An Awkward Move – short story

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry
Photo by Marcus Lenk on Pexels.com

Clinking of pots and pans echoes throughout the house. I sit on my bed, leaning against the pine headboard while Mom’s busy in the kitchen getting dinner ready. Dad will walk through the door any minute sporting his huge smile, happy to see his family after a long day’s work. I miss my brother, Jack, who moved out last August for his first year in college. The house is quiet without him pushing my buttons. He was really good at teasing his younger sister! Now that he’s not here, my heart has a big hole in it, and the void triggers my negative head space. My back slides down the headboard, taking my mood with it. Suddenly, I can hear my grandma say, “You shouldn’t slouch, dear.” My mind drifts about life: everything I love and hate. I know hate is a strong word, but it’s the word that fits. I love my family; it’s me I have a problem with. When I first heard the Taylor Swift song, “The Outside” I felt as though she wrote the lyrics for me.

Dad recently accepted a job in this small town. He told Mom that it would benefit his banking career and would be a good change from the big city for all of us. She supported him, so I had to move. After all, I’m a minor. The bummer is that I’m a new student at the high school in the middle of my junior year. Not easy for a sixteen-year-old, but I forgive my parents. Maybe I’m more mature than other teenagers. Sometimes parents have their reasons for doing things and kids will never get it. Most of the time, mine are cool, so I try to understand their decision – even if this move has been awkward for me.

When I’m on campus, I feel like a weed in a garden of roses. Acne is so annoying, and my body is the bane of my existence. My parents thought I was cute when I was a chubby, little girl. But cute isn’t what I see staring at me in the mirror. My long, auburn hair, and blue eyes that change to green are the only things I like about myself. I need to lose a few pounds too. The current culture is no body-shaming, but kids do it anyway because some kids are jerks, boys and girls!

I’m just not a pretty girl on campus, and I don’t care if I’m pretty or not, but being judged makes me feel uncomfortable. I turn a corner in the hall and there’s another model-thin girl strolling past me. It’s not like they didn’t exist back home in the big city, and pretty girls come in all shapes and sizes. Thin doesn’t mean perfect and thin doesn’t always mean healthy.

So why do I feel unsure about myself? One thing I’m sure of is that I miss the bright lights and energy buzzing through the streets of the big city, horns honking, and people walking fast in every direction with someplace important they need to be. I had three girlfriends back home, and a couple of boys who weren’t crushes, but cool to hang out with. All the kids in my inner circle accepted each other for who they were. The same insecurities lived with me, but the friends I made were more accepting. We’ve stayed in touch through texts, emails, and talking on the phone, but I wonder if our friendships will eventually fade. It’s hard when you can’t see each other in person. On campus, the perfect kids stare and laugh behind my back. Are these assumptions in my head? No, I couldn’t make up the staring and laughing. I know the difference between reality and imagination.

I tap on the calendar in my cell phone…three months, two weeks, and four days have passed since the big move across the state. Funny how it feels like a year! My finger hovers above the Facebook app, and I know it’s the wrong move. Stay away, I warn myself, but I don’t listen. I scroll through photos of my friends hanging out with other friends; they seem to mock me. Why don’t I delete my account? I really hate social media, which alone puts me in a different circle than most teens. I’m not one of those girls who likes to share meals, clothes, and fingernail polish. It’s so stupid!

“Emma, you need to just be yourself,” Mom reminds me. She and Dad drill the point across to not worry about what others think. “Try to put yourself out there to make friends, Em,” Dad says. Sure. No problem…in a new high school and new town. Easier said than done. I wonder if they’ve forgotten what it’s like to be young.

I close out the Facebook app as quickly as I opened it. If you ask me about popularity, it’s never been important. But I need to find my own group of friends. I want to belong. I want to find my own corner on campus. A patch of grass where I can park myself and talk with other girls or boys who like the things I do…cats, dogs, hiking, reading, writing, and listening to music. Can my peers overlook what my mirror shows me? Are my insecurities confusing my perspective? Time plays an important role in life – more wisdom from my parents. So, after more time passes, I may like this town. I may like the school. I may fit in. It’s hard to imagine, but I don’t feel it’s impossible.

Mom’s voice travels up the stairs like a pop song melody, telling me that dinner’s on the table. I can smell her spaghetti sauce. She is the best cook! The Italian aroma lifts my spirits as my stomach growls. I slide off my bed and hit the stairs running. Dad got home twenty minutes earlier, giving him and Mom time to catch up before I join them. We sit down at our oak dining table and they ask about my highs and lows. It’s a good way for them to understand what I’m going through. I can talk to them about anything. They have an open door policy, but there’s one thing I haven’t shared…

After dinner, I offer to do the dishes, but mom gives me the night off. I take the stairs two at a time back to my room. I pull my cat journal out of my desk drawer and slide into my usual spot on the bed, pushing my pillow up against the headboard and scooting back into it. My thoughts wander on the lined pages. It’s amazing how time flies when I’m reading a great book or writing. The sun begins to set. Darkness slowly falls outside my window. The bright moon winks at me through my shutters, and it’s comforting. Tomorrow is Friday. One more day at school before the weekend. I can make it. Wow, I feel tired, but my thoughts won’t sleep.

