Driving. For the past 19 hours all we've been doing is driving. We dropped Granny at her house and she offered for us to stay there for a while, but we declined. We made pit stops; once at RaceTrac for drinks, chips, cookies, sweets and a few times at restaurants such as Chili's and Popeye's.

Mom and Dad took turns driving so one could rest a bit, while I took the occasional nap. After all the driving we finally parked outside a large dark blue house with white picket fencing and green green grass. My dad kills the engine and we all file out of the car.

"Emily, why don't you go see if they're home?" My mom asks and points at the door.
I nod my head eagerly; I haven't seen my aunt in 10 years. I was 4, she was 16, so obviously I haven't met my new uncle, Zac. Well, she was dating him then, but I had never met him.

I didn't go to their wedding, only mom, dad, and Mason did. I had stayed with Clara's family then. I didn't go because my passport needed renewing and well I was 'too young' as my mom had said.

Come on! I was 12! Anyhow, I can't wait to meet Zac and Winter, as well as see Hillary again. I unlock the fence gate and step onto the grass. I press the doorbell and wait for the door to open. Nada.

I press it once more, and I hear footsteps running to the door. Not a second later, the door flies open to reveal a  young-looking man; probably in his 20s. He has light brown hair and blue eyes.

He speaks, "You must be Claire's daughter." I nod my head and reassure, "Emily. And you're Zachary?" He nods, "Zac, for short." He has an Australian accent. I hug him, "Welcome to the family, Zac."

"Aw. Thanks, Emily." He replies. I pull away and say, "You know...you can call me—" "Em! Is that you?" Hilary asks running from around the corner, Winter tightly in her arms.

My smile breaks into a full out grin as I nod very enthusiastically. "My, my, you've grown a few feet since the last time I saw you." She notes.

"Maybe because the last time you saw me I was 4." I remark. She laughs, "Ten years is way too long." "Agreed." I reply as Hilary hands the baby to Zac and hugs me tight.

After she lets go I turn to Zac and say, "Anyway, Hilary finished my sentence, you can call me Em. All my friends and family do. Except Mason, he calls me Marie, due to my middle name." I explain.

He nods, "Okay, Em. Do you guys need help carrying in the bags?"

"No..I think we've got it." I say, running back to the car. I grab my bags out the car; four big bags. I put two on my back and roll the other ones behind me. We put our bags lined up against a wall and Mom begins talking to Hillary.

Zac walks over to me, "You wanna hold her?" He asks gesturing to little Winter. I nod eagerly and he hands her to me.

"She's adorable." I whisper holding her thumb. "Yes she is." Mason notes from behind me.

I firmly run my fingers over her bare head, watching her stare up at me, gape mouthed. I whisper softly into her itty bitty ear, "You are the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen."

"Eli..." She says. "Hilary! Those were her first words! Eli! Eli?" Zac asks. "Sounds like Emily without the 'M' to me." Mason muses. I gleefully laugh, "Aw. So cute!"

"Adorable! Baby loves her cousin." Mom gushes. "Maybe she meant elephant?" Dad suggests, "Just kidding." He laughs, after mom elbows him.

I pass her back to Zac, after Hilary says "Let me show you guys to your room." We grab our bags and Hilary leads the way to our rooms.

She has a two story house but usually the other rooms are occupied with either Zac's work out equipment or Hilary's extra stuff. Also, one room used to be Zac's office, but they cleaned it out for now.

She leads us to the semi-spiral staircase and says, "Claire, Jason, your room is over there. Mason there's yours, and there's yours, Emily." She says pointing at three different rooms.

One; my parents' room, is on the way left of the hallway, its bathroom is conjoint with Masons. Meanwhile, my bedroom is on the way right. With its own bathroom. And a freaking walk in closet.

"I gave that one to you because I have some dresses that either don't fit me or I don't like them anymore. And well, I thought you might like the view." Hillary explains.

Confused, I look at my aunt, who's now pointing to the other side of the room. I look over there and my jaw literally drops. On the other side of the room, there isn't a wall but three large glass doors looking over miles and miles of ocean.

I had no idea there was an ocean view, let alone an ocean behind this house. I walk over to it and stare out at the view. This is too picturesque. So beautiful. "Thank you so much, Hillary!" I squeal.

"Now I know how hard it is for you to be away from your friends, so there's a tele over there, ready for you to plug in your laptop, and Skype.  I know, I know, you don't need the tele for Skype, but I thought it would be nice for you to see them big-screen." She says.

I tightly hug her for what feels like an hour but is only a pair of seconds. "I'll leave you to it." She says. As soon as she leaves, I begin setting up my laptop to the TV and then I group call Clara and Ethan on Skype.

