It's gonna be huge 💙

 Monica was elated to move in. Of course, she didn't even care that her parents were moving away. Although they were happy she would be rooming with Randy.

"I know he'll take care of you.  He's been such a big brother to you," her dad reminded her when she was packing to leave.

"Oh, Dad, don't call him that," She winced with disgust. She didn't want to hear that. In her heart, Randy was the one. She saw him as her boyfriend in her eyes.

"Now, you'll call us at least once a week," her mom sounded as if she wanted her to take notes, but Monica only sighed and promised she would.

"Honestly, I'd call you every day, but I'm sure you wouldn't answer, and then I'd be worried, so you better call, so I won't worry." Her mother told her on the verge of tears.

Her dad said he'd given her extra money on her debit card. "But don't spend it all at once. We'll be watching how you budget."

Monica gave them an angry look. Why couldn't they trust her?

"Isn't that what a parent is supposed to do?" Later, Randy looked at her as if he'd been warned by her parents. But the walls were empty. She did have a bed, a queen-size as if it were really meant for two. She bounced down on it; it was firm, but not too harsh.

"I want to make this room my room," she informed him, all high and mighty.

"Oh yeah, didn't you bring all your boyband posters?" He knew. He hugged himself as if he could be just as smug.

She grimaced back as if those days were over. It was a new year, and she wanted to be a new Monica, too. "I just want it to be me."

"Well, think about that." Randy shrugged, leaving her to her daydreams. "Just let me know if you need any help."

Monica nodded.

"You're going to have to learn to entertain yourself," was the last thing he said before leaving. "I've got things to do too."

Monica wanted to say, "Don't go." But she knew she couldn't. It was frustrating and overwhelming. She could call her mom after all and see if she could give her any ideas. Monica wanted to be an adult, yet she needed an adult to help her.