B-b-but how do you know that it will be us?", asked the very confused Lilypaw. "We don't know, that's the thing" growled Tigerpaw. "How do you know it's us? I mean we are nine lost, half starved, barely apprentices, confused cats! To me that doesn't sound like a fierce battle!" Rubypaw swated at her brother. "We are a band,we are fiercer then the fiercest badger, smarter then the smartest medicine cat, and swifter then the swiftest eagle!" Everyone yowled in agreement.
"Then it is settled? We leave at dusk" Pebblepaw who said barely anything since her parents death, spoke up as head leader, flanked by Oakpaw, who was very fond of her, with Splashpaw beside his moon struck Lilypaw, and Rubypaw by herself. not caring for the toms. They set off with Daypaw, Ravenpaw,and Nightpaw, who was gossiping and flirting with Tigerpaw. They all decided when they were in their own good territorry that, Pebblepaw would train and become a warrior, with Rubypaw, and Splashpaw and those three would become leaders of three different clans. The Nine, they were now called were traveling for days and nights for atleast a moon and they were growing quite strong. They all had their own warrior ceremonies at the same time as tradition. Pebblepaw was now Pebblefrost, Rubypaw was Rubyheart, Splashpaw was Splashstream, Oakpaw was Oakleaf, Lilypaw was Lilyflower, Nightpaw was Nightriver, Ravenpaw was Ravenwing, Daypaw was Dayblaze,and Tigerpaw was Tigercloud. Lilyflower was heavy with Splashstream's kits and they had to find a territorry fast. Pebblefrost herself was bearing kits but no one knew.
They soon found beautiful territorry. Pebblefrost sent out her sisters with Dayblaze and Tigercloud to scout out ahead. They soon came back. "Pebblefrost, we found a perfect place for your clan." It was wierd that she was going to have her own clan. Oh no! What should it be called?... she thought long and hard. "Ok, lets go take a look" They padded towards the place where Tigercloud disappeared. They appreared in a clearing with a beautiful river flowing threw, the river seemed to run threw a cave. That would be great for a medicine cat den! she though silently. There were other shelters. A hollow log which seemed perfect for elders. A prickley bush, for the nursing queens, and a perfect stump for gathering the clan. She hoped on it and behind it was a little cave, barely visable. The Leader's Den! she thought cheerfully. No, young one, your den! Pebblefrost gasped. It was Toothtail's voice. She then remebered her mother and father, chased by the nine foul creatures who were called their mentors. She shook herself as if shaking the memories away. She thought about it. Pebblefrost, leader of... of what? She then looked at the sky for an awnser and prayed to StarClan to give her a sign. A storm was rolling in. She thought harder. ClanClan? No way! .... Lightning and Thunder started to form in the sky. StormClan! She thought. Pebblestar, leader of StormClan! She purred and went on looking for more places for her new camp. She then walked past a small entrance, which led to a larger den. She wouldn't have noticed it, if it wasn't for Oakleaf. He removed all the brambles and prickles away from the entrance. Pebblefrost walked inside, "This would be perfect for the nursery!", She exclaimed. With that, she felt a small movment in her belly, like her kits were agreeing wither her.
"It took almost the whole day but we have StormClan!" Oakleaf replied excitedly to Pebblefrost. She would never usually ignore him but she did. She had other things on her mind like, where do get some others cat to join StormClan? Or where would she ever find a place to talk to StarClan. How was she going to get her nine lives? All this seemed to make Pebblefrost sway on her paws. Oakleaf then stopped talking. "Are you okay? A-are the kits coming?", he said worriedly. Kits! How does he know about them?! She thought. Oakleaf saw the look of surprise on her face. Your getting big Pebblefrost! It should be any day now. Pebblefrost sighed. "I guess I should have told you from when i found out.." She looked at her paws in shame. "You should have but it doesn't matter now. What only matters is you, the kits, and building all three clans."
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Chapter 4
"Will and Jef!" Linda called from the dining room as I made my way to my suitcases. They were still in the foyer where Linda had told me to leave them. "Will you help Allison take her suitcases to her room!"
There was an annoyed sigh as two boys came from the living room. The one, Will, who hadn't been so welcoming, shot me a glare as he snatched up my suitcase and began lugging it up the stairs. Once he was at the top, he turned around the corner.
"Don't worry about him." The one I assumed was named Jef grabbed my other suitcase and smiled sympathetically. I suddenly wondered if he knew why I was here. "Will is always like that. I guess it's just a little odd for having another girl with us."
I only nodded as he shrugged and dragged the bag up the stairs. I was reluctant to follow them, but seeing as I would rather sleep than sit around and watch television with a bunch of guys.
I climbed the stairs and when I reached the top I was surprised at the number of rooms. The bathroom door was open and I made a mental note that it was there. I looked around and tried to guess which room would be mine. There was a noise from the room across from the bathroom and I figured it might have been Will and Jef. Quietly I peered in, only to be surprised to see a boy sitting on his bed, a DS in his hands.
He looked up when I looked in. "Hello," he said with a small, shy smile.
"Oh, sorry," I said as I backed up.
"Don't worry about it!" He grinned. "You're the new girl right? Dad told us about you, but he didn't tell us why you were here. Why are you here?"
