Crossing Jupiter (#Wattys2015)

Chapter One

"Are you coming downstairs yet? You've been up there for hours!"

I quickly finish typing the remaining sentences of my paragraph and save it as a draft. It's still a mystery as to what I'm writing, but so far it sounds pretty decent. Cardboard boxes line my room and scatter the floor, causing me to trip as I attempt to run out the door.

My family and I just moved to a new town, where everything is right in the world. Car horns and buses replace the quiet neighborhood we used to live in. A kid from the suburbs, now making her way into the big city. How cliché.

And yes, one day I do hope to be discovered, but not as some hot-shot Hollywood actor. No.

I want to be an author.

It's not like I haven't written stories before. I used to write for the school paper, to the point where it actually became quite popular. Loads of kids started to ask for interviews, and I obliged. It made the school life bearable; everyone had something to look forward to. Reading wasn't shunned upon in that school, which is an upside.

The floorboards begin to radiate the heat from my body. Grabbing hold to a nearby box, I pull myself up and stride down to the kitchen. Instantly, an odd smell fills my nostrils. "God, what is that?" I say.

My mom grins. "I'm trying a new recipe. It's a new stew and I think I've just about got it down!"

I wrinkle my nose. "Is it supposed to smell like that?"

She checks her booklet and pauses. "Well, not exactly, but that doesn't mean it's going to taste horrible. Maybe if I add a few more ingredients.."

"You have fun with that, and remember to experiment. If it doesn't work out, pick up the pan and try again." I smile and give her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to go greet the neighbors, alright?"

She mumbles an 'okay', as I close the door behind me. Normally I'm not one for socializing, but my friends back in Connecticut are dying to hear about the surroundings. Eva, Sam and Frey are a force you don't want to reckon with. When I moved down there, they were the first people I came across. They were nice enough, though Eva could be a bit snappy at times. Unfortunately for others, they became my best friends.
We were the ones who would sneak out of the cafeteria and eat lunch outside. Everyday we got caught, but eventually the faculty got tired of shoving us into detention. It's not like we were doing anything bad; we were just avoiding everyone else.

The four of us were together for five years. Up until the day I left, I'd never been happier. I wasn't popular, was never made fun of, had friends that I loved, and I got to write.
That newspaper was my heart and soul. Gods, I loved that thing. Every night I'd stay up writing poems, stories about the sports teams, and even weird jokes for the comedy section.

Yesterday was the day I left it all. Tears that had been building up for the past week exploded out of me. I refused to say goodbye, because then I'd confirm my leaving. But trust me on this; I will be back. Next week I can get my car, and you can bet that I will be driving down there every break and every weekend. One job can take away from my life, but it can't restrict me from living.

I compose my emotions before knocking on the door that stands in front of me. A few moments pass before the sound of shuffling feet boom into earshot. The door unlocks with a click, and before I know it, I'm standing face to face with a boy.

He's a few inches taller than me, probably the same age, with a small frame and beautiful hazel eyes. His light complexion compliments his features, bringing out the darkness of his hair and the thin black frames of his glasses. "Can I help you?" He says.

"Oh, I'm just dropping in to say hi," I say. "My name's July. My family just moved into the house next to yours, and I felt it would be a good time to introduce ourselves, even if I'm the only one standing on your doorstep."

"Ah, I was wondering who the people behind the boxes were." The boy smiles. "Your parents dropped in earlier, so it's nice to put a face to the infamous July. My parents wouldn't stop talking with yours once they got started."

I raise an eyebrow. "I'm impressed. Normally my parents steer clear of the whole first introduction thing. It's pretty alien hearing that they took the first move and introduced themselves."

"New towns change people like that. The name's Bay, like the river."

"Well let's hope change is for the better," His smile is so contagious. "So are you the lucky one who gets to live alone with your parents?"

"Me? God, no. I have two older sisters, who drive me up a wall. I swear if I went to my room right now, I'd be able to hear them discussing prom dresses."

"Seriously?"

"Oh please, like you don't fantasize over dresses?"

"Every girl will fantasize over a dress at one point in their life. I just don't pour my heart and soul into the fashion side of mine."

His voice is light and airy. "Well, then we're already halfway there."

"Halfway where?"

Bay grins. "Halfway to being friends."

I roll my eyes. "It's going to take a lot more than that to become my friend. Anyways, I really should get going, considering the light is leaving the sky."

"Maybe we can continue our conversation tomorrow? Our families can meet and talk?"

"We'll see." I simper as I turn back to face him. "And, just so you know, I think Bay's a pretty cool name."

He grins. "As cool as water can get. I'll see you around, July."

I feel his eyes boring into my back as I walk inside. Well, that went okay. Possibly a new friendship? Honestly, I just met this guy. Who knows what he could end up as. My gut tells me he's safe, but I need more information. Yes, it's bad to judge a book by its cover but it's the only logical line of judgment for myself. Bay can't be that bad. Who knows, he may even turn out sweet. Putting all thoughts aside, I head inside and allow the comforts of my bed to enclose around me.