Vitality

Chapter 1

Life is the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. In all, life sounds amazing. Except for the last word, which is death. Death can change everything. It not only changes that human's life, making them lifeless, but it changes the people around that vanishing being more than anything. Death changed my life. It changed my whole family's life. Because of it, we are moving to a small town in South Carolina called West Canal. I really don't want to leave Massachusetts, but my parents think it will be a healthy new perspective for us.

Today is the last day of summer and I'm spending it by unpacking my clothes, furniture, and possessions into my new room. One good part about this is that my room is beautiful. It's all white and it matches my all white bed spread. But this is the first and last time I'm moving. I hate it. I already miss my friends in Massachusetts and it's only been a couple hours. Another factor into making my life worse is that I'm starting a new high school tomorrow. It's my senior year and I don't even get to spend it with my best friends. That's why I can't wait to go to college, because we all vowed that we would attend Boston University. I just need to get through this dreadful year and I'll be happy again, I think.

"Ari, come downstairs and help us move some boxes" My mother shouted from the first floor, trying to get me to help. I put down my own box of knick knacks and proceeded to the ground level of my new home. I don't even like to call it home because it isn't.

"What do you need me to do?" I asked in a tone to make it obvious that I was annoyed.

"Take this box into the second bedroom" My mom handed me a huge box.

"Fine" I took the box and carried it upstairs into one of the empty bedrooms. I placed it on the floor and started to walk away but stopped myself. I turned around and opened the box exposing trophies, plaques, awards and medals all from my older brother. I quickly closed it and kicked it across the room making it bash into the wall. I stormed into my room and slammed the door. I felt a tear run from my eye. I quickly wiped it away and tried to get my mind off of him by hanging up my clothes and trying to finish unpacking my things. It took me a total of 5 hours to finish. I hung up pictures of my friends and family. I also hung up a huge dream catcher that my grandmother gave me before she passed away a few years ago. She used to be so into those native rituals. I had so much extra stuff though and I couldn't find a spot to place them in. Why do I have so much useless crap?

As I was about to lay on my bed, I saw that there was one tiny box I didn't unpack. The box contained all my favorite books that I've either read or in the future want to read and it also had my journal in it.

I organized the books onto my shelf and then sat on my bed while flipping through the pages of my journal.

"Can I come in?" My dad interrupted me by knocking on my bedroom door.

"Sure" I automatically put the journal into my drawer. My dad walked in and took a seat next to me.

"You did a great job decorating. I love the whole white theme" he said while looking around my room. I just left a blank stare. "Now listen, I know this is really hard for you. It's hard for your mom and I too but we have to keep moving on with life. You are going to school tomorrow so be excited about it! You'll meet new friends. That's always fun"

"But I don't want to meet new friends! I want my old friends" I said in a loud tone.

"Well you need to learn how to live without them for now. You will see them later on in life but for now you won't. You need to accept that" He said trying to teach me a lesson.

"What? Like how we have to accept the fact that Tate is gone? How am I supposed to accept that? How are you supposed to accept that? It's not fair at all. And now I can't even see my best friends every day. You are making my life a living hell!" I started getting infuriated.

"That is not what your mother and I are trying to do! We are doing this so we can get away from the chaotic events that have happened in the past year. We are doing this for your own good because we love you. Please understand that" he said pulling me in for a hug. I just started crying hysterically and hugged him back.

"I love you too" I said back while crying on his shoulder. My dad is the second person that I can talk to about mostly anything. The first is Tate. My brother. Yes, he died. He is the reason my family decided to move. I miss him so much. He was my ultimate best friend and he still is. I know that there's a reason for everything but I can't seem to figure out why Tate had to die.

There was no time for dinner tonight because of all the unpacking so I decided to drive around town a little bit. The town was really cute with little boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream parlors on main street. The beach was only 5 minutes away from main street so theres a little path that takes you there. I parked my car and started walking. I went into a pizza place and ordered a slice of pizza for myself. As I ordered, a group of guys accompanied with a couple girls walked in being all loud and obnoxious. I rolled my eyes and took a seat so I could eat my dinner. I couldn't help but stare at some of the guys. Most of them were really good looking. There was one with dark hair and a jaw line that could cut through concrete. He is so hot. But he had his arm around this one girl. Of course.

I finished my meal and decided to take a walk on the beach. The weather was perfect. Before I left the house I brought my journal and a pen with me. I took both of those things out of my bag and began to write.

Dear Tate,

Today was moving day. Mom and Dad were being all crazy. Things were a little too hectic. I wish you were here to experience this. I walked around town and it doesn't seem too bad. I'm sitting on the beach as I write this and hey I'm not complaining, but I just wish you were here. I miss you, a lot.

Love,
Ari

I finished writing and looked out into the ocean. I guess moving here isn't all that bad. Maybe it's a good idea to start a new chapter in my life. Who knows where West Canal will take me.

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(A/N) Hey guys so this is the first chapter to my first teen fiction! Thank you for reading! :)