Judging by his age and the video game systems in his room, I guessed he was Mason. "I-I," I stumbled over my words. I scratched my arm, but it didn't have an itch at all, I just needed something to distract myself from his innocent green eyes.
"You don't have to tell me," he said as he placed his DS on his lap. "I'm Mason by the way."
"I'm Allison." My lips pulled up in a small smile. I was about to ask him what game he was playing when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped and turned around. Jef had taken a step back as he looked at me with concern. "Are you alright? You seem a little jumpy."
"I-I'm fine, really." I insisted without meeting his gaze.
He didn't seem to believe it, but he shrugged. "Your room is this way." He gestured down the hall and lead me to my new room.
Opening the door, I was glad to see my bags beside the bed and Will no where in sight. "Thank you," I whispered quietly as I sat down on my bed.
"No problem." Jef rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "If you need anything, you can ask me. I don't suggest you ask Will, he can be a dick sometimes. Mason's pretty cool, although I'm surprised he put down his game to talk to you."
I managed another small smile.
Seeing as there was nothing left to say and wanting to avoid anymore uncomfortable small talk, he backed out of the room and shut the door behind him. Flopping down on the bed, I rested my head on the pillow. It smelled unfamiliar and it made my heart long for my comforter and pillow I had to leave behind. I had to leave a lot behind, even my mother. I let out a sigh as I closed my eyes. I couldn't believe how tired I was even though I had had a nap on the plane. It had been a long day. The last thing I remembered before falling asleep was Jef's concerned look and Mason's innocent eyes and I realized maybe I would be able to make friends in this new house.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day light poured in from the window and I squinted my eyes at the light. I looked at the digital clock on the bedside table. Ten o'clock. I rubbed my eyes as I swung my legs off of the bed and blinked as I stared at my clothes. I was still wearing my jeans and my favourite purple and blue striped shirt. I had been too exhausted to change into my pajamas. I looked at the thin blanket that I had pushed off and realized someone must have covered me up. I had slept on top of the comforter.
I folded the thin blanket and placed it on the end of my bed. I looked around the room with curiosity. It was a nice size and I was glad it was a light green. The bed frame was certainly beautiful. A cedar bed frame with an intricate design I couldn't quite make out. My eyes scanned the room some more until they fell on my suitcases. Smiling, I zipped one open and grabbed a clean pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt.
After grabbing my clothes I headed to the bathroom, only to have the door open and I felt myself slam into someone. I dropped my clothes and leaped back. "Watch where you're going, Edmonton!"
I knew that voice. I looked up to see Will cleaning out his ears with a Q-tip.
"Sorry!" I snapped, narrowing my eyes. I was frustrated and angry at how he was treating me, and I wouldn't have it anymore. I opened my mouth, but it quickly shut when I looked from his disheveled wet hair and down his sculpted chest and just as my gaze lingered on a towel hanging on his hips I looked away and quickly began gathering my clothes that had fallen to the floor.
"Enjoying the view?" I could feel the smirk in his voice as he pulled the towel tighter around his waist.
I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks and I fought the urge to look up again as I said, "Are you done with the bathroom?"
He didn't say anything as he walked past me and into, what I guessed, was his room, closing it behind him.
I let out a sigh of relief as I stood up and walked into the bathroom. I found the clean towels in the cabinet beside the toilet and I turned on the shower. After stripping and getting into the shower, I felt relieved by the hot water. There was nothing better than a steaming shower to get rid of one's worries.
Turning off the water, I grabbed my towel and dried off. Once I was dry, I changed into my clothes and began drying my hair. I jumped when there was a knock at the door. "Allison? Is that you in there?" Linda's voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"Yes," I responded as I placed the towel in the laundry hamper.
I opened the door to a grim-looking Linda. "Your mother's body was flown in from Edmonton. They said it was alright for her to be buried here in Abbotsford where she grew up. Is that okay?"
I opened my mouth, but my throat grew tight and I knew there was no way I could speak without crying, so, I just nodded.
"She was flown in this morning. Her burial is in an hour. I see you're already ready. Te boys will just need to get ready. I nodded once more before she smiled and headed downstairs. I followed her downstairs.
"Oh, thank you for the blanket!" I called after her.
"Blanket?" She questioned as she turned around to look at me.
"I woke up and someone covered me with a small blanket," I explained. My mind began to wander.
"That wasn't me. Must have been one of the boys." She smiled before turning back around and disappearing into the living room. Furrowing my eyebrows as I began to think, I plopped down into one of the dining table chairs.
"Allison, you okay?" I looked up to see an older boy. His blond hair was tousled and unkempt. Although he looked like the kind of guy you could see starting fights, his eyes gave away his kind nature.
I nodded. I was tired of people asking if I was okay when I so clearly wasn't.
"I guess you don't remember me," he chuckled. I cocked my head, obviously confused. "We used to have play dates when we were younger. Back then, I was a lot smaller and so were you. I'm Ronan if you didn't know."
Now I remembered. Ronan was the oldest and we had had always played together in my mother's old backyard. I smiled at the peaceful memories and soon, I realized that the other two I had also played with had been Will and Jef. It was crazy at how different they seemed. Jef had been the more rude brother and Will had always made sure I was included. I couldn't help, but let out a small laugh.
