Chapter 3: Big Changes
Chapter 3:
Big Changes
On a flight✈ to Pittsburgh, USA🇺🇸
Elizabeth
Comfortably seated in my airplane seat.
At last, the big day has arrived. I'm bursting with excitement, though a small part of me feels a bit nervous about venturing so far from my family's embrace. I've never been away from home or my parents for so long. This is a huge milestone in my life.
I want to meet brilliant people and form lasting friendships-something that would be a big change from my otherwise solitary youth. Yes, I have cousins, but friendship outside the family? I've never experienced that.
I'm 18 years old and a novice in every sense of the word-friendship, love, and intimacy. There's a lot of work ahead to change all that. I need to prepare a plan to transform my life into a rich and fulfilling adult experience.
During the flight, I decide to start a list.
"What should I call this list?"
– Hmm.
– EUREKA!
LIST OF BIG CHANGES
1. Revamp my wardrobe-be sexier, more mature.
2. Friendship: Find a soulmate or perhaps a "pet friend."
3. Have my first French kiss-it needs to be with someone experienced so it's pleasant and memorable.
4. Experience my first affectionate touches without sex.
5. Give my first oral sex.
"Oh, what a cheeky girl I am," I giggle.
6. Lose my virginity to a kind, attentive man-"well-endowed, but not too much." I blush and glance around nervously.
7. Fall in love-the big kind of love.
8. Become a doctor-a great one. The best.
For now, that seems like enough. I'll update it as needed. I close my laptop and shut my eyes, trying to calm my inner self, thrilled by the adventures to come.
An hour later, my flight lands. At the arrivals gate, I scan the crowd for my uncle. I spot him quickly-his towering 6'4" frame stands out among most people. Even though I'm quite tall at 5'9", I feel tiny next to him.
When I was little, he used to call me his "little redhead." My uncle always makes me laugh with his affectionate nicknames. I run to him and jump into his arms for a huge hug.
"Hi, Uncle," I say with a big smile.
"Hi, little redhead."
I burst out laughing and wag my finger at him playfully.
"The 'little' redhead is no more. It's just redhead now," I reply.
"Where's everyone else?" I ask.
"They're waiting at home. I wanted to leave room for your luggage," he explains.
"I didn't bring much since I plan to update most of my wardrobe-to become my new, adult, future-doctor self. 'A sexier me,'" I joke with a grin.
"Ah, got it. Your aunt will take you shopping," he says.
Too embarrassed to tell him I could go alone, I just nod. I change the subject by saying, "I'll grab a cart for my suitcases and meet you at the front door."
On the way home, he asks if I'm hungry. I nod. We stop at a Taco Bell drive-thru.
"Are you nervous about returning to the league?" I ask.
He frowns slightly, considering the question seriously.
"No, I think it's a step I want to take-reliving the camaraderie, the joy of playing without pain or pressure."
I understand. He endured intense back pain and even fought cancer a few years ago. My uncle is a warrior, and I'm so proud of him. It was his illness that inspired me to pursue medicine.
As we approach the house, I see everyone waiting outside, beaming with smiles. The car barely stops before I leap out and run to them. My youngest cousin jumps into my arms for a big hug. She's so adorable with her pigtails and sparkling blue eyes. The second cousin grabs my legs and hugs tightly.
"Hi, my darlings! You've grown so much. Are you eating spinach like Popeye?"
"Ew, gross!" says Alyssia.
We all burst out laughing.
My aunt frees me from Alyssia's grip and gives me a hug.
"Hi, sweetheart. Did you have a good trip?" she asks.
"Yes, wonderful. No delays," I reply.
My cousin Alex greets me with our special handshake.
When my uncle unloads my luggage, my aunt asks, "Is that all you brought?"
He answers for me, "She'll need you to take her shopping-she wants a new wardrobe."
"Good idea," she says.
I remain silent, smiling. Inside, I wonder how I'll shop without raising suspicions about my desire for a "sexier" wardrobe. I'll figure it out later.
My uncle leads me upstairs to my room, which has a small balcony overlooking the backyard pool and its own bathroom. It's located far from the family's bedrooms to give me privacy, he explains. I'm touched by his thoughtfulness.
"I wanted to tell you, you won't be the only guest here," he says.
I give him a questioning look.
"You remember our team drafted a young prodigy? I offered him a room here. His bedroom will be down the hall. He arrives in a week," he explains.
"Oh, okay," I stammer, unsure how to react to this unexpected news. I nod and smile.
"Well, I'll let you unpack, take a shower, and join us when you're ready," he says.
"No problem. See you soon," I reply.
He closes the door. I sit on the bed, my head full of questions doubts. I sigh and start unpacking.