Ring. Ring. Ring. Clara picks up. After a second, so does Ethan. "Emily, hi!" Clara shouts. There's a white tiled background behind her which I don't recognize as any room in her house. Ethan has a black wall behind him which I don't recognize as any room in his house, either.

"Where are you guys?" I ask, curiosity building up inside me. "Girl's bathroom." Clara answers just as Ethan says, "Locker room."

I furrow my eyebrows, "What time is it there?" "9:15 am. There?" Clara asks. "4:15 pm. I should've thought of time difference before calling. Sorry. Call me when you're home." I sigh. Stupid time difference.

"No! No, it's okay. I've got study hour now. So I can still talk." Clara informs. "Yeah, and I've got gym. I can also talk." Ethan says.

I nod, "Cool." "So..What does Roklatter look like? Met any cute guys? Seen any cute guys? How's Hillary? How's Zac? How's the baby?" Clara questions.

"Beautiful. No. No. Good. Good. Adorable." I answer. "Can I see what your room looks like?" Clara asks. "Sure. Let me take a Panorama and send it to you." I say, grabbing my phone and taking a 360 view picture of my room.

I send it to them via SnowChat and turn my phone off. "Woah. That's a nice room." Ethan says. "I know, right?" I reply.

"I'm so jealous." Clara gushes. I laugh and another voice I don't recognize, comes on the other line. "Dude, who are you talking to?" "Emily." He replies.

"Girlfriend?" The boy asks.

"Best friend." Ethan reassures.

A person's head pops into view. "Hi, my name's Jackson." He introduces. "Hi." I wave.

"Anyways, Ethan, Coach is calling, we need to run laps. Say goodbye." He flashes a smile and then his head is out of view. "Bye, dodo. I miss you." Ethan smiles and leaves the call.

"Is Clara in here?" Another unfamiliar voice asks. "Yeah," Clara says and I hear her unlock the door. Another unfamiliar face.

"Hi, I'm Jackie." She smiles. I smile and wave. "Miss Facinelli is calling, we have to compete in a debate." Jackie informs.

"Sorry, Emily. I hate to end the call." Clara says, her lips quivering, eyes misty. She ends the call. I sigh, and just then my playlist starts the all time famous song by Celine Dion; All By Myself.

I frown, oh, the irony. I sigh and click stop on the song. Life seems so pointless without my best friends here laughing with or at me.

It seems so dull without the popcorn-throwers, the pranksters, the crazy ones. I sigh and run downstairs for dinner.

Quickly, I set the table, and sit down. After a while, everybody else sits down, too. We say a prayer and begin eating.

"Do you guys know the school you're going to?" Hillary asks, swallowing her food. "Uh..no." Mace answers, shaking his head.

"Which school?" I ask. "Roklatter High" My mom replies. "Ooh, I hear that's a really nice school." I reply. "It is, but the one in Giglatus was much nicer." Mason says.

I nod my head and nibble on my fried corn. After we finish with dinner, I brush my teeth and change into my pajamas; getting ready for bed.

I turn on my cherry red laptop and search Roklatter High's school website. They've got less things to do here, but they've still got a whole handful of fun things.

They only have a guys football team and they only have a girls volleyball. They've got a bi-gender soccer team, though.

They have a gym room and a few clubs but not half as much as my old school. I turn off my laptop and set it on my side table before falling asleep.

********
I wake up to the sun shining in my eyes and I lazily walk down the stairs. Grabbing myself a bowl full of Krispies, I go outside and sit at the glass table.

I have school tomorrow. Four days of being here and I already have to go to school. What fun? Thankfully, the school here doesn't have a uniform.

I mean, I loved it in Giglatus, but here it's like 30 degrees, so any uniform would probably not keep me warm.

I get cold easily, yet I'm in love with the rain. However, when the rain comes, my nail biting increases. That won't stop me, though.

Eating the last spoonful, I drink the milk and head back inside.

The rest of my day consists of walking around the house, taking naps, and going shopping for warmer clothes.  I finally fall asleep for good at 10.

********

My alarm goes off and I hop out of bed, putting on my glasses. I'm not usually a morning person, but I can't wait to go to school.

I never thought I'd say that but it's true, I want to keep my mind off being homesick.

School's the best way.

Plus, I don't suck at school, I do pretty good if I do say so myself.

But, I much rather prefer keeping to myself when being asked a question. And I hate taking tests.

I brush my teeth then I put on a dark blue sweater, black jeans, and button up my black skirted coat.

I apply some mascara, a little bit of eyeliner, and clear lipgloss before lightly curling the bottom half of my short hair. After finishing with my hair, I put on my dark blue beanie.

I put on my black converse, tie my laces, and head down.

"Morning, Em." Zac greets from the kitchen, where he's making scrambled eggs and bacon.