By the way Ronan's smile grew, I could tell he was convinced I was feeling slightly better. "Mom said we're leaving in a bit. I'll come get you when we do."
"Thank you, Ronan."
"Don't mention it," he waved my thanks away before turning around and heading into the living room.
Come get me? I looked around nervously and my stomach dropped. That meant the rest of the Miller boys new what had happened to me. Linda and Keith must have explained while I was sleeping or in the shower. We were all going to my mother's funeral, and I was going with a family I barely even knew or remembered. I suddenly felt a lone again.
There was an annoyed sigh as two boys came from the living room. The one, Will, who hadn't been so welcoming, shot me a glare as he snatched up my suitcase and began lugging it up the stairs. Once he was at the top, he turned around the corner.
"Don't worry about him." The one I assumed was named Jef grabbed my other suitcase and smiled sympathetically. I suddenly wondered if he knew why I was here. "Will is always like that. I guess it's just a little odd for having another girl with us."
I only nodded as he shrugged and dragged the bag up the stairs. I was reluctant to follow them, but seeing as I would rather sleep than sit around and watch television with a bunch of guys.
I climbed the stairs and when I reached the top I was surprised at the number of rooms. The bathroom door was open and I made a mental note that it was there. I looked around and tried to guess which room would be mine. There was a noise from the room across from the bathroom and I figured it might have been Will and Jef. Quietly I peered in, only to be surprised to see a boy sitting on his bed, a DS in his hands.
He looked up when I looked in. "Hello," he said with a small, shy smile.
"Oh, sorry," I said as I backed up.
"Don't worry about it!" He grinned. "You're the new girl right? Dad told us about you, but he didn't tell us why you were here. Why are you here?"
Judging by his age and the video game systems in his room, I guessed he was Mason. "I-I," I stumbled over my words. I scratched my arm, but it didn't have an itch at all, I just needed something to distract myself from his innocent green eyes.
"You don't have to tell me," he said as he placed his DS on his lap. "I'm Mason by the way."
"I'm Allison." My lips pulled up in a small smile. I was about to ask him what game he was playing when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped and turned around. Jef had taken a step back as he looked at me with concern. "Are you alright? You seem a little jumpy."
"I-I'm fine, really." I insisted without meeting his gaze.
He didn't seem to believe it, but he shrugged. "Your room is this way." He gestured down the hall and lead me to my new room.
Opening the door, I was glad to see my bags beside the bed and Will no where in sight. "Thank you," I whispered quietly as I sat down on my bed.
"No problem." Jef rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "If you need anything, you can ask me. I don't suggest you ask Will, he can be a dick sometimes. Mason's pretty cool, although I'm surprised he put down his game to talk to you."
I managed another small smile.
Seeing as there was nothing left to say and wanting to avoid anymore uncomfortable small talk, he backed out of the room and shut the door behind him. Flopping down on the bed, I rested my head on the pillow. It smelled unfamiliar and it made my heart long for my comforter and pillow I had to leave behind. I had to leave a lot behind, even my mother. I let out a sigh as I closed my eyes. I couldn't believe how tired I was even though I had had a nap on the plane. It had been a long day. The last thing I remembered before falling asleep was Jef's concerned look and Mason's innocent eyes and I realized maybe I would be able to make friends in this new house.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day light poured in from the window and I squinted my eyes at the light. I looked at the digital clock on the bedside table. Ten o'clock. I rubbed my eyes as I swung my legs off of the bed and blinked as I stared at my clothes. I was still wearing my jeans and my favourite purple and blue striped shirt. I had been too exhausted to change into my pajamas. I looked at the thin blanket that I had pushed off and realized someone must have covered me up. I had slept on top of the comforter.
I folded the thin blanket and placed it on the end of my bed. I looked around the room with curiosity. It was a nice size and I was glad it was a light green. The bed frame was certainly beautiful. A cedar bed frame with an intricate design I couldn't quite make out. My eyes scanned the room some more until they fell on my suitcases. Smiling, I zipped one open and grabbed a clean pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt.
After grabbing my clothes I headed to the bathroom, only to have the door open and I felt myself slam into someone. I dropped my clothes and leaped back. "Watch where you're going, Edmonton!"
I knew that voice. I looked up to see Will cleaning out his ears with a Q-tip.
"Sorry!" I snapped, narrowing my eyes. I was frustrated and angry at how he was treating me, and I wouldn't have it anymore. I opened my mouth, but it quickly shut when I looked from his disheveled wet hair and down his sculpted chest and just as my gaze lingered on a towel hanging on his hips I looked away and quickly began gathering my clothes that had fallen to the floor.
"Enjoying the view?" I could feel the smirk in his voice as he pulled the towel tighter around his waist.
I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks and I fought the urge to look up again as I said, "Are you done with the bathroom?"
He didn't say anything as he walked past me and into, what I guessed, was his room, closing it behind him.
I let out a sigh of relief as I stood up and walked into the bathroom. I found the clean towels in the cabinet beside the toilet and I turned on the shower. After stripping and getting into the shower, I felt relieved by the hot water. There was nothing better than a steaming shower to get rid of one's worries.
