The Hybrid Series: Freak (Book 1)

Chapter 2

Mum slaps my thigh excitedly. "This is going to be good for us Livi!"

I smile back at her, still not completely convinced.

We pull up into the drive of our stone cottage, it's cute, quite fairytale-esque, I can imagine Snow White inside singing and sweeping with the help of her animal horde. It makes me feel like if I start singing a few woodland animals might come and help me with my chores.

Ah, if only!

Large individual stones lead from the drive to join the cobbled path that leads to the cottage. There are flower boxes under the windows and empty flower beds below that.

That'll be a project for mum to keep her busy, she always did love gardening!

Mum opens the door and lets me in first, I take in my surroundings, the cottage has wooden beams across the ceilings, solid wood floors throughout, and stylish panelled walls, the decor is neutral and plain, and the furniture that's supplied is nice, even if it is pretty basic.

I know mum will be excited to think about decorating and anything interior, personally, I don't know why she bothers we'll be out of here in 6 months to a year, just wait until my classmates get a whiff of me and it'll be leaving in the dead of night again in no time! Even still she's always tried to make each of our places feel like home, no matter how long we have stayed.

I help mum carry our boxes and suitcases inside, I put my suitcase and boxes up into my room and take in my new surroundings

It has a lot of potential, I think to myself.

I have a brass metal-framed double bed, a built-in wardrobe, the ceiling has the same wooden beams and there's an adorable round window overlooking the front garden. Shame, I could have made this really homely.

I get to work unpacking my clothes, it doesn't take me long because I don't have an awful lot, moving constantly we always keep things light. Once I've finished unpacking what little personal belongings I have, I go and give my mum a hand.

Once it's all done, we both throw ourselves on the sofa with a sigh. "Right, I think that calls for a takeaway!" Mum exclaims, "what do you fancy?"

I scrunch my face in thought, "hmm, maaaaybe... Chinese?"

Mum makes the call and orders. After about 45 minutes it arrives and we sit on the sofa, scoffing our fast food whilst binge-watching Bridgerton – Our current favourite.

Moon Goddess, please can my mate be the Duke of Hastings? I silently pray.

Many, many hours later we decide to call it a night. I say goodnight and start making my way up to bed when mum calls up the stairs, "oh Liv, I forgot to tell you. I managed to get you space at the local College. You start on Wednesday!"

"But that's only 2 days away?!"

"I know you don't like going to school, but focus on your studies, and who knows, maybe this time you'll make a friend?"

I scoffed, "I highly doubt that mum, I'm a freak, remember? And besides, why do I need friends when I have you?" I say doe-eyed and fluttering my eyelashes.

"Alright, alright. You kiss-ass, get to bed!" mum chuckled.

***

The next morning, I woke up at about 9:30, I was excited to do some exploring, maybe even find myself a part-time job.

I jumped in the shower and had a quick wash, after towelling myself off, I put on my skinny jeans which hugged my curvaceous round bum perfectly, a plain black t-shirt, and my old school Vans, I brushed through my hair, which is naturally relatively straight with the odd wave and brushed my teeth, before putting on some light makeup.