Page 21 of Finding My Forever

“Good. I’m glad high school isn’t as good as it gets.”

“Next question. What do you want to do after college?”

I sighed. “I don’t even know where I want to go and you expect me to know what I want to do after that?”

“You can have a dream without knowing the exact plan.”

“Okay then. I think I want to do something with books.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s pretty broad. Do you want to become a librarian? A writer? An editor?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. I just know that I love English class. I like reading and writing. What about you?”

“Ideally, I’d like to make a living off my art but I know that’s a reach. I’m planning on majoring in business and getting a minor in art that way I can run my own gallery and support other artists.”

“Wow. That’s impressive.”

She shrugged. “That’s my plan but you know how life goes. Things could change. Another opportunity could come up.”

I wished I had a plan like hers. I wish I knew myself well enough to know what I would enjoy doing. Beth and Elise both had known where they were going to go and what they were going to study long before they graduated high school. Sure, Elise had her minor breakdown about going into law, but in the end, she did. In a few more years she’ll be able to work with and represent children.

Although I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, at least I had a list of things I didn’t want to. I knew I didn’t want to work with Beth. Chemicals and oils weren’t my thing. Neither was law. I enjoyed working at the flower shop with my mom. Maybe I could keep working there and take it over when she wanted to retire.

Skylar loved the store though. I could picture her working there forever and enjoying every second. I’d probably grow tired of it after a few more years. If anyone should take over it should be her.

Huh. With all those options tossed out I was on my own.

“I’m going to get ready for bed. Do you need the bathroom first?” I asked. Sophia shook her head and looked back to the TV.

I washed my face and changed into pajamas in record time. So far, Sophia seemed pretty relaxed, but I didn’t want to give her anything to get upset about. Elise complained constantly about how much time I spent in the bathroom, so I was going to have to make an effort to be more self-aware this week.

Chapter 8

“Are you sure this doesn’t look too touristy?” I turned in the mirror again, still feeling unsure. My distressed skinny jeans and baggy white shirt with my sneakers seemed effortless and cool at home, but now I wasn’t so sure.

“You look great. We need to meet the group downstairs.”

I gave up and grabbed my purse off my bed. Sophia was wearing faded, denim overalls that had paint splatters in at least a dozen colors with a plain black shirt under and a black and white flannel tied around her waist. If I tried to wear the same outfit, I’d either look like a clown or like I was trying too hard. On her, it looked perfect. She was cool enough to pull off just about anything. She replaced her black tennis shoes from last night with patent leather platform shoes completing her funky artist look.

She looked like she belonged in the city. I definitely looked like I was only here to visit. I’d never been one to question my looks, but something about her quiet confidence made me less secure.

I lifted the strap of my bag over my head and rolled my shoulders. I wasn’t here to impress anyone. I’m here to enjoy myself.

We found Greg and two of the guys sitting at the steps and joined them. Less than two minutes later everyone had arrived.

“Good morning! I know you’re all excited to get going, but I want to make sure we know each other. Let’s all go around and say our name and where we’re from.” He gestured to the other guide, who started it off.

Since Sophia and I weren’t planning on going around with the guide I tuned everyone out until it was my turn. “I’m April and I’m from a city just outside of Portland.”

Everyone nodded and moved on to the next person. Greg stood again when everyone had a turn. “Great. Today Helen and I will be leading a group to the Statue of Liberty. For those that want to come with us, we’ll be heading out now. Who is joining us?”

The other two girls and one of the guys raised their hands. Greg made a note then looked at me and Sophia. “Are you two going together?”

We confirmed together.

“Let me get your numbers in case you get lost. Where do you plan on being today?”

I held out my phone to him and looked to Sophia for help.