“What do you want, Kaden?” It comes out ruder than I mean to, but I’m already emotionally exhausted, and the day just barely started.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re good. You’re not like… homeless or anything, right? Like, you have money and stuff?”
“Yes, I am technically homeless, but not because I can’t afford it. They are just doing a whole bunch of renovations on my complex and need all the residents out for the summer.”
“Ok, so do you have a plan?”
“Yes, I’m heading to Timberline as we speak.”
I hear a crash, then laughter from the other side of the phone.
“You fuckin’ idiot.” Kaden laughs, not talking to me. “Hey, I’ll talk to you soon. Just be careful, and let me know if you need anything, ok?” he says through the laughter in the background.
“Yeah, yeah, talk soon. Bye.”
Something else crashes, and before I can ask about it he hangs up. I reach over into the bag and grab myself an energy drink, pop the tab, and take a slow sip.
I can do this.I gaslight myself into thinking that my life isn’t a raging dumpster fire.
I can get through this summer. Everything is going to workout how it needs to. I just have to trust the process. No stress.
At my next stop, I pee and do a little car vlog for my people. It’s stupid, but throughout this journey of finding myself and losing weight, I posted a video on LOOP documenting my weight-loss journey, and it blew up. Since then, I’ve grown quite a following on both LOOP and Flykr. But no one in my family even cares or probably even knows about my account, or the fact that I no longer wear XXL clothes. Except maybe Kaden.
“Hey, everyone, Sloane here. It’s been a long ass day, and I’m ready to be home. I’ve got just a few more hours before I can stop for the night. To stay up to date, click that follow button.”
I end the video with a smile. Then I edit it and add clips that I’ve taken throughout my little road trip so far.I add a cute caption and some hashtags before hitting post. I take another sip of my drink before shutting off my phone and continuing on my drive.
I drive for as long as I can before I get hungry for dinner, and decide to call it a night. Eight hours is plenty of time for a person to stay in a car.
I’m mentally and physically exhausted by the time I check into a room and flop onto the bed.
I pull out my phone and check my video. I smile to myself when I see those stats.
25,023 Likes - 1,034 Comments - 219 Favorites - 17 New Followers
These stupid appsshouldn’t bring me this much happiness, but for whatever reason, they do.
I take a cute selfie and post it to my Flykr story.
Opening my bag, I grab some clothes and head into the bathroom for a shower, blasting music as I do so.The first song that pops up literally sets the mood for the entire shower.Slipby Mylie Taylor & Wesghost flows through the speakers.
I take my time. I might be in a hotel bathroom, but tonight is for sure worthy of an everything shower.I wash my hair, my body, exfoliate, then I shave basically every inch of my body from the neck down. I even stop halfway through to perform a much-needed concert.
When I get out, I feel way more relaxed than when I got in.
I pull on an oversized shirt, grab my phone, and take some snippets of my nightly routine for later videos.
After I’m ready for bed, I pick up my phone and see what’s open for DoorDash. Placing my order, I turn on the TV, grab my laptop to answer emails, and plan my content for the next few days.
When there’s a knock at my door, I turn off all my devices for the night.
I get off the bed, thank the delivery guy, and settle down for the night. I watch whatever is on the TV and enjoy my sushi, before grabbing my journal, ending my day with a good rant sesh by writing down all my frustrations about my dad, and what could turn into the most interesting summer that I’ve had in a long time.
When my head feels just a little bit lighter, I turn off the lights and the TV before climbing under the covers and going to sleep.
2
BECKETT