Turning off the water, I grabbed my towel and dried off. Once I was dry, I changed into my clothes and began drying my hair. I jumped when there was a knock at the door. "Allison? Is that you in there?" Linda's voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"Yes," I responded as I placed the towel in the laundry hamper.
I opened the door to a grim-looking Linda. "Your mother's body was flown in from Edmonton. They said it was alright for her to be buried here in Abbotsford where she grew up. Is that okay?"
I opened my mouth, but my throat grew tight and I knew there was no way I could speak without crying, so, I just nodded.
"She was flown in this morning. Her burial is in an hour. I see you're already ready. Te boys will just need to get ready. I nodded once more before she smiled and headed downstairs. I followed her downstairs.
"Oh, thank you for the blanket!" I called after her.
"Blanket?" She questioned as she turned around to look at me.
"I woke up and someone covered me with a small blanket," I explained. My mind began to wander.
"That wasn't me. Must have been one of the boys." She smiled before turning back around and disappearing into the living room. Furrowing my eyebrows as I began to think, I plopped down into one of the dining table chairs.
"Allison, you okay?" I looked up to see an older boy. His blond hair was tousled and unkempt. Although he looked like the kind of guy you could see starting fights, his eyes gave away his kind nature.
I nodded. I was tired of people asking if I was okay when I so clearly wasn't.
"I guess you don't remember me," he chuckled. I cocked my head, obviously confused. "We used to have play dates when we were younger. Back then, I was a lot smaller and so were you. I'm Ronan if you didn't know."
Now I remembered. Ronan was the oldest and we had had always played together in my mother's old backyard. I smiled at the peaceful memories and soon, I realized that the other two I had also played with had been Will and Jef. It was crazy at how different they seemed. Jef had been the more rude brother and Will had always made sure I was included. I couldn't help, but let out a small laugh.
By the way Ronan's smile grew, I could tell he was convinced I was feeling slightly better. "Mom said we're leaving in a bit. I'll come get you when we do."
"Thank you, Ronan."
"Don't mention it," he waved my thanks away before turning around and heading into the living room.
Come get me? I looked around nervously and my stomach dropped. That meant the rest of the Miller boys new what had happened to me. Linda and Keith must have explained while I was sleeping or in the shower. We were all going to my mother's funeral, and I was going with a family I barely even knew or remembered. I suddenly felt a lone again.
Chapter 3
“We will be making our descent into Abbotsford Airport in approximately four minutes. Please fasten your seat belts and make sure your trays are clear and in an upright position. Please do not leave your seats until we are safely in the boarding zone. Thank you for flying with WestJet ”
Startled, I woke up to the sound of the announcement. My first thought was wondering where the hell I was. Then I remembered everything. The hospital, the packing, the early morning, Mrs. Miller telling me about her family, and than falling asleep.
I looked over at her, but her eyes were closed and I tried to figure out if she was sleeping or not. Feeling terrified, I turned my attention to the window.
The airplane tilted slightly to the left and began a slow and steady turn. Unlike the flat, quilt-like pattern of Alberta, BC was much more mountainous and rocky. Although where we were landing, it seemed like there were more farmlands; a valley. I watched as everything below was soon becoming recognizable. I jumped when there was a small bump as the landing gear was released. I was even more startled when Linda tapped my shoulder and offered me a piece of gum. I could feel the pressure in my ears and I gratefully took it. Popping it into my mouth, I began chewing; trying to release the pressure.
I closed my eyes tight as I felt the plane made its final turn. I jumped once more when the wheels touched down onto the tarmac. Finally! Solid ground!
As soon as the plane came to a complete stop and everyone began rustling around, I unbuckled my seat belt and waited patiently for Linda to get to her feet. She let me out into the aisle and I pulled both of our carry-on bags out of the compartment and headed outside. I had never been more excited to see the ground.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The taxi ride was quiet. As soon as we got off of the plane, we had waited at the baggage pick-up for my suitcase. I had spotted my indigo suitcases almost immediately. After making sure it was mine, we lugged them outside and onto the curb where we hopped in a taxi.
Thankfully, the drive to the Miller house wasn't too far.
The taxi driver drove to the end of the rode and turned left, revealing a long driveway. My jaw fell as I looked at the scene in front of me.
The Miller house was a beautiful, white, simple looking home nestled in a large grassy clearing. The front yard was massive and I only wondered how large the backyard could be.
Surrounding the home were tall pine, cedar, and maple trees. "You certainly have a beautiful home, Mrs. Miller."
"Oh, please, call me Linda!" She insisted as she paid the cab driver and got out of the car. He popped the trunk open and I retrieved my suitcases, wheeling them to the door as Linda opened it.
"Hello? I'm home!" Linda called as she placed her bag neatly beside the door and turned to me. "Leave your suitcases here. I'll have one of the boys help bring them to your room."
She lead me through her house and we reached the dining room. I was startled to see a large group of boys sitting around the table. Their heads snapped up and all eyes turned on me; wondering who was this stranger in their home.
"Boys," Linda began with a smile. "This is Allison. She will be staying with us from now on."
