I'd give you a life

"Its been a year"

It's been a year. and i'm going back. Back to my old life. i left my school after the talent show, moved away. I didnt want to be reminded of those dark days. Dark days of no hope and no life. But now we're moving back, because of money, and Dad and GCSE's. I'm scared of going back. 

"Grace, get your last box!" Mums voice drifts up the stairs towards me. She is cradling my one year old sister Melody. i grab the last box from my room and head downstairs. On the way down i catch sight of the hall mirror waiting to be wrapped in bubble wrap. Beside it was a school photo taken last year. The worst year of my life. My face is grey and drawn and my head is smooth like a boiled egg. i compare my reflection to the photo. my hair has grown back now, not to my old waist length straight hair, oh no. i have chin length curls now, and my face is plumper than the harrowed white face in the photo. hurredly i swathe the mirror in bubble wrap and dash downstairs. Mum is rushing around the removal van, her long hair is tied back in a messy ponytail. she is red in the face as she heaves our piano up the ramp. Phil and Steve the removal men, appear by the door and loiter on their iphones whilst mum struggles with the piano. i shoot them dagger looks and go to help mum.

Finally, everything is packed, and we're speeding back to Newfeild Cresent. Its turning dark as we pull up. my legs wobble as i see my familiar road, the same house. It's spooky. unreal. But i'm so tired, that its all i can do, to unroll my travel mat, grab my sleeping bag, and fall asleep. My kitten Wilber curled at my feet. 

I wake late, my bedroom is a mass of boxes, only my bed stands tall, the ugly slats bare and naked. In the distance i can hear Melody crying. i get up and fumble for the box that holds my clothes. i dress quickly and venture outside. The landing has been painted since last year. what was our junk room is now Melody's bedroom. i go to the window and peer out, the grey clouds hint snow, and a frost has covered everything in silvery white. Shivering. i head downstairs, knowing that before long, i'll be slouching at a desk with a tie around my neck.