I think about how we used to go to church as a family. It’s been a few years since my parents became frustrated with some people in the congregation. Disheartened enough that they decided to step away from organized religion. I still say prayers though. Does God listen? I don’t know, but I always feel better afterwards. I’m sure it helps just getting the words out. Telling the universe about what makes me happy and anxious. And I always say what I’m grateful for – Mom and Dad who love me and who try their best, and Jack who I miss so much. I know how lucky I am.

Tonight is different though. I close my eyes, and I pray for something that I’ve never talked about. I didn’t want Mom and Dad to worry about me or feel bad about moving. So, tonight I pray for a friend, someone to laugh with. Someone to calm the negative thoughts spinning inside my mind. Parents can only help to a certain point. A friend will ease the awkwardness of moving to a strange town in the middle of high school. A friend will make me feel accepted. Just one friend. Can you hear me, God? Am I asking for too much? It’s not like I’m asking for two.

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
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Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
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Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
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70 thoughts on “An Awkward Move – short story”

  4. Oh, Lauren, this is so poignant and honest. I have a fourteen-year-old granddaughter and she’d fall apart if she had to move away from her familiar school and friends. I hope God heard Emma’s prayer. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  5. I am sure there are many teenagers that can relate to this Lauren, perhaps some adults too.
    Feelings of inadequesy and not fitting I would say are probably at an all time high.
    Such is the power of social media and its brainwashing that we all need to look a certain way.
    Brilliant writing my friend.
    Love and hugs to you xoxox
    ❤️💟❤️💟❤️

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your insightful thoughts, Maggie, and I agree with all you said. Not fitting in and needing a friend isn’t exclusive to the youth only. I’m sure many adults feel like Emma does. Thanks so much for your wonderful words of support. Love and hugs flowing your way too, dear friend.
      💖🌻💖🌻💖 xoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. Lauren it is my pleasure always dear friend 🥰
        There is so much social pressure these days, like wth 🙄.
        I don’t want to be a clone.
        I don’t need make-up tutorials , seriously.
        We are all unique and special in our own way.
        I loved your story.
        It took me by surprise because I am so used to seeing poetry from you
        Great job 👏👏👏👏
        Now, one last thing….CRAZYPANTS 🤭😁🤭😁🤭
        Much love back to you 💕🤗💕🤗💕
        PS…📬 will reply later xoxo
        Have a lovely day xox

      2. Thanks again, Maggie, and you’re so right. I feel for the younger generations these days. I’m so glad you loved this story, and I do like to step out of the box and try something new. Thank you, thank you! LOL CRAZYPANTS!!! Much love to you, and sounds good. Hope you’ve had a great day. xoxo 🥰💕🌻❤️

      3. I think the younger generation is too desperate to grow up, or perhaps social media is forcing them too.
        I am glad I don’t have kids tbh.
        Strings to bows my friend.
        Marsha is trying to coax some flash fiction out of me 🙄 yikes.
        Im in Thursday , up too late as always xox
        Much love and enjoy the rest of your day dear Lauren 🥰🌺❤️💕🤗

      4. I think it’s probably a combination of both, but access to too much stuff on the internet isn’t good for younger minds. I’m no phycologist, but that’s my two cents. My kids are adults, so I don’t worry about them in that sense. I do worry for their safety in these crazy times. We don’t have grandkids yet, and maybe it’s good because we’d worry about them too. Sigh. Flash fiction? Do you feel like trying? Go for it! Imagine one of your poems, but write it in story form. You can do it. What time is it there? I need to check the time zones! 🙂 Get some good sleep! Much love and many hugs again! xoxoxoxoxo 🩷🌷🩷🌷🩷🤗

      5. Hi Lauren
        Yes, a deadly combination for some too 😥
        I think it is natural to worry about our kids (I can only imagine)
        They are still babies no matter what age right?
        I might try the FF one day 😉.
        Not atm .
        Sleep, yes, I intend stopping the nonsense 🤭
        Have a lovely day dearvLauren xoxoxo
        Love and warm hugscyourvway 🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁

  6. Very nice short story Lauren 🩷. It’s hard being a teenager but moving to a new place adds some uneasiness to it. Having a good friend really helps to go through the changes and finding our place in a new set up. Hope for her prayers to be heard.

