Attention Runner-Up

Chapter 12

Sometimes I forget that I'm just a teenager. I don't usually have what "normal" teens would call fun. I've always acted older than I am. I had to, if my parents weren't going to be the adults then I had to take care of myself. There was always a competition to prepare for, a role to audition for, a class to ace, an academic achievement to rake in. If there was something I could excel in, I did, if only to force my parents to pay attention to me. It's no secret that out of all of my cousins and family members my age, I am the only one making an effort to stand out.

That being said it felt really good to just let go and be a normal kid for once. Screw the consequences. For once I was going to blow all my money like there was no tomorrow and do whatever the hell I wanted, not caring what anyone else thought.

"Oh my god, how rich are you?" Jade said in awe as we explored the private jet.

"Who cares," Kenzie smiled as she made the chair lean all the way back.

The jet had already taken off this was the first time we could stand up and walk around now. Aphrodite laid down on the couch and pulled the tv out. Skylar silently explored the bathroom while Jade examined all the water options. The flight is supposed to last five hours.

We had a single pilot and a chef as well as a flight attendant.

"What's for dinner?" I pulled out the menu.

Jade's phone began to ring and everyone got silent and turned to her.

"Shit, it's my aunt. She went out to get groceries before we left."

"Just answer it, she's going to find out eventually," Kenzie said.

"Hello?"

There was a small pause as her aunt talked.

"Um... funny story, okay don't get mad. For the record it wasn't even my idea, it was totally Kenzie's."

"Was not!" Kenzie shouted so her mom would hear.

"Where are you!?" we heard her aunt shout through the phone.

I cringed and looked to Skylar who was also cringing.

"On a private jet?" Jade said it like a question.

"What!"

We all cringed again.

"On our way to Florida." She added.

The line was silent.

"Okay, great conversation bye! See you in a week." Jade quickly hung up.

"Jade!" Skylar said.

"What? She was totally about to explode on me."

"That just made it worse!"

Kenzie's phone started ringing.

She tossed it to Jade who tosses it back to her, who tossed it back to Jade who tossed it back. Finally, Kenzie answered the phone.

"Hey mom..." she put the phone on speaker.

"What were you thinking!? What in your mind told you this was a good idea? I expect this from Jade but you Mackenzie? I'm so disappointed."

"It was Darleen's idea and I mean it sounded fun. I've never been to Disney world before. I mean Jade's with me, so I didn't go alone. Plus, Skylar is also here. Darleen said she'd pay for everything."

"What about school? You can't just leave to a whole other state, for a week! You aren't even 18 yet. Mackenzie James Wilson, you get home this instant."

"I can't we are already in the air. I know you're mad and I know we are so dead but can't you just let me do this? Just this once, Jade always does crazy stuff and never gets in trouble, why is this different?"