Shailene Esmeralda Scott
So, I put my hands up
They playin' my song
And the butterflies fly away
Noddin' my head like, yeah
Movin' my hips like, yeah
And I put my hands up
They playin' my song
And I know I'm gonna be okay
Yeeaahh, it's a party in the USA
Yeeahh, it's a party in the USA
They playin' my song
And the butterflies fly away
Noddin' my head like, yeah
Movin' my hips like, yeah
And I put my hands up
They playin' my song
And I know I'm gonna be okay
Yeeaahh, it's a party in the USA
Yeeahh, it's a party in the USA
Shailene danced around her room in a flourish, shaking her hips lightly and bobbing her head to Miley Cyrus' old song. Back in the days when she used to like her. She giggled to herself as she did a nice pirouette. She hopped over to her vanity table and pulled out some jewelry, still grooving to the music. Her Dad was out of town - thank God - and her mom was downstairs making her a smoothie. Finally together, she stood up straight in front of the mirror and struck a slight pose, admiring her outfit. She fluffed her red hair a little, adoring the way it curled. She'd been having a horrible time with it. Smiling and satisfied, she grabbed her bag and phone and was out of her room.
However, all of her happiness was stolen as she realized, disappointed, that her father was seated at the dining room table eating breakfast and her mom was just fixing her smootie. Shailene hurried up and painted a smile on her face as she entered the kitchen.
"Morning, mommy. Daddy." She was very polite this morning as she sat at her usual seat. Her mom, knowing her mood change, gave a sweet kiss to Shailene's cheek. She placed a plate filled with eggs, bacon, and potatoes in front of the teenager with her smoothie on the side. Everyone knew her dad hated when people skipped breakfast. He never did. Though I'm still wondering when he became such a health nut, Shailene thought bitterly before taking a bite of her food. Matter of fact, what he had was worse than what Shailene would've eaten. At least, she would've eaten a frickin' muffin with her smoothie. All he had was some coffee and a Danish.
"I've already secured your internship with the firm," he told her after a few minutes of silence and Shailene's eyes rose to him in panic. But she loved her job at the music store. He held up a hand at the sign of her complaining eyes. "It's already a paid internship and you'll be working with me every day. Just filing papers, but getting paid." Shailene frowned.
"But I like working at the music store, Daddy." His eyes turned dark at her and Shailene shut her mouth quickly.
"When will you get serious? College is just around the corner, Shailene." Thus began his speech about her future and being mature and letting go of childish ways. He wanted her to discern between what were her hobbies and what she was good at. Shailene fought the urge to roll her eyes and found that she had no argument for him, despite the one bubbling up inside of her chest. It was suffocating and she could feel frustrated tears stinging the backs of her eyes. "I want you to handle the music situation soon. You'll be starting the internship next week." Bitterness rankled below the surface of her false smile and Shailene scooted back in her chair.
"I have to go. Gonna be late for school and stuff," she lied quietly. Her dad, for once, did not argue despite the fact that he knew she was lying. Luckily, her smoothie was in a to-go cup. With a knowing glance from her mother, Shailene walked out of the house. Silent tears fell, but she swiped them away before they could run any further down her cheeks. She prayed every day for the strength to say something, to just get everything off her chest. And each time, she found herself more and more disappointed.
No,she decided mentally. She had to smile. She had to be happy. One of them had to be. Korky was never as happy and as cheery as she was. And she'd be damned if she wasn't by the time she saw him. Usually, they'd meet up outside of the school and sit before school started. So, for the walk, Shailene flipped through her phone for the right song, text Kory that she was going to be on her way to the school, and plugged in her earphones.
It's a good thing she had One Direction on her phone. Trashy, she may think they are. Catchy, their songs were.