    Reply

  9. That was an excellent, touching story. So full of honesty. I like how you incorporated social media into it because I am positive that social media makes teenagers feel more insecure than ever. Well done! I’m impressed.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Elizabeth. I appreciate it. And I feel the same about social media, which is why I wanted to include it. I have accounts, but I don’t spend a lot of time on them. Mainly on my blog when I have time. Thanks again! ❤️

      Reply

  10. A poignant story about the terribly confusing thoughts and emotions of a teenager. I love how mature she is, understanding how lucky she is and forgiving her parents for moving even while feeling so vulnerable and lonely. I would hate to be a teen again! And yet I have two teen grandchildren I adore and worry about. Sigh. Thanks for sharing this lovely story.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for your lovely words, Deborah. Short stories have me stepping out of the box, so I’m happy to read your wonderful comment. I wouldn’t want to be a teen again either. We don’t have grandchildren yet, but we worry about our adult son and daughter enough. Thanks again! ❤️

      Reply

  11. this is so moving and touching and Emma is going through something that so many of us can identify with. your writing quickly pulls us into the story and right into Emma’s heart and mind and her conflicting feelings. she so longs for a friend and misses her old home and friends, yet does not want her parents to feel bad, trying to put it all in perspective and find a balance. I think anyone who reads this is soon rooting for Emma’s wish to come true….

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Beth, for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate it, since writing stories isn’t my go-to genre. I like to step out of the box now and then. So, I’m grateful for your wonderful words. I know I’m rooting for Emma, and I’m sure many teens would relate to how she’s feeling. Thanks again. ❤️

      Reply

  15. Lauren, this story sounds so heartfelt and real. You’ve captured the way teenagers feel that deep ache of wanting to belong, and how vulnerable and brave it is to put that longing into prayer. I’ve often thought that prayer, in its many forms, is as much a comfort for our mental health as it is a spiritual practice — it steadies us, gives shape to our hopes, and reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles. Your story shows how even in moments of angst, prayer can become a source of strength and reassurance!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely and thoughtful comment, Rebecca. I love how you touched on wanting to belong and the comfort of prayer. Your line “prayer is as much a comfort for our mental health as it is a spiritual practice” is an example of how Emma felt because even though she wasn’t sure that God was listening, she still said her prayer and felt better afterwards. Prayer doesn’t mean that what we pray for will happen, but like you said, it offers hope, and a sense of peace. Thanks again. ❤️

      Reply

  16. Lauren this is one of those authentic stories that is such a rerety in this age of make believe. Either you’ve seen this up close or experienced some of those feelings to describe so accurately. People can relate to this kind of writing.

    Reply

  17. A lot of this was my story. We moved cross-country when I was starting high school, and I was at that awkward age when I didn’t have a lot of confidence. High school was the only time in my life that I felt unhappy. I never told my parents how I felt, though they must have known at the time. I’ve often said it’s the one do over I’d like to have in life because I would do things differently. Humans don’t all need to be social butterflies, but we’re all happier when we feel like we belong. Thank goodness I found that in college, and since that time there has been no turning back.

    Reply

    1. I had no idea, Pete. How coincidental is that? Many aspects in life inspired this story, and in the end, like you said, we all want to belong, both kids and adults. I’m glad things worked out for you in college and moving forward. Thanks for your comment and for sharing your story too.

      Reply

  18. I have faith Emma will have a friend. God answered for the good things. Indeed, it’s tough to be in a new place, the adjustment and everything. Beautiful prose, Lauren.

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  21. Lauren, your story is so relatable and realistic. Teenage years can be difficult, especially being uprooted and missing friends. A wonderful story, and I hope Emma finds a friend. 💕

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  23. Your story truly captures the challenges of being a young person, Lauren. I mean it’s always been tough, but I think it’s much more complex than when we were kids with social media being a source of teasing and shaming.

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      1. You’re welcome, Lauren. Yes, I think people of all ages can be affected by the meanness that the separateness and relative anonymity social media provides.

        I hope you enjoy the weekend! ☀️

  24. I remember moving in the middle of high school myself, and it felt exactly like you described like being dropped into a garden where you’re not sure if you’re a flower or a weed. The ending with the prayer for “just one friend” really hit me, Lauren. Beautifully written ❤️🙏🏼

    Reply

    1. I moved in high school too, Ritish, which is the ‘me’ part in this story. Thanks for your wonderful words, and I’m glad the ending packed a punch. I only dabble in fiction, so your beautiful words are appreciated. ❤️

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  28. A beautifully written story, dear Lauren. I moved in high school to another continent, and was a flower out of water. I found solace in the art studio at school and made a wonderful group of friends. I was lucky. You describe the vulnerability so accurately, I feel you went through this too. Xxx Much love, always with hugs Xxx ❤️✨😘❤️

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    1. Thanks for sharing your experience, Jane. I had a similar one, which was the catalyst for this story. My solace was found in the music department as singing was my passion and dream back then. I appreciate your kind and lovely words, my friend. Love and hugs to you! xoxoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

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