"Why?" One of the older boys asked. His blond hair was a mess, but it only made him look more attractive. His chocolate brown eyes were narrowed.
Linda shot him a warning look before answering, "As of right now, that is none of your concern. I hope you all welcome her into our home." I was thankful that she hadn't told them about my mother. It was something I didn't want to share, at least not now.
"Are you hungry?" Mr. Miller asked as he gestured to the table full of food. "The boys were hungry so I made an early dinner."
Dinner? I looked at the analog clock on the wall. Three o'clock. The trip had been longer than I expected.
"Starved!" Linda said as she took her seat across from her husband. "Will, can you please get a chair from the deck for Allison?"
The boy who had questioned my staying, shot me an accusing glare before opening the door behind him and coming back with a patio chair. He set it down at the end of the table, far away from him. I saw down awkwardly as Mr. Miller got up and grabbed a plate for his wife and myself. I could already tell that being here was a big mistake. I didn't belong at all.
Startled, I woke up to the sound of the announcement. My first thought was wondering where the hell I was. Then I remembered everything. The hospital, the packing, the early morning, Mrs. Miller telling me about her family, and than falling asleep.
I looked over at her, but her eyes were closed and I tried to figure out if she was sleeping or not. Feeling terrified, I turned my attention to the window.
The airplane tilted slightly to the left and began a slow and steady turn. Unlike the flat, quilt-like pattern of Alberta, BC was much more mountainous and rocky. Although where we were landing, it seemed like there were more farmlands; a valley. I watched as everything below was soon becoming recognizable. I jumped when there was a small bump as the landing gear was released. I was even more startled when Linda tapped my shoulder and offered me a piece of gum. I could feel the pressure in my ears and I gratefully took it. Popping it into my mouth, I began chewing; trying to release the pressure.
I closed my eyes tight as I felt the plane made its final turn. I jumped once more when the wheels touched down onto the tarmac. Finally! Solid ground!
As soon as the plane came to a complete stop and everyone began rustling around, I unbuckled my seat belt and waited patiently for Linda to get to her feet. She let me out into the aisle and I pulled both of our carry-on bags out of the compartment and headed outside. I had never been more excited to see the ground.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The taxi ride was quiet. As soon as we got off of the plane, we had waited at the baggage pick-up for my suitcase. I had spotted my indigo suitcases almost immediately. After making sure it was mine, we lugged them outside and onto the curb where we hopped in a taxi.
Thankfully, the drive to the Miller house wasn't too far.
The taxi driver drove to the end of the rode and turned left, revealing a long driveway. My jaw fell as I looked at the scene in front of me.
The Miller house was a beautiful, white, simple looking home nestled in a large grassy clearing. The front yard was massive and I only wondered how large the backyard could be.
Surrounding the home were tall pine, cedar, and maple trees. "You certainly have a beautiful home, Mrs. Miller."
"Oh, please, call me Linda!" She insisted as she paid the cab driver and got out of the car. He popped the trunk open and I retrieved my suitcases, wheeling them to the door as Linda opened it.
"Hello? I'm home!" Linda called as she placed her bag neatly beside the door and turned to me. "Leave your suitcases here. I'll have one of the boys help bring them to your room."
She lead me through her house and we reached the dining room. I was startled to see a large group of boys sitting around the table. Their heads snapped up and all eyes turned on me; wondering who was this stranger in their home.
"Boys," Linda began with a smile. "This is Allison. She will be staying with us from now on."
"Why?" One of the older boys asked. His blond hair was a mess, but it only made him look more attractive. His chocolate brown eyes were narrowed.
Linda shot him a warning look before answering, "As of right now, that is none of your concern. I hope you all welcome her into our home." I was thankful that she hadn't told them about my mother. It was something I didn't want to share, at least not now.
"Are you hungry?" Mr. Miller asked as he gestured to the table full of food. "The boys were hungry so I made an early dinner."
Dinner? I looked at the analog clock on the wall. Three o'clock. The trip had been longer than I expected.
"Starved!" Linda said as she took her seat across from her husband. "Will, can you please get a chair from the deck for Allison?"
The boy who had questioned my staying, shot me an accusing glare before opening the door behind him and coming back with a patio chair. He set it down at the end of the table, far away from him. I saw down awkwardly as Mr. Miller got up and grabbed a plate for his wife and myself. I could already tell that being here was a big mistake. I didn't belong at all.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Chapter 2
"How are you doing?" Linda asked as she shoved my carry-on in the compartments above. How am I doing? How am I doing?! I had a severe fear of heights and my only parent was dead!
"Fine," I lied; although I assumed she could see through my fake smile.
It had been a busy day and a half. After leaving the hospital and going to my house with Linda, I had been rushed to pack all of my important belongings. I had attempted to stuff the whole of my wardrobe into one suitcase without success, but after picking out a few things I didn't need, it was able to close. I didn't have anything else to bring apart from a framed picture of my mom and I when I was eight.
After putting away our bags in the compartments, Linda took her seat next to mine. "I guess I should tell you about myself. I'm still a bit of a stranger."
I nodded.
"Well, I'm Linda Miller. Mother to eight-" She was cut short as I choked on my own saliva.
