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.

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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.