Hate at First Sight

Chapter 3

Alice's P.O.V

Despite my grumblings, getting to be with my parents was amazing. They collected me from the airport and it all got very emotional. They hugged me and I realised just how young my parents really are. Now I understand why they had to give us up.

Us. I'm now standing in the kitchen looking at a mirror image of myself. Well almost. She's wearing a terrible uniform and no make up and she has her natural hair thrown back in a messy bun. I bleached my hair blonde a long time ago anxious to loose the colour that apparently matched my mother's. My sister also has really pale skin which I never have (due to the American sunshine or bottles of fake tan in the winter.)

She doesn't say anything so I decide to break the ice and go right in for a hug. She stands stiff as I hug her, still shocked I presume.
"I'm Alice." I grin.
She nods.
"I guessed."

I then notice the teenage boy behind her, hands shoved in his pockets.
"Hey!" I beam at him.
He smiles back and comes over to shake my hand. Hmm a gentleman.
"Lovely to meet you. You really do look a lot like Lea." He laughs.
I nod. "A lot."
Mom puts her arm around my waist cuddling me close.
"My beautiful little girls finally together." She smiles, sentimental.
I beam up at her.

"I have to get my stuff from the car!" I realise I've left everything, including my camera, out there. I run out (as fast as I can considering my heels) and towards the boot. I hear footsteps behind me.
"Need a hand?" The guy asks. I never did ask his name.
"Sure! Sorry I didn't catch your name?"
He gently pulls me out of the way and grabs my cases from the boot.
"It's David." He grins, walking back towards the house.

I follow behind him carrying my small carry bag. I unzip the zip and grab my camera.
"Here I'll take it!" David offers.
Mom and Dad pull me over against one of the walls for the picture and call Lea to follow. She comes over and wraps her arms around Mom's waist. I feel a tinge of jealousy that she has gotten to spend all these years with our parents. All the birthdays, Christmases, parties and summers. She's never been pushed out like I have. Back home I was intruding on Jake's family. Here I feel that I'm intruding on hers.

David snaps the picture, pulling me out of my trance. "You have to smile Alice!" He teases.
"Dude! You try the flight I just had!"
He laughs.
"No thanks! I have to go to get ready for later." He says handing me my camera and smiling at Lea. "Maybe see you there?"
Lea shakes her head.
"Ah no I'm sorry but I can't just..."
I but in, curious. "What's later?"
David smiles at me.
"I'm throwing a party."
I grin.
"Yes! We are so there!"
I see Lea glance over at me but can't read her expression.