Today is the day that I move halfway across the country to live with a bunch of strangers whom I've never met and live in a city that I have never even visited. So, it's going to be a culture shock, that's for sure.
The plane from Calgary to Toronto felt as if it lasted all of 5 minutes, my mind was buzzing the entire time with equal parts excitement and nervousness. I'm not typically the type of person that gets anxious about things but leaving my family and my support system is definitely going to be difficult for me.
However, I know that I have my team coming with me to be there for me and with me every step of the way. That alone was the only reason that I made the trip.
My team, the Panthers, is a nationally ranked cheerleading team based out of Calgary. We've won worlds divisionally two years in a row and are looking to bring the title home for the third time. However, since the formation of the Panthers, we have struggled with one main issue- budget. Though we've proven ourselves as a force to be reckoned with on the mats, it's a struggle for a Calgary team to get sponsorship's and raise money the same way that a team from a larger place like New York or Toronto would. Hence, the move.
There is a school in Toronto that is looking to sponsor us under the condition that we attend their school and compete for their school team alongside competing nationally. Degrassi Community School- I've only seen photos of it online but it seems like a good school. The school board was the ones who initially suggested us being additions to the school on a term-by-term contract. Meaning, if after one semester they don't see us as valuable assets to their school, we will be shipped back to Calgary.
The principal, , has contacted us privately and as a team to discuss the code of conduct and ensure that we are on our best behavior whilst we are attending his school. I don't know if its choice of words or if it's his tone but I get the vibe that poor Mr. Simpson does not want the Panthers attending his school. Well, Mr. Simpson, the Panthers share the same sentiment. Deal with it.
"You may now unfasten your seat belts and exit the plane. Welcome to Toronto." The flight attendant announces over the intercom and my mind begins buzzing once again.
This is it. I'm here.
I retrieve my things from the above compartment and make my way out of the plane on shakey legs. I navigate my way out of the terminal that I was in and into the luggage retrieval. After grabbing my bags came the difficult part, finding the family that was going to be taking me home.
Taking me home? I sound like a stray dog ugh.
The only information on them I had was their names- and just that bit of information has me nervous. The father of the family's name is Bullfrog. Yes, bullfrog. I truly wish that I was joking. From their emails to me I gathered that the family consisted of the three of them- Bullfrog, his wife Cece and their son Eli. Bullfrog is a disc jockey and had been out of town for a few weeks before my arrival today- therefore we weren't able to video call beforehand and get to know one another. However, he promised that he would be there to pick me up from the airport.
I walked out toward the pickup area and began scanning around for a sign with my name on it. A few minutes of searching and my eyes land upon a man holding a sign high with my name on it 'Everly Lennox'. The man was a little burly, had dark brown hair that was slicked back and he was wearing a black leather jacket adorned with various buckles and chains. His appearance alone told me that his name was probably Bullfrog. I know, don't judge a book by its cover but this man was the epitome of a man named Bullfrog- I can't explain it.
"Bullfrog?" I call out as I near the man with the sign.
"Everly! I'm so glad you made it, we've been very excited to meet you." Bullfrog exclaims excitedly as he pulls me in for a hug, one that I hesitantly return.
"The wife and the boy are back home getting the place cleaned up for you. Let me get those for you." He retrieves my two big suitcases from me, leaving with just a carry-on, and I follow him toward the exit.
He leads me to his car that is parked illegally just outside the side entrance, he drives an older convertible that screams 'mid-life crisis man tries to be hip'. I'm very judgmental but hey, we all have our quirks.
"Nice ride." I fakely compliment, knowing that it would make this odd man's day. This earned a bright smile from him as he dropped my suitcases into the back seat and hopped in.
"Thanks, she's my baby." He responds as he taps the steering wheel lovingly.
The ride back was quiet and uncomfortable. I knew upon meeting just him that Bullfrog's family was very different from mine. My family is normal- but not necessarily in a good way. They are the epitome of the nuclear Canadian family, boring and happy.
"Here we are- home sweet home. It's not much but its ours." Bullfrog remarks as he parks his car in the driveway of a small house in the middle of a busy neighbourhood.
"Its nice." I respond smiling.
"Lets get inside, Cece is very excited to meet you."
"The feeling is mutual, if shes anything like her emails I'm sure she's great." This is a half truth, the woman 'Cece' had sent me the sweetest and oddest emails I've every had the pleasure of reading. She expressed how much she has always wanted a daughter and that she cannot wait to braid my hair and do mother daughter things. Which is sweet, but also very odd coming from a woman you've never met.
We walked in the door and I was immediately engulfed in a tight bone crushing hug by a small blonde lady who was giggling like a school girl. She may be small but her grip is like an anaconda. I coughed as I tried to catch my breath.
"Hello Everly! I'm Cece, it's so nice to finally meet you. I didn't expect you to be so beautiful." She says to me excitedly.
"Hi Cece, you can call me Ev or Evie. Thank you for inviting me into your home." I respond.
"It's no problem, I've actually been looking forward to this all month. This is my son, Eli." She says, gesturing to her left where her son stood awkwardly in the kitchen entrance.
The boy standing in front of me had dark curls and dark green eyes. He was dressed in a black v-neck and black baggy cargo style pants, his wrists held black studded bangles and around his neck were several silver chains. He clearly had an eclectic style, I believe the kids are reffering to it as 'emo'. Normally, this isn't my type. I'm a head cheerleader- I'm supposed to date jocks and guys with trust funds. I'm a walking stereotype. However, even I have to admit that he's a good looking guy.
"Hey." He greets with a small wave.
"Hi." I respond, returning his wave with one of my own.
"We're going to let you get unpacked and comfortable. Your room is the last door on the left."
We spent the night having a pizza and board games night and I have to admit, it was nice. They're a really nice and welcoming family. Bullfrog and Eli had a constant banter going on and kept everyone laughing.
Maybe Toronto wasn't going to be so bad.
Though, I haven't been to Degrassi yet.
Tomorrow was going to be an eventful day, that's for sure.
