The door trunk slammed shut to mark the beginning of the trip of a lifetime. On the heels of what was a pretty lame 21st birthday I was finally ready to really get what it means to be 21. We were going to be going to EDC Las Vegas, which is possibly the greatest first journey as a 21-year-old that I could think of. I left my apartment with my bags packed and made my way through the bustling traffic of the motor city to Thomas’ mom’s house to pick him up. “Yooooooo, you ready or what??” I shout as I step out of the aching door of the 1998 Toyota Fore Runner that I sometimes call my car.
“Well if it isn’t the 21-year-old himself, how’s it feel little buddy?” Tom said in a playful tone, trying to make fun of me.
“Admit it, you’re glad you can finally have someone to go out with, legally.” I said in a chuckle. Tom was 23 and he’d be dragging me out to bars with him for the past couple of years. And well, 8 fake id’s later and I can finally go have some good fun with him without the worry of getting caught.
“I know bro, I’m just fucking with you, it’s gonna be a good week.” Tom said in a normal tone as he reached his hand out and brought me in for a hug. “Are you gonna finally make a move on Becca this week or what?” He said, back in his playful tone.
“Shut up dude, you know I would never.” I said defensively. As I tossed Tom’s bag into the bag of my car. Becca was a girl that, between Tom and I, I’ve had a crush on ever since senior year of high school. Unfortunately, we’ve just grown to be close friends and there’s nothing I could do now to change that.
“Dude come on, you only celebrate your 21st once in your life, you’ve gotta shoot your shot.” He said eagerly.
“Ok, we’ll see.” I said just to get him to stop talking about the whole thing. The car burbled to life as we headed out to Hannah’s house to pick up her and Becca. Once we pulled in the driveway, both Tom and I hopped out of the car and he ran up to his girlfriend and gave her a hug. “Hi Hannah!” Her plush blonde hair blew back in the wind as she pranced over towards me.
“Well if it isn’t the birthday boy himself.” She said in energetic fashion. As she squeezed my limp body. I chuckled. It was good to see Hannah. She was the one person who I had started to become very close to. She was that friend who I told everything and wasn’t afraid to because I knew she wouldn’t judge me for showing my emotions.
“Where’s Becca?” I said curiously.
“Chill love bird, she’s just grabbing a couple more things then she’ll be right out. I know you’re dying to see her.” Hannah said, making fun of me. I rolled my eyes and a grin formed on my face. Hannah and Tom always gave me shit about liking Becca. They both antagonized me nonstop for not ever asking her out on a date. My thoughts were interrupted when she walked out the door. Her dark brown hair danced in the wind as she walked down the front stairs of Hannah’s house. She was carrying two bags that had to have weighed more than she did. I ran to help just as the bag in her right hand slipped and tumbled down the staircase. It clipped my left ankle. I winced in pain, but the pain was nothing compared to the embarrassment.
“Oh no I’m so sorry!!” She said trying to be sincere but couldn’t hold back from laughing. I laughed too through the pain and embarrassment.
“No, no, it’s fine it’s not like I need that foot to drive us 2000 miles to Las Vegas or anything.” I said sarcastically. She laughed as our eyes met for the first time in four months. She goes to Penn State and I go Michigan State so we only see each other when we’re home for Christmas and summer. I tell myself that’s one of the reasons I won’t ask her out when in reality it’s just a cover up for my lack of confidence. I helped her with the bags and closed the trunk for the last time until I slammed the drunk closed for the final time until we would arrive at our first stop which was Chicago.
Expenses:
Dinner $20
Gas Stop 1 $40
Money Remaining: $1940
Las Vegas 