Chapter 1

33 1 0
                                    


  "Próstimo! Áse to friktó prágma! Den échete férei típota, pará ntropí kai diafthorá se aftó to noikokyrió. Eímaste stin efcháristi thési na apallagoúme apó esás. Den eísai paidí mas. Eísai to paidí tou Diavólou!" My father cried out before throwing me out into the street. I picked up the rest of my belongings that fell out of my suitcase and began walking to the nearby airport. I'm lucky to finally leave the mistreatment I received for the last 17 years. Also, that my school made us learn English, which makes it easier, not only for tourists, but for the student exchange program I signed up for. I made my way to the airport, past security, and made it to my gate just in time. Getting my self situated in my seat, I prepared myself for the long 13 hour flight with only the ramblings of the spirits to keep me company.

   I was grateful to finally be on solid ground as I got to stretch my legs after that horrendous flight. I grabbed my carry-on and made my way past security for a second time, and saw an older man in a policeman uniform holding a sign with my name on it. I walk up to him with a small smile on my face. 

  "Hello, you are Charlie? Yes? I apologize my English is not quite good." I muttered.

"Nonsense. I think you did pretty good. Now, let's get your suitcase and we can get home. I'm sure you're exhausted." We walked over to baggage claim, grabbed my suitcase, and headed out into the cold, bitter air. I was excited to see rain and be in the cold. Most of my life has been spent in the heat, but when it did occasionally rain, I felt myself soak up every drop. We finally arrived to a quaint, little house with a red truck parked in the front. 

  "That's my daughters truck, although her boyfriend picks her up anyways. I suppose she may let you use it during your stay, if you'd like."

  "Oh, I am unsure of driving in the States. I would say it would help to be taught first."

  "Right, I'm sorry. I forgot they didn't mention anything about driving here. Anyways, let's go inside. I'll see if Bella and her boyfriend can take you to school, if not I will." I nodded and followed him inside as he yelled up a flight of stairs for his daughter. She came down in a bit of a huff, but calmed down after she noticed my presence. 

"Uh, hi? Dad? Who is this?"

"Bella, this is Thana. The exchange student I was telling you about."

"Hello, apologies if my English is not well. It is nice to meet you." She smiled lightly at me. I took note of an older lady that seemed to be quite close, walking back and forth between Charlie and his daughter. The older lady smiