Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Since tonight is special, we are going all out with hair, makeup, and new outfits. It’s New Year’s Eve and what a better way to ring in the new beginning then dancing the night away with my best friend.
While the clubs here are small compared to Raleigh or Charlotte, we will have a good time. No need to drive hours away and get a hotel when we can make do here at home. This time of year, it’s mostly locals where in the summer the spots fill up with tourists. Booty’s is the club we will hit up here in Emerald Isle. We could go to Jacksonville, but that means a farther drive home. Normally, Booty’s is casual, but tonight they are enforcing a dress code to make it special before they close for the off season. I love any reason to dress to the nines like this.
We are both twenty-two-years-old, single and sassy. And spoiled. I’m sure that is how most people describe us both. I wouldn’t say we have a silver spoon in our mouths because we both have very strict parents, but we are privileged. Neither of us have to work and have not had a job yet. Her dad gives my dad a very generous salary allowing my mom to live a life in comfort. We go to college, and both decided to stay at the community college in order to remain home with our parents. We have it made, why rush to get out of the house? Plus, for me, I have many years of school ahead of me, no need to rush off yet. My doctorate won’t come any faster being away from home versus staying here.
People make a lot of assumptions about money and what they perceive as wealth. I don’t know what it is to worry about buying something. That doesn’t mean I don’t see what other people go through. I have compassion and empathy. I wish I wasn’t judged so easily based on where we live or the car I drive.
Sure, when I was little, I didn’t understand that other people may not live like we do. I didn’t realize that a beach house or nice cars weren’t available to everyone. In all honesty, Diem and I have been so sheltered we were in our early teens before we really took in that some people worried about keeping their lights on or where their next meal would come from. Now, I get it and I appreciate the life I have, and I try to give back where and when I can.
We have seen our fair share of jealousy even going to a private school. The mean girls spreading lies and rumors are everywhere. It’s made us stick together and keep our circle small. I have to admit Diem catches more flack than me. I think it’s because her dad’s name is practically everywhere. She takes it with poise and grace, where I have to bite back all the things I want to say in retaliation.
Diem will be my best friend until the end of my days. I know it to my heart. We will end up our own version of the Golden Girls.
Sometimes we get ready at my house, but most of the time, especially when we are really glamming it up, we get ready here. Diem has these custom vanity lights that are the best.
Although, I spend so much time here, the Reigns have set up a bedroom for me. For as long as my dad has worked for Diem’s her parents have treated me like family. She’s the sister I never had. Since my parents travel frequently and some of it is for the Reigns’ businesses it was this simple answer that I stay with Diem. Which is how over time I ended up with my own bedroom in their home.
If I’m honest with myself, I’m more comfortable here than at home. Diem’s mom is amazing. She’s accepting of us in a way I know my mother is not. The bar is set very high in the Van Etten household and most days I don’t measure up. I love my parents and they will literally give me anything in the world. I can’t explain it, our connection isn’t what I see other people have. I know my parents love me, but they don’t engage me. It’s like we go through the motions together. They give me everything I could ever need or want, but I don’t feel like they see me or hear me.
We live in Diem’s old house. Where Diem has the beach right outside her bedroom balcony, I have to drive over to have the true beach access. Mom wanted to live away from the hustle and bustle of the beach life, even where we are was a huge compromise to her. Sound side life means I can see the water, feel it, hear it, but it isn’t crashing waves on the sand type of thing. We do have a gorgeous view from the rooftop deck.