[February 12, 2015]

Tears silently flow over my red cheeks as I hang my head in defeat. I'd known this was coming for months but still never expected it to hurt so badly. The near empty courthouse halls echo my hollow mood throughout the large marble structure.

Lawyers in professional suits pass me with sympathetic nods or uncomfortable smiles and I shield my sobbing face behind my wavy tresses. The sleeve of my sweater is coated in tears and snot as I wipe my running nose for the hundredth time today.

Light footfalls reach my ears as a pair of plain black heels stop past the brim of my nose. Golden blonde hair casts a curtain between the unwanted guest and I.

A delicate hand is pressed to my shoulder and rubs small circles onto my skin. I blink through my tears and stare up into my aunt's honey brown eyes. Tears pool in their depths, also, but travel no further than the lower edge of her lashes. Mahogany curls frame her narrow face as she lowers herself into a low crouch in front of me, her hand sliding to my knee.

"Noah, honey..." my aunt Emmy drags out unsure.

I sniffle and give her my full attention. My aunt's sad smile is less than encouraging as she thinks over how to continue. I know she's trying to be gentle with me, like I'm a fragile doll one push away from shattering, but gentle wouldn't help. Not now. Emmy sighs before trying again.

"I know it's not fair, kiddo. And it hurts, but it'll get better." She smiles hopelessly.

"Things don't get better after going down the shitter, Aunt Em." I try to reason. "They get worse."

Her smile wavers before correcting itself. Aunt Emmy clasps my numb hands in hers and beams. Her optimism making me feel even more bitter.

"It only gets worse...if we let it, Noah."

__________________________

[June 11, 2015]

My stomach clenches painfully as the airplane hits asphalt. Digging my nails into the faux leather of the armrests I breathe deeply trying to calm my racing heart. I hate heights. And all the jerking wasn't helping me overcome my fear.

Charlie, my older brother by a year, chuckles from beside me as he delights in my misery. My aunt, though too engrossed in one of her romance novels to really pay attention, swats at Charlie's arm to which he quiets down.

Her eyes dance across the page hungrily as her high cheeks flame to a dark red. I avert my eyes and leave her to her private moment and focus on my shallow breathing. Finally coming to a stop, passengers hurry out of their seats and collect their baggage from the overhead compartments. I don't blame them.

I rip the belt buckle away and stand excitedly. This was it. Our first vacation since...before. I exhale a sigh and quickly drag my suitcase behind me with my family in tow.

We get through the airport with no incidents and are met at the front entrance by a man in his late thirties wearing a dark suit and a friendly smile. In his hands he holds a white sign with a last name on it.

"Fielding" it reads.

My uncle Wilson greets the man with a hefty hand shake and a strong business face. I nod politely as Charlie gives him a fist bump.

"Hello, Fielding's family." The man greets. His accent is rich, possibly Jamaican? "I am Ignacio, but you may call me Igzy." I smile at his nickname to which he returns.

Igzy and my uncle indulge in conversation as we are escorted out of the large airport and into a monstrous Hummer. Charlie whistles lowly as we slide against the beautiful leather interior. He, being more invested in cars than I, could certainly appreciate the workmanship of the expensive vehicle.

The car starts with a lavishing purr that vibrates me. Even in the late evening, Costa Rica is a freaking oven at eighty-three degrees causing us to blast the AC. Igzy chats idly with my uncle about politics and with Charlie about cars.

My aunt Emmy stays quiet and gazes dreamily out the dark windows as I twiddle my thumbs and think over everything we're going to see. Even with a beautiful sun set and the exotic scenery to distract me I can't help but feel resigned about arriving in Jurassic World tomorrow.

__________________________

Hello, readers! This is a starter chapter to sort of set the mood of the story. If you have any questions or just want to add something comment or message me and I'll help you as best I can!

Love you, stay beautifulxxx