"Morning," I chirp. I toast some bread and set the table, waiting for the others to wake up.

Half an hour later, everyone's done eating and climbing into the car. Roklatter is only a ten minute ride, so we get there in no time.

Hopping out of the car, I walk over to the trunk and grab my denim backpack, which carries books along with some lunch money. I hug my parents goodbye and head inside with Mason.

"Which class do you have first?" I ask him, pulling out my own schedule.

"Calculus." He replies, "You?"

"Latin." I answer, sighing. I never liked Latin. "Hah. Fun." He laughs. I glare at him and shove my schedule back in my binder. Out of nowhere he hugs me and says, "It's going to be fine. We can eat lunch together if you want to."

I shake my head, "I'll just eat my lunch in the library. Keep my head where my heart is, in books." I reply.

He nods, "Love you."

"I love you too, Mace. Have fun." I mumble and make my way to Latin. Entering the class, I look around for a seat.

"Class," A petite, average-height, middle-aged woman with short black hair and a pale complexion says, "We have a new student joining us today. Emily Beckets, come in, sweetie."

Slowly, I walk over to her. "Here she is." The teacher informs.

"Emily, would you like to tell us a few things about yourself?" She asks. I bite my lip and shake my head, being the shy girl I am. "Alright then, make your way to a seat. Any seat you'd like, dear."

I scan the classroom, seeing which student looks safe enough to sit next to. There are three available seats; one next to a blonde shaggy haired boy, one next to a blonde evil-looking girl and one next to a friendly-looking girl with black hair.

I choose the seat next to the black-haired girl and offer her a small smile which she gratefully returns. "My name is Nina." She says. "The teachers name is Miss Linda."

I nod, "You can call me Em." I say. She nods and takes out her books. I take out my own books as class begins.

********

The bell rings and we file out of our Latin class. I quickly head down to the Library and make my way to a table at the back. I may be able to check out a book or two.

I place my bag on the table and choose two books.

After three minutes, I find two good books.

Checking out the two books, I head to my next class; Gym.

I scurry along to the girls locker room and take off my coat, as it's getting a little hotter.

I make my way into the gym room and sit on the bottom of the stairs to the left of the room while I wait for the coach; Coach Williams, to show up. I take out one of my books from my backpack.

Opening it up to my bookmarked page, I begin flipping through the pages, carefully reading and savoring every page.

I've already read five pages when someone decides to bother me. I look up, and see the monster who has just taken me away from my haven.

A blonde haired boy with sea blue eyes. Alright, he may not look like a monster, but still.  "Hi, are you new around here?" He asks.

I nod, and he smiles, "Oh, well then, my name is Michael. What's yours?" He asks. "Emily." I reply. He nods, "Can I have your number?" He asks.

"What for?" I ask, curiously. "To call you." He says matter-of-factly. "I'm sorry, but I can't give my number to strangers." I reply.

He nods his head and walks away. I feel bad, now.

Oh, well. I turn my attention back to my book. After five minutes of reading, the coach walks in and we all line up.

He orders us to to do forty jumping jacks, ten push-ups, fifteen sit-ups and run five laps around the room. When we're done, he'll split us into two teams for a game of dodgeball.

Quickly, I do forty jumping jacks and slowly, I do ten push-ups. I hate push-ups. Fifteen sit-ups are nothing, so I finish them up and then grab a small drink of water before running the five laps in under fifteen minutes.

I'm done before most of the class—I'm not done first or second, but third. I mentally high five myself and grab another sip of water.

The first one who finished is Michael and the second, Nina. Slowly, the other kids finish, panting heavily, as they do so.

Coach picks Michael and Nina to be team captains; Michael picking first. I hope he doesn't pick me first. Please.

"Emily." Demon.

I huff and walk over. They take turns picking teams, and in a matter of seconds, balls are flying through the air.

I've already gotten five people out and six of the people in my team are out already. I fling a red ball at somebody but I miss.

I grunt and continue tossing them. Our game finishes, as we hit the last person out, and just then, the lunch bell rings.

I decide to go to the cafeteria instead of the library. Maybe I'll just sit there and eat like a normal teenage creature.

I buy my lunch; extra extra fries and a glass of milk. Originally, there was a burger, but I only wanted the fries. I'm crazy for fries.

Sometimes we would have fries with other food for dinner, and I would eat the leftover fries the next morning. My parents would call me gross for eating 'cold chips'.

I sit down on a small circular table and begin munching on fries. Just then, Michael sets his tray down and starts eating next to me. I sigh and ask,"Yeah?"

"Look, I'm really sorry about gym." He says. I furrow my eyebrows, "Why?" "I wouldn't have asked for your number if I knew you were involved with another guy." He replies.

"I am?" I asked. He nods, "People say they saw you enter with a guy and hug him before leaving. Some say you told each other 'I love you.'"

