After sealing the last box, I have come to the realization I am a packrat. Which is frightening, as I do not wish to resemble anything close to a hoarder. I mean, you've seen those shows, right? That's not healthy. Yet, as I survey my belongings, I think I may fit into that category. In an effort to remove myself from said category, I pick the nearest three boxes to myself, and drag them outside onto the curb- garbage, gone, finito. I smack my hands together in satisfaction, and sit down to enjoy my last day in LA. I close my eyes, soaking in the memories, while looking to the future, before I hear loud voices, knocking, and the doorbell ringing.
I grimace in frustration but make my way to the door. I try to keep a straightface after I pull open the door to see my best friend, my sister, and her boyfriend dressed as Spice Girls. Yes, I made no mistake...Spice Girls! I feel like I've been transported back more than a decade and I can't help but giggle at their antics. Aiden in a dress and heels, is definitely an amusing sight. I sigh, and let the crazies inside. They parade around for a bit but then grow bored. Kyla, my younger sister, immediately whines once she has noticed the lack of furniture- yes she is a princess. Whereas, my best friend, Haley, is already sitting cross-legged making peace with the floor. The doorbell chimes again and I am kind of scared to open the door. What's next, Justin Bieber? I sigh in relief, when I see the Pizza Hut logo on the hat perched on top of the awkward-looking teenage boy. I thrust some bills into his hands, telling him to keep the change, and greedily take the boxes into my hands. I toss the veggie one in Haley's direction, and then open the steaming box, to shove a slice of heaven into my mouth. The others all stare at me in shock while I continue to shovel. Kyla looks disheartened as she says, " I guess I don't get to make a farewell toast".
I drop the pizza to my disposable plate, and get up to wrap my arms around her. Pinching her cheek, while saying, "Is somebody gonna miss me?" Giving her a stain-worthy kiss to her other cheek.
"Gross, Ashley! Get away!"
I chuckle to myself and wolf down more delicious pizza. I guess all that lifting provided quite a work-out. We all eat quietly, with the exception of Aiden. That boy, does not know when to shut up. I realize I'm going to miss this, even Mr. Gonad. I muster up the courage to approach each person alone and and pull them aside to tell them how much I appreciate them and that I will miss them. I get caught up in old memories and it's nice to reminisce. Twenty-two years seem to have flown by. I spot Taylor in the corner of the living room, picking her up, I start strumming the tune of the classic Green Day tune, Time of Your Life. Soon enough, I'm surrounded by family and friends and we are all swaying slowly.
As I finish the song, I see Aiden with tears streaming down his face. I poke his chest. "And you call yourself a man? Come here you big baby," I gently tease him. I wrap my arms around his neck, while he lifts me up, giving me one of Aiden's specialty bear hugs. I savour the contact, whispering in his ear, "You break my sister's heart, I will break you! I may be miles away, but I have my ninja connections".
He snorts, and I pull back with a threatening glare. I am not joking. I play a few more songs, with the others helping me out with the vocals...or should I say not helping me out. I'm pretty sure they are all tone deaf. Kyla is the worst of them though, because she thinks she has this amazing voice but sounds more like an animal being strangled.
I stifle a yawn, attempting to cover it with my arm, but Haley is quick to notice. She asks if it's alright if she crashes here, for old times sake. I nod, in appreciation. Kyla and Aiden are quick to jump on the I tidy the area up and make room for some makeshift beds, rummaging around for some blankets and pillows. I head to the bathroom to rub some toothpaste on my teeth, spit, rinse, and return to find my guests passed out. I crawl under the blankets near Haley and curl up next to her. I kiss her forehead, mumbling goodnight.
Dropping my head, on my pillow, I will sleep to come, but my mind is too active about the move, the new job, the new city. Hell, it's a different country. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. I'm leaving behind everything I find comfort in, exchanging it for the unknown. Goodbye LA, hello Vancouver.