Vanilla

02

The ride wasn't that long, about an hour later we arrived at a small town, called Wolfpine. At first the name seemed weird, but I quickly realized why it was named that way. The town was surrounded by a huge forest, which largely seemed to consist of wolf pine trees. Somehow this gave the whole place a sinister vibe, 'I'll definitely avoid the forest'. We drove through the streets till we arrived at a neighborhood that seemed wealthy. All the houses were big and expensive looking.

'Are the Clark's rich? No wonder Ruby acts like a spoiled brat.'

As we drove, I gazed at the massive buildings we passed and the expensive cars in their driveways. Come to think of it, the Clark's car looks expensive too.

'Why would a rich family adopt someone like me? And not a cute baby...?', I was so lost in thoughts that I didn't even notice how we stopped. It was Hank's voice that brought me back. "We are here!", he announced. They got out of the car and I followed suit. I looked around and the first thing I noticed was how huge the house was, it was way bigger than the other ones we passed on the way here.

'Just how fucking rich are these people?', I was baffled as I looked at the building and my surroundings. Till I heard someone scoff, "Stop drooling weirdo". It was Ruby, instead of replying I just rolled my eyes at her. She then walked past me, bumping my shoulder on purpose.

'Seriously?? Ugh', yet again I rolled my eyes at her antics. Despite my annoyance I quickly followed Ruby with my luggage in tow. Hank and Clara were waiting for us on the front porch, with huge grins. I couldn't help but also smile even if just a little bit. Ruby on the other hand was looking as bored as ever which seemed to be normal for her, I haven't seen her smile even once yet. Clara looked at me and said "So Kate! Ready to see your new home?", she sounded so excited, like a small child. Which made smile again, even though I was nervous right now. I mean, I would be living with 3 people I barely know and on top of that in a completely new town. The familiar nervous pit in my stomach was making itself present. "Y-yea, sure", I tried my best to sound confident and excited. In return, Hank's and Clara's grins got even bigger, which I thought would be impossible. Clara turned her keys and opened the door widely, gesturing for us to come in. I stepped inside slowly, looking around. I was in awe, everything looked beautiful the paintings on the wall, the decorations, the furniture even the goddamn plants looked like out of some movie! 'What the...'

I was still gawking at the interior when Clara said, "I'll make us something to eat, we have to celebrate!". Hank kissed her cheek "Good idea honey, let me help you. In the meantime, how about Ruby shows you to your Room Kate? You can unpack and settle in. We'll call you once the food is finished.", I wasn't so keen on the idea that ruby would show me my room but I couldn't say that. Instead, I managed a small smile and said "Sure, that sounds good". Ruby didn't seem to be very fond of that idea either, her face turned into a scowl. Still, she didn't protest. Without saying anything she started walking towards the staircase. I wasn't sure if I should follow her but then she turned around to face me. "You coming or what?", she said annoyed. "yea", I took my luggage and followed her upstairs to the second floor. With a sigh she turns towards me again, crossing her arms. "So, this floor contains your room and mine, as well as a big bathroom. Although we both have our own bathrooms that are connected to our rooms. My parents are on the third floor", she said this as if it was the most normal thing in the world. "We have our own bathrooms?!" I said slightly shocked as I couldn't believe that. Back home we only had one bathroom for everyone and in the orphanage, it wasn't any different. Ruby raised one eyebrow at me "duh, I mean that's pretty much normal, isn't it?", now I was the one that raised an eyebrow at her. 'Was she really this spoiled that she didn't know other people weren't as lucky as her in life?' "I mean...not really?", she waved her hand dismissively. "Whatever, your room is the one on the far end of the corridor. If you need help, don't bother me", she swiftly walked into her room and slammed her door behind her. I sighed and walked over to my new room. "This is gonna be a problem if her attitude doesn't change...", I mumbled to myself.