P a r a d i s e: Life in the Valley

Chapter 1

I live in the small town of Homer, Alaska. Or what also might be known as the Hailbut Fishing Capital of the World. Despite the long, cold winter months and the short summers there is no place I'd rather be. Im Alaskan Grown and very proud of it too. 

The sun was out, making it a nice day. The south region of Alaska had a lot of rainfall which made everyone appreciative of the sun. I decided to take advantage of it and go out for a ride with Ellie(my horse). She was a beautiful Palomino, my prized possession. My parents gave her to me for my 13th Birthday and ever since then, fell in love with her. I guess you could say i was a spoiled, and being an only child has its advantages.

After 3 hours exploring our private shoreline and forest property, i decided to ride back home as fast as i could. I always found myself admiring the scenery, so it was easy to lose track of time.  My mom is going to kill me, I thought. I didn't let her know i would be leaving, and her being the overprotective mother that she is, was probably not the smartest thing to do.

When i got home, I took Ellie to the barn, locked her in the corral and ran back to the house. I carefully climbed the tree that led to my balcony. I never was the one to be scared of heights. I jumped over the wooden railing and landed on my feet softly. I reached for the knob and entered my room with relief. Perfect, now she'll never know i was wandering outside alone. 

Not to long ago there was a bear mauling and moose attacked a 12 year old, which made my mom paranoid. And never letting me go out by myself. 

*Knock, Knock*

"Who is it?" I asked defensively. I still had my muddy riding boots on, revealing that I have been outside. 

"Its me" - CRAP. I knew that tone, it was my mother

"Hold on, give me a sec!" I quickly took my boots off and threw them under my bed

"You do whatever you're doing but dinner will be ready in 5 minutes. Hurry up so you can set the table" she said 

"Okay, okay im coming" I replied with irritation. I hated it when she got all pushy on me.

I  scurried down the stairs and went to the dining table, taking out the place mats and setting them.

"Your dad wont be here for dinner. Just put two mats instead. He had to take a family to Anchorage. There was an emergency"

My dad owned several small planes and licensed pilot, making some extra cash by flying people places.  But my dad a good heart, and never asked for money in return if it was for an emergency. Not mention, it was a lot faster to fly than to drive. Anchorage was 4 hours away.

"Okay, i guess it will be just the two of us then" I said with disappointment

"He'll be back sweetie. He's doing a good cause" My mother said, knowing that I was disappointed

"Yea I know"

I slowly put his place mat back into the drawer. Little did I know, that after that moment we would  only need two mats instead...