It's pulled from the middle of the first chapter. The protagonist is a bit foul-mouthed and I know that might turn some people off. So sorry about that, but what do you think of the actual context of the writing? She's just landed in Chicago, where she lived before moving to Germany because her father was called to serve in the military there. I think that's probably all the background you need. Thanks for the help!
I try to navigate my way through the crowds as quickly as I can without shoving or pissing anyone off. I fail when I accidentally step on the toes of some frustrated Russian with his dick in a twist. I wince apologetically and scurry away from his glare before he can go all Hulk-smash on me.
I'm almost three-fourths of the way through the mob and I think I've spotted my mom's sister when I feel a hand grasp my shoulder and someone says, “Annie?”
I hate when people call me Annie. Or Bell. AnnieBee. JingleBells. That's why I made sure no one called me anything but Annabel when I moved to Germany. And no one has since I left.
I stare at the long fingers resting on my my shoulder for a few beats before deciding to turn around and face him, trying to hide the involuntary grimace that's taken command of my lips.
“Annie, it is you!” he says with his apple-green eyes wide and a pleased look on his tanned face. His dark brown hair reminds me of a young Elvis' slightly tousled pompadour. I don't know if he's got balls to wear his hair like that, or just no fashion sense.
“Don't you remember me?” he asks, still with that pleased look that implies he doesn't suspect for a second I've forgotten him at all.
“F*ck,” I say flatly after I blink a few times. “What are the odds?”
He gives me an inquisitive look for a split second before asking, “What are you doing back in the States?”
“My dad was killed,” I say with as much apathy as I can muster. “My mom and I are here so we can bury him in his hometown.”
His face falls. “Oh my God. I'm so sorry, Annie,” he puts his hand back on my arm in a comforting gesture.
“I go by Annabel now,” I say. “And it's okay. We're okay. What are you doing here?” I ask, eager to steer the conversation away from me.
“It's Christmas Holiday, so Tane and I--you remember Tane, don't you? From back in the day?” he waves his hand behind himself vaguely towards a jumble of people that I'm assuming Tane is hiding among. “We've saved up enough money to vacation in the Caribbean for two weeks. It's sort of our senior trip, too. We fly out in an hour.”
“Wow, that sounds like it will be a lot of fun,” I say. “But I should probably go meet up with my aunt and call my mom before she sh*ts a kitten.”
“Alright, then,” he grins. “Are you going back to Germany after the funeral?” he adds.
“No. My mom wants to be with our family.”
“And are you coming back to school after break for second semester?”
“No, homeschooling. If I went back to public school, I wouldn't graduate on time because of their bullsh*t requirements.”
Not to mention, there's no way in Hell I'd leave my mom alone in the house so soon after losing Dad.
“Ah. Well, then I'll look you up after I get back and we can catch up.”
“Alright,” I say unenthusiastically. “See you later, Byron,” I quickly turn on my heel and speed walk to my aunt while simultaneously dialing my mother's phone.|||I think it's really good. Sounds interesting!|||I love it! Good going
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