Pure Desire

My parents got divorced when I was in year 8 (j. s. s 2). After that, my brother Michael and my Mum moved out to Sydney while I stayed in Melbourne with my Dad.

For a while it was just my Dad and I, until he threw himself into his work and barely even spent a total of 5 minutes with me a day. So, I spent my days differently. I started skipping school and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Thats when my Dad finally started to notice me. Even though he wasnt noticing me for the right reasons, I was at least happy he noticed me at all. I thought the worse I got, the more attention my Father would give me. I was right, but now I realize its not something I want.

My Dad and I decided it would be best to spend my summer break in Sydney with my Mum and Brother.

So, here I am in the airport waiting to board the plane.

Youll be fine on your own right sweetie? My father asks me.

Yes, Dad. Ill be fine. Youre the one whos making me go anyways, so you shouldnt be worried. I say, quite annoyed.

May, I thought you wanted this too? He asks me, sudden confusion washing over his face.

I do, Dad. Well, sort of. Dont get me wrong I cant wait to see Mum and Mikey but, Im gonna miss my friends. I say.

It was true. I would miss the few good friends I had. I hung out with a lot of people, but none of them truly cared for me except my best friend Aubrey and my boyfriend Ian.

I know sweetie, but youll see them in 2 months. Try to enjoy this trip. He says.

I nodded my head and pulled out my phone, replying to the few texts I had from Ian. I put my phone back in pocket when I heard the P.A system say Flight 206 to Sydney is now boarding. I quickly gathered my bags and turned to face my dad.

Well, this is it. He says as he pulls me into a tight hug.

I wasnt much of a hugger so I just pat his back before quickly pulling away.

Yup. Well, Ill see ya. I say as I begin to make my way over to the boarding line. I soon get to the front of the line and give the lady my boarding pass before she guides me where to go.

I follow the long hallway until I get to the plane. I quickly find my seat and put my bag into the above compartment. I went to close it but it wouldnt budge.

Need some help there? A voice says from behind me.

No, I got it. Thanks. I say without turning around, as I continued to struggle.

Just then a pair of arms reached over mine and shut it. I turned around to face a boy. He looked around my age.

Thanks.

Not a problem. He says, taking the seat next to mine.

He motioned his hand over to my seat, gesturing me to sit down. I sat down and pulled the magazine from the side of the seat.Im Calum. The boy beside me said.

May. I replied, not bothering to even look up.

So, whats in Sydney for ya?

Family. I say, trying not to continue the conversation. I was hoping he would get the message that I didnt want to talk, but he didnt.

Cool. So, where are you originally from?

Why was he so full of questions? If im on a plane from Melbourne, wouldnt he naturally assume thats where Im from?

Do you mind? I snap. Im trying to read. This time I looked up at him.

He looked a bit hurt by my words. Oh-uh-umsorry. He stammers.

I didnt bother replying to him. I went back to my magazine reading, but guilt soon washed over me. I shouldnt have snapped at Calum, he was just being friendly.

Melbourne. I say to him. He was probably confused at what I said seeing as he asked his question about 5 minutes ago.

Huh?

You asked where I was from. Melbourne. I say.

Oh right. Well thats cool. He says.

I could tell he was trying to be careful with his words, probably because of how I snapped at him earlier.

Look, Im sorry for being rude before. Im honestly not usually like that its just, Im not exactly thrilled to be going to Sydney for the summer. I explain to him.

Hey, dont sweat it. He paused. But if its any consolation, Sydney is pretty great.

Thanks. I said, smiling back. So, why are you on the plane? Are you visiting Syndey too? I ask him.

No, I live there. He replies.

Why were you in Melbourne then? I ask, hoping I didnt sound as inquisitive as he did earlier.

My sister lives out there. He explains.

Thats funny. You were visiting your sister, and Im going to visit my brother. I laugh lightly. It wasnt even funny but I dont exactly know how to keep a good conversation flowing with people Ive just met.

The rest of the plane ride was spent talking to Calum about small things and watching movies.

—

Alright folks we are now landed. Please proceed out of the east side of the plane. Thank you for flying with us and enjoy your day. The pilot says on the speaker.

I get up and retrieve my bags before following Calum out of the plane and into the airport.

Alright well, nice meeting you. I say to Calum as I began to walk away.

Wait! I hear Calum say.

Yeah?

Why dont you give me your number? That way if youre ever bored of hanging out with your brother and mum all summer, youll have someone else. He says with a small smile.

I could tell he meant it all in a friendly way, and not flirty.

Yeah sure.

We exchange numbers and say our goodbyes as we go separate ways. I go out to the cars and look around until I see my mum. She notices me too and walks over to me. Something seems a bit off with her, though.

Hey. I say with a smile.

Hi. She says, slurring her words a bit. Almost as if shes drunk, but she couldnt possibly be. Michael told me she works a lot, shes probably just really tired.

After about 45 minutes, we arrive at their house. I get my bags from the trunk and go inside.

The guest room is set up for you. You can go up and get settled. Theres left overs in the fridge. My mum says.

Thanks Mum, uh- wheres Michael? I ask.

Out. She shrugs before walking into another room.

Okay then. I mumble as I take my bags upstairs. Michael and I had always been close. We were only 2 years apart, so growing up we were always together. It was hard when he decided he was going to move out to Sydney with my Mum, but we had gotten older and hung out less anyways, so I guess I didnt mind that much. I pulled out my phone when I heard it buzz.

From: Ian

Hey babe, hope your flight was okay. miss you already. Call me soon.

To: Ian

Miss you too! Ill call after dinner

I locked my phone and began to unpack my clothes. It was weird. Ian hung out with the same kids I did but, he was different. Yeah, he smoked a lot and got into a lot of fights just like the others only, Ian actually had plans on what he wanted to do in his future. He already had plans on moving out to America and going to college for accounting. He was really smart, but none of his friends knew that. I was broken out of my thoughts when I heard a voice call from downstairs.

May? He called.

I knew that voice anywhere. It was the voice of my big brother