"Eight?!"
She nodded and gently rubbed her baby bump. "Eight and counting."
I couldn't help but be impressed. How she managed to seem so calm and caring while she had eight children gained her all of my respect. I was surprised that she was so keen on accepting me into her home as well.
"I have eight children; all of them are boys." My eyes widened with surprise, but I let her continue. "Ronan is the oldest. He's eighteen. He's a major help around the house and he's always looking after his younger brothers. He has a girlfriend. She's great to, her name is Michelle."
"Next is William. He is seventeen. His personality is like his dad's. They both are stubborn as well as hot-headed. Will may not seem like he cares, but he does."
I nodded again to let her know that I was listening. Will sounded like someone I didn't want to get to know. I have had experience with I-don't-care-about-anything guys, and it was something I wanted to stay clear of.
"I like to think Jefrey is a lot like myself. " She went on. "Jef is sixteen and he is a gentleman. He's a lot like Ronan as well."
"Nate and Mason are alike. Nate is fifteen and Mason's thirteen. They may seem different, but they are both into one thing and one thing only. Nate loves the theatre and, although I don't approve of it sometimes, Mason is into video games."
I let out a small laugh. Those two sounded a lot like my friends in Alberta. Remembering them, I was a little surprised not to have noticed that the engine of the plane had roared to life. I would be leaving them and everything I knew.
Quickly, I buckled myself in. I absolutely hated flying. I hadn't even been outside of Canada due to my severe fear of heights.
"Are you okay, honey?" Linda asked with concern as she looked upon my pale face.
I nodded weakly. "Please, continue."
She smiled. "Okay. You'll have to watch out for Kristopher and the twins. Kristopher is ten. He loves to prank his older brothers, but I'll let him know you're off limits."
"Thanks," I said with a small smile.
"Colton and Jacob, the twins, are six. Although I don't find it hard at all to tell them apart, the boys seem to. I know, because they are my sons, but also because Jacob is quieter than Colton, however, don't be fooled, Allison. They are both equally troublemakers."
I let out an amused laugh as Linda told me about her family. They seemed interesting. I only hoped that I'd be accepted among the House of Boys. I stifled a sigh as Linda finished informing me. Now I had nothing to distract. It only got worse as the plane began to head on the run way. Soon I felt myself being tugged back as the plane lifted into the air. I dug my nails into the arm rests and closed my eyes; squeezing them shut tight.
"Why don't you try to go to sleep?" Linda whispered beside me.
I nodded; although I doubted I'd be able to relax enough to fall asleep.
I was wrong. As soon as the plane leveled in the air, my mind began drifting off. Imagining what it would be like living in the Miller House or what my new school would be like. It was the end of August and I was at least thankful for not having to start school in the middle of the year.
The plane hummed softly and I let my worries slip away as away as I fell into a deep, dreamless, sleep.
"Fine," I lied; although I assumed she could see through my fake smile.
It had been a busy day and a half. After leaving the hospital and going to my house with Linda, I had been rushed to pack all of my important belongings. I had attempted to stuff the whole of my wardrobe into one suitcase without success, but after picking out a few things I didn't need, it was able to close. I didn't have anything else to bring apart from a framed picture of my mom and I when I was eight.
After putting away our bags in the compartments, Linda took her seat next to mine. "I guess I should tell you about myself. I'm still a bit of a stranger."
I nodded.
"Well, I'm Linda Miller. Mother to eight-" She was cut short as I choked on my own saliva.
"Eight?!"
She nodded and gently rubbed her baby bump. "Eight and counting."
I couldn't help but be impressed. How she managed to seem so calm and caring while she had eight children gained her all of my respect. I was surprised that she was so keen on accepting me into her home as well.
"I have eight children; all of them are boys." My eyes widened with surprise, but I let her continue. "Ronan is the oldest. He's eighteen. He's a major help around the house and he's always looking after his younger brothers. He has a girlfriend. She's great to, her name is Michelle."
"Next is William. He is seventeen. His personality is like his dad's. They both are stubborn as well as hot-headed. Will may not seem like he cares, but he does."
I nodded again to let her know that I was listening. Will sounded like someone I didn't want to get to know. I have had experience with I-don't-care-about-anything guys, and it was something I wanted to stay clear of.
"I like to think Jefrey is a lot like myself. " She went on. "Jef is sixteen and he is a gentleman. He's a lot like Ronan as well."
"Nate and Mason are alike. Nate is fifteen and Mason's thirteen. They may seem different, but they are both into one thing and one thing only. Nate loves the theatre and, although I don't approve of it sometimes, Mason is into video games."
I let out a small laugh. Those two sounded a lot like my friends in Alberta. Remembering them, I was a little surprised not to have noticed that the engine of the plane had roared to life. I would be leaving them and everything I knew.
Quickly, I buckled myself in. I absolutely hated flying. I hadn't even been outside of Canada due to my severe fear of heights.
"Are you okay, honey?" Linda asked with concern as she looked upon my pale face.
I nodded weakly. "Please, continue."
She smiled. "Okay. You'll have to watch out for Kristopher and the twins. Kristopher is ten. He loves to prank his older brothers, but I'll let him know you're off limits."
