The Departure
"Lisa Johnson here with the current top journalist, Jessica Smith as she gives us the inside scoop on life on the go! So, Jess how do ya do it?"

"Well, Lisa... since you so kindly asked, it's a lot of patience and most importantly grit! I put a lot of work into my articles, as you've probably read in my new book "The Life of a Star," now out everywhere. But, I think I also owe a lot of the credit to my mentor and husband..."

"JESSICA!! JESSICA!!" Someone yelled from the crowd.

"No, um, to my husban-" but before I could finish my sentence my mom stood up from the crowd and yelled, "JESSICA!! WAKE UP!!" I froze wondering why she was yelling that at me, then I literally blinked and woke up in my room. The sun was shining through the curtains and my music was playing softly in the background as I searched the room for my mom who was standing near the door with her arms crossed.

"You need to get up, I'm making breakfast so try and hurry."

I nodded and then went straight for my phone as she walked out; there was nothing new, just a bunch of texts and DMs from people wishing me good luck and safe travels on my trip. Ever since I announced that I was moving to New York City to pursue my career in journalism these messages have been all I've ever got, so to me, it was old news. I gave myself a quick stretch while in bed, and then got up and grabbed my bath towel, which was hanging on my desk chair. I undid my hair from the braid that it was wrapped in and walked towards the bathroom for a quick shower. I immediately put on the most cliche scrubby outfit afterward and walked downstairs for breakfast, which to my surprise included both my parents actively sitting at the table. My family was never known for moments like this, we were never the type of family to sit around at the table together in some kumbaya moment while eating any meal together. Both my parents worked full-time jobs in medicine, while I worked part-time and focused on school full-time, so we never really had time to get together like this, even when I was a child.
My dad was sitting at the part of the table closest to the TV and I could see him watching the local news while my mom was in the kitchen cooking up a "five-course meal." I walked toward the fridge to grab myself a carton of almond milk for my morning coffee and then sat at the table next to my dad.

"Good morning superstar." He greeted, he had always called me that, for as long as I could remember.

"Hey, dad. How was work last night?" I asked taking a sip of coffee and then grimacing as my coffee needed way more sugar than I had put in.

He laughed a bit at my face and then pushed over the sugar cubes before answering, "It was a crazy night in the ER, but I mean that's what I signed up for ya know?"

I nodded in agreement as my mom served me a plate of eggs, bacon, and sausage with another plate of waffles on the side and an empty bowl for cereal, then to top it all off she gave me a glass of OJ pulp free, just the way I liked it. "Bon appetite!"

Both my parents thought I was joking when I graduated high school and decided to major in journalism with a minor in English, so you could just imagine their reaction when I graduated from college and told them that I planned to move to New York City to begin my career in journalism, still, they were sort of supportive, but I could tell they somehow really wanted me to pursue a career in medicine as they did. I decided to take the "free" time I had while eating breakfast to reply to the millions of messages I had waiting for me.

I replied to about three people when I was snapped out of my thoughts by my mother once again, "Jessica, I forgot to tell you, your father couldn't get the shift off tonight so I'll be taking you to the airport tonight if that's okay." I must have been so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn't even notice my dad slip away and go upstairs to my parent's room.
Not gonna lie my dad and I were always a little closer than my mom and I, so I was kind of hoping that he would be able to make it tonight, but I guess at least I was having one parent come along with me. "Don't worry about it, mom. We'll be okay." I answered, going back to my replies.

"On that note, have you finished packing yet?"

"UH, yeah. I just have to get my carry-on bag situated and then I'm all set for the flight."

"Good... I can't believe this is the last meal you'll be eating in the house for a couple of months..."

"Yeah, I know... it's cra-"

"And you're for sure coming home for Christmas, right?"

"Mom... of course! I know how much Christmas means to the family!" Christmas had always meant a lot to our family ever since my grandma passed away. After all, Christmas was not only her favourite holiday but on the same day that she, unfortunately, passed away.

...

After breakfast, I helped my mom clean up everything, and then we both focused on getting my five cases of luggage in the car, plus my carry-on bag. But, I have to say the awkwardest moment throughout the entire day had to be the car ride to LAX airport. It was obvious that the closer we got the more my mom wanted to burst into tears, but the fact that I hadn't cried once, I think, pushed her not to shed any tears just yet. We got to the airport around 9 PM and my flight wasn't until 10:30 so we had some leeway for me to get set up, and checked in with my luggage. My mom sat with me the entire wait at the terminal for my flight, she held on to me for the longest time, up until my flight number was called and I got up to depart.

"Well, this is it!" I exclaimed giving my mom the longest hug I've ever given her before, "Tell dad that I love him and that I can't wait to see him when I get back!" I whispered hugging her tighter.

"Will do mija. Just don't forget to call as soon as you land, and then FaceTime us at your apartment so we can get a live tour!" She replied squeezing me. We both let go at the same time, and then I reached for my carry-on bag, before turning around and walking away. As I walked towards the boarding entrance I felt a knot form in my throat as I attempted to hold back my tears. I handed the attendant my ticket and waited for the "all clear." Once she cleared me to go there was no turning back, and as I entered the plane I shed a tear; I was moving on from my past life and pushing toward the career, that I had always dreamt of.

Notes

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Author's Note:
Hi y'all! I got another one for you, and I hope you all like it!

Here is the link to my story on wattpad pls go show some love
https://www.wattpad.com/story/192591858-the-journalist-5sos-au