I awoke with a start. A loud bang of metal on a hard surface sounded outside my house. I furrow my brow and then I hear it again, only a bit further away. I sigh in annoyance, it’s only the garbage truck.

I yawn and look over at my alarm clock. It’s ten a.m. on a Saturday. I sigh and slide out of bed slowly. I walked over to the washroom, did my business and walked downstairs, into the kitchen. I sat down beside my father at the wooden kitchen table, reaching out to grab a freshly made Pop-Tart and an apple.

I look around and everyone was staring at me contently with worried but happy expressions. I furrow my brow again and lean back in my chair. I cock my head to the left and cross my arms.

“Yes?” I ask, confusion consuming my groggy mind.

My mother sighs and my father nods at her, while Michael - my brother - stares at the half eaten Pop-Tart on his plate.

“Dear Cassadee, there’s something we need to tell you.” my mouther finally says.

I know that tone and that ‘dear Cassadee’ line. There is some sort of bad news coming my way on a freakin’ Sunday morning before my big date with my boyfriend tonight. No, freakin’ way will this be able to affect it! If it does, I swear on my life, my parents will not live it down.

“Okay... What is it?” I prompt, trying to get this done and over with.

“Well, we need to tell you some very important news...” my mother trails off.

“Stop being so vague and get to the point! I’m not five anymore.”

“Okay, Cassadee; we’re moving to Thunder Bay, Canada.” explains my mother, worry clear on her face.

I couldn’t quite process it. We’re moving?! To... CANADA?! Are you serious?! The shopping there is apparently horrific and the men there are appalling! Plus, it’s always cold! How can I deal with this?! I have an amazing boyfriend and great friends here, in Jacksonville, and I even have a good life in warm weather. I’m popular, I’m happy, I have AMAZING shopping centers and stores to go to. No way am I moving to Canada! I thought angrily. I started to grind my teeth in sadness.

“What?!” I finally blurt out. “We’re moving to Canada?! That place with the worst shopping and ugly guys?! No way! I refuse!” I spit, slightly lifting my but off the chair and placing my hands on the table, leaning over my plate and glaring at my mother.

“Cassadee! Don’t be so stubborn and self-centered! You know better. Besides, it’ll be better for our business and for Michael.”

“The business?! We’re moving just so you can breed horses somewhere better?!” I started to complain, then I registered the last part she said: ‘It’ll be better for Michael.’ I stopped in my tracks and sat back down, wide-eyed and shocked. Michael. “You mean, Michael would be happier if we moved?” I asked quietly.

My mother and father stared at me in shock, Michael looked up at me and a glint of hope was in his eyes.

“Yes...” my mother replied, slightly dumbfounded.

“Then, I’m fine with it.” I state, starting to eat my Pop-Tart. I saw Michael’s smile from the corner of my eye.

“Okay... Well, we need to pack; starting tonight.” comments my father.

“Alright.” I mumble between bites. I might be missing the best date of my life, but, if it’s to help Michael; the other guy and go screw himself for all I care.