"Thanks," I said with a small smile.
"Colton and Jacob, the twins, are six. Although I don't find it hard at all to tell them apart, the boys seem to. I know, because they are my sons, but also because Jacob is quieter than Colton, however, don't be fooled, Allison. They are both equally troublemakers."
I let out an amused laugh as Linda told me about her family. They seemed interesting. I only hoped that I'd be accepted among the House of Boys. I stifled a sigh as Linda finished informing me. Now I had nothing to distract. It only got worse as the plane began to head on the run way. Soon I felt myself being tugged back as the plane lifted into the air. I dug my nails into the arm rests and closed my eyes; squeezing them shut tight.
"Why don't you try to go to sleep?" Linda whispered beside me.
I nodded; although I doubted I'd be able to relax enough to fall asleep.
I was wrong. As soon as the plane leveled in the air, my mind began drifting off. Imagining what it would be like living in the Miller House or what my new school would be like. It was the end of August and I was at least thankful for not having to start school in the middle of the year.
The plane hummed softly and I let my worries slip away as away as I fell into a deep, dreamless, sleep.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Chapter 1
"Allison, sweetie." My mother called from me from the hospital bed. It was her third week staying at the hospital since she became ill. There had been no warnings and the doctors feared that she wouldn't get better. "Do you mind getting me something to eat from the cafeteria?"
"I don't mind," I replied with a small smile. I loved my mother, and I'd do anything for her, but seeing her so weak...so helpless, it made me frustrated. The only thing I could do for her was fetch her food and something to drink from the hospital cafeteria.
"Here you go, Allison." The cashier, Sarah, handed me my change. I had been coming down to the hospital cafeteria everyday ever since I had found out my mother was sick, and I refused to leave without her. Eventually, the nurses gave up on trying to send me home. I shot her a smile before grabbing the tray of food; salad, a bowl of soup, and a cup of tea.
As I walked down the hallway, everything seemed more hectic. Doctors and nurses were running around and I had to dodge out of the way of a nurse who seemed oblivious to me.What is going on?
Just then, my mom's doctor rushed down the hallway. "Doctor Roberts!" I called and he turned around looking worried. "What's going on?"
Before he could explain, a voice echoed throughout the halls. "Doctor Roberts, you're needed in room 315. Doctor Roberts, you're needed in room 315."
Room 315? That was my mom's room! He spun on his heel and ran down the hallway. Dropping my tray of food, I rushed after him. I should've felt bad for leaving a mess for the janitor to clean up, but I was more worried about my mother.
Doctor Roberts had beat me to her room and had shut the door. I tried the doorknob, but it was locked. I peaked through the small window on the door, only to see doctors and nurses huddled around my mother's bed.
No! My heart dropped to my stomach as I spotted the cardiac monitor my mom was hooked up on. Her heartbeat was slowing.
Quickly, I tore my gaze away. My eyes began to sting as I tried to force the tears back without much luck. I hadn't realized that I had been holding my breath. I began panting heavily as I leaned against the wall. Sliding down, I sat on the floor, bringing my knees to my chest. Something was happening in the next room; something horrible. The last thing I remembered before I blacked out, was the sound of the door opening and Doctor Robert's concerned voice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Allison? Allison, can you here me?"
My eyes fluttered open to see Doctor Roberts standing over me.
"Good, you're alright." He seemed almost relieved that I had finally opened my eyes. Alright? My mother was dying, how could I be alright?!
"You have been out for at least an hour. There was nothing I, or any of the other doctors, could do to save your mother. I'm sorry."
At that moment, if felt like my whole world came crashing down. My mind started buzzing and I felt numb. My vision blurred and I couldn't hear anything else that the doctor was saying anymore. All of a sudden, I started sobbing. Sobbing uncontrollably. How could this happy? It was only about an hour ago that my mother had asked me to get her something to eat.
My mother, Trisha Price was dead. I didn't even know what to do. Without my mom, I had no one. My mother's parents had died when I was young and I didn't have any known family members other than my dad and I had no idea who or where he was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ms. Price?"
I looked up at the nurse. My eyes stung, but I had promised myself that I wouldn't cry anymore. No matter how much I missed my mom. "Please," I said. "Call me Allison."
The nurse simply nodded. "There's a lady here to see you."
Someone here to see me? There wasn't anyone I knew in Edmonton, that would come to see me right now.
The nurse moved aside as a pregnant woman walked over. I could tell by her puffy eyes that she had been crying too.
"Allison, right? I'm Linda Miller, I was a close friend of your mother's before she moved from BC."
Linda Miller. I had heard about her. Apparently I had quite a few play dates as a baby with her three sons. How she was able to travel from BC to Edmonton while being pregnant surprised me.
I nodded in response. I felt that if I spoke, I might crack and burst into tears again.
"My you've grown. I remember when you were just a baby," she told me with a sad smile. "I wish your mother could've brought you out to visit as you grew older, but I understand her reasons."
Reasons? Reasons for what?
I assumed she saw my confused look, as she let out a nervous laugh. "I'll explain it all on the plane."
"Plane?" I echoed quietly. I was surprised that I had managed to find my voice without the tears.