I laugh, "That was my brother, Mason." He laughs, "Oh. But surely, you are interested in someone." I nod, "..Yeah."

"Who? Does anyone else know?" He asks. He sounds like my mom when she interrogates criminals. "You don't know him and no, no one else knows." I reply.

"Alright, but, tell me his name." He insists. I've never told anyone because I just wouldn't be able to deal with the secret spilling to him. I never even told Clara, which I felt terrible about, but I couldn't risk our friendship.

If I told Clara, and if she liked him too...our friendship could break. I would never want to be the cause of that.

"His name is Ethan Thompson." I say. "I told you, you don't know him."

He smiles, "No, I don't." I nod.

We continue talking about things; our birthplaces, our families, our hobbies, our dreams. I admit, I really think he and I could become good friends.

At the end of the day, I ended up giving him my number and SnowChat name and then we part ways and go to our separate houses.

"Any new friends?" My mom asks over dinner.

"Two." I reply, positively. "A handful." Mason replies. "Good for you two." Hillary says. I nod and stick a piece of broccoli in my mouth.

I head upstairs and shower, changing into my blue pajamas. I jump into bed and check my SnowPad notifications. Nothing much, just the occasional update for books I haven't started yet and replies to comments I've made.

Then I check my email; there's one which I click immediately: Animal Airlines.

Dear Miss Emily,

Your dog is ready for pickup. Gate 408.

Yes! Buster's here! My baby boy! I run downstairs and beg my mom to take me to the airport to pick him up even though it's already 9:45 pm.

As soon as we stop in the airports parking lot, I run to gate 408 and sign for Buster. They escort me to the back, where he's sleeping in a navy green airport provided cage. I open the cage and take him out.

He's still sleeping soundly so I walk carefully to the car, thanking the people for taking good care of him.

I get in the front seat and fasten my seatbelt as my mom drives back to my aunts house.
My day is already three thousand times better with him in my arms.

********

I set Buster on the left side of my bed and I settle on the right side, opening the SnowChat app on my phone.

[3 Unread Messages]

One from Ethan, one from Clara and one from Michael. I open Ethan's:
How was your day? New friends?

I quickly type a reply.

It was good, I still kiss you guys though. Yeah, two.

I send it and then realize I made a typo. Oh, crud.

MISS*

Clara's text reads:

Hey girly, made any friends? Any guy friends? ;)

I laugh and type,

Two friends. One of which is a guy, indeed.

I open the last text from Michael.

Hey!

I send him a 'Hi' and then I switch off my phone. I take a picture of Buster and post it to Piccers before calling it a night.

********

|One Month Later; Thursday|

I grunt and kill my annoying alarm. I grab my glasses next to my bedside table. Then, I walk to the bathroom and take a nice, refreshing, cold shower.

That wakes me up almost instantly.

After showering, I run a brush through my hair and put my dusty pink beanie on. Then I put on a plain white shirt and a coffee colored batwing cardigan sweater.

Then, I put on my black jeans. I slip on secret socks and my brown knee high boots.

I apply my makeup: mascara, little eyeliner, light brown eyeshadow, dark red lipstick. After that, I brush my teeth.

I go to the side of my bed and wake Buster up. "Hey buddy." I say as he vigorously shakes his tail. I feed him some breakfast; bacon bits and then I take him for a walk.

When I come back everyone's up and ready to leave. I quickly take an apple, grab my bag, and then I hop in the car. Four days ago, my family and I moved to our own house right across the road from my aunts. So, we're still close to them, but now we leave a bit earlier.

Once the car stops, I grab my things, hug my parents good bye, bid farewell to Mason and make my way to the library. I make my way to the back table where Michael was patiently waiting; reading a book.

I walk closer and he lifts his head up from his book; realizing I'm here. He smiles, "Hey! You're here." "I've noticed. So what's up?" I ask, setting my bags down.

"Well, my family is having a barbecue tonight and they said I could invite someone over. So, I was thinking, would you like to come to the Adams family reunion barbecue?" He asks.

"Sure but don't you have like a million other friends you could ask?" I reply. "Yes, but none of them are appropriate to bring to my family reunion." He answers.

I nod, "Well, then, sure, I'd love to. Just text me the address."

"Okay. So, I was also thinking that if you were ever to move back to Giglatus, I'd convince my parents to let me come with you. I've always wanted to go."

Hey. So, you've finished the second chapter, thank you so much.
I know, I know, this book really sucks but hey, I'm trying guys.
So please, please, please give me some feedback.

Much appreciated,

Alicia xx

|Book Of The Day: I Almost Killed My Crush's Mom by Cherry_Cola_x |
|Song Of The Day: Check Yes, Juliet by We The Kings|