Daydream

If I had a million dollars...

Walking down 5th avenue, my brand new Jimmy Choo black boots scraping along the pavement, the wind blowing my freshly dyed and straightened hair off my face, I hail a cab. Smiling at the driver, I state my destination. "Gershwin Theatre." It's not everyday that I come across VIP tickets to go see Wicked with the girls. Well- it's not everyday that I can afford something like that.

Wait. Hold up. Is this really my daydream of "If I was rich?" Would I seriously be wearing Jimmy Choo heels and be living in New York City? No.

Change of scenery: The Coliseum looms, overpowering before my eyes. I smile at it's physical presence, one of the oldest structures I had ever laid eyes on. Having just left France, I thought nothing would awe me more than the Eiffel Tower, or seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time (although people are right, she's very tiny in person)- but then I saw the architecture of Rome.

"Gladiator doesn't do it justice, does it?" my sister Lauren says next to me, gaping open-mouthed at the ancient arena. I shake my head, and close my eyes, imagining the historical roars from the crowd, cheering a favorite champion to win against the beasts below.

"Kayla- thank you, again...you didn't-"

"-have to pay for your summer-long trip to Europe? Lauren, you say that everytime we see something fantastic...which is pretty much everyday. And what do I say?" I ask.

"That you love me and this is exactly how you pictured us celebrating your book reaching best-selling status..."

"I hear they're calling you the next J. K. Rowling possibly," my cousin Miguel added on the other side of her, smiling, but still held captive by the amazing site before us.

"I highly doubt that. But I can't deny that the money from the movie...well, it isn't a bad thing," I smile, feeling warm and fuzzy, still four years later not believing that I finally got published.

"Come on, the tour starts soon," and Lauren grabbed our hands, and we raced for the doors, maps and papers gripped tightly in our hands. 

I think of how my family would love this, so I mentally start planning a family vacation to the Mediterranean for the following year. Dad would have a hard time accepting, considering I gave him the gift of paying up his rent for the next five years; Mom would come in a heartbeat. I grin, thinking of her reaction when I bought her a little cabin in the Cape--after working 80 hours a week to make ends meet, she deserved it. And along with our trip to Europe, I paid off Miguel's six-figure college loan, and Lauren's as well.

I wonder how Nanny and Pop are doing in Hawaii--I also wonder how Nana and Pap are doing mortgage free; Pap can finally enjoy true retired life at the age of 77--I just wish I could've done something sooner. 

If I had a million dollars...I'd use it to say "Thank you" to my family. 
Now that's a daydream.