"Yes," she said as she met my gaze. Her eyes began to water, but I could tell she was holding them back. "Trisha phoned me a week ago. She didn't think she would make it, I told her she would, but she insisted that if she didn't that you were to live with me and my family."
Live? I didn't even know this woman! Yes, I heard about her and she knew me when I was younger, but she was a stranger to me yet.
"The plane leaves tomorrow morning. We will go back to your house and pack your things. I'll tell you about myself and my family on the plane."
"I don't mind," I replied with a small smile. I loved my mother, and I'd do anything for her, but seeing her so weak...so helpless, it made me frustrated. The only thing I could do for her was fetch her food and something to drink from the hospital cafeteria.
"Here you go, Allison." The cashier, Sarah, handed me my change. I had been coming down to the hospital cafeteria everyday ever since I had found out my mother was sick, and I refused to leave without her. Eventually, the nurses gave up on trying to send me home. I shot her a smile before grabbing the tray of food; salad, a bowl of soup, and a cup of tea.
As I walked down the hallway, everything seemed more hectic. Doctors and nurses were running around and I had to dodge out of the way of a nurse who seemed oblivious to me.What is going on?
Just then, my mom's doctor rushed down the hallway. "Doctor Roberts!" I called and he turned around looking worried. "What's going on?"
Before he could explain, a voice echoed throughout the halls. "Doctor Roberts, you're needed in room 315. Doctor Roberts, you're needed in room 315."
Room 315? That was my mom's room! He spun on his heel and ran down the hallway. Dropping my tray of food, I rushed after him. I should've felt bad for leaving a mess for the janitor to clean up, but I was more worried about my mother.
Doctor Roberts had beat me to her room and had shut the door. I tried the doorknob, but it was locked. I peaked through the small window on the door, only to see doctors and nurses huddled around my mother's bed.
No! My heart dropped to my stomach as I spotted the cardiac monitor my mom was hooked up on. Her heartbeat was slowing.
Quickly, I tore my gaze away. My eyes began to sting as I tried to force the tears back without much luck. I hadn't realized that I had been holding my breath. I began panting heavily as I leaned against the wall. Sliding down, I sat on the floor, bringing my knees to my chest. Something was happening in the next room; something horrible. The last thing I remembered before I blacked out, was the sound of the door opening and Doctor Robert's concerned voice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Allison? Allison, can you here me?"
My eyes fluttered open to see Doctor Roberts standing over me.
"Good, you're alright." He seemed almost relieved that I had finally opened my eyes. Alright? My mother was dying, how could I be alright?!
"You have been out for at least an hour. There was nothing I, or any of the other doctors, could do to save your mother. I'm sorry."
At that moment, if felt like my whole world came crashing down. My mind started buzzing and I felt numb. My vision blurred and I couldn't hear anything else that the doctor was saying anymore. All of a sudden, I started sobbing. Sobbing uncontrollably. How could this happy? It was only about an hour ago that my mother had asked me to get her something to eat.
My mother, Trisha Price was dead. I didn't even know what to do. Without my mom, I had no one. My mother's parents had died when I was young and I didn't have any known family members other than my dad and I had no idea who or where he was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ms. Price?"
I looked up at the nurse. My eyes stung, but I had promised myself that I wouldn't cry anymore. No matter how much I missed my mom. "Please," I said. "Call me Allison."
The nurse simply nodded. "There's a lady here to see you."
Someone here to see me? There wasn't anyone I knew in Edmonton, that would come to see me right now.
The nurse moved aside as a pregnant woman walked over. I could tell by her puffy eyes that she had been crying too.
"Allison, right? I'm Linda Miller, I was a close friend of your mother's before she moved from BC."
Linda Miller. I had heard about her. Apparently I had quite a few play dates as a baby with her three sons. How she was able to travel from BC to Edmonton while being pregnant surprised me.
I nodded in response. I felt that if I spoke, I might crack and burst into tears again.
"My you've grown. I remember when you were just a baby," she told me with a sad smile. "I wish your mother could've brought you out to visit as you grew older, but I understand her reasons."
Reasons? Reasons for what?
I assumed she saw my confused look, as she let out a nervous laugh. "I'll explain it all on the plane."
"Plane?" I echoed quietly. I was surprised that I had managed to find my voice without the tears.
"Yes," she said as she met my gaze. Her eyes began to water, but I could tell she was holding them back. "Trisha phoned me a week ago. She didn't think she would make it, I told her she would, but she insisted that if she didn't that you were to live with me and my family."
Live? I didn't even know this woman! Yes, I heard about her and she knew me when I was younger, but she was a stranger to me yet.
"The plane leaves tomorrow morning. We will go back to your house and pack your things. I'll tell you about myself and my family on the plane."
Summary
For sixteen-year-old Allison Price, life was never easy. Her father left when she was very young, and she knew absolutely nothing about him while her mother refused to talk about him or her old life. The only thing that she would ever tell her, is the friend she had to leave behind; Linda Miller and her family. When Allison's mother unexpectedly becomes ill and dies, Allison is left with absolutely no one. However, after hearing about her best friend's death, Linda Miller decides to bring Allison into her family. With absolutely no knowledge about boys, will Allison be able to survive her new life with eight of them?
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