? They are calling people to board the plane in two minutes,” My mother said standing up from her seat, collecting her things.

“Yes, mom,” I stood up as well and grabbed my Jansport backpack and old, beat-up duffle bag. The only thing keeping the handle of the bag still on the bag is my very poor sewing skills.

“Sunhee? Oh my gosh, Sunhee! Hey! It’s me, Jennie... From junior high? I sat in the back of you for ceramics class,” said the lady checking out our tickets. She gave my mom a brief hug and scanned both boarding passes.

“Oh my gosh, Jen? It has been forever girl,” my mom patted her shoulder. I mean, must’ve been, I haven’t seen her before… I don’t know her. But I do know that this conversation would’ve gone on forever if we weren’t in the airport.

“America eh? Are you going to go to try to find-” she was cut off.

“-To change jobs… I am going to work at a school teaching Chinese. Aspen Colorado… It seemed like a great fit…” My mom smiled and tilted her head at..um... Jen? Also… who the hell would she find? A mans? That’s way to easy for my mom, she has youth and grace. As well as beauty.

After that little chit chat, we were finally passing through the tube thing that connected the airport to the plane. As I walked through the plane door it got 7 degrees colder. It was quieter and more still then the way I got in. I loved the smell of planes. I loved to travel inside them. Even though it is scary for some people, I find the take-off to be very relaxing.

A lady was making her way slowly down the aisle offering an assortment of pretzels, nuts, and juice. And if you were old enough, different kinds of alcohol. I remember when my mom would give me soju and tell me it was a happy drink. When I was young I just thought it made you really happy because my mom drank it all the time, and she was always so floaty. That was until I got older and realized it also got you really drunk. Hey! Before you assume, it was her getting drunk not me!

I got bored on the plane and pulled out my puzzle book and started playing some good-old sudoku. I planned out the numbers one by one until my mom tapped me lightly on the shoulder.

“So we stop in LA and take a flight to Denver. After the 21 hours of torture we’ll endure from the plane rides, we’ll land. We can either..um… drive for 3 hours or sit on another plane for 1. What are you thinking?” My mom nudged me

“The plane? Another long ride on anything would kill me, sitting hurts!” I started to fake tears and sniffles.

My mom only scoffed, “You’re gonna be fine and in Aspen as soon as you know it. Now get some sleep hon, and when you wake up I promise we’ll already be there.” She swept the hair out of my face and kissed my forehead.

I started to slouch down in my chair and rested my head on my mom’s shoulder. I packed my puzzles and plugged my eyes and closed my weary eyes. I inhale slowly, I’m already dead.

Umm yeet so hi! This is Lanik, the author, you know mE. This is my first seriously planned out story about a plot I've had in my head for the longest time. Please go easy on me and be sure to tell all of your friends and share this a lot/. I really want this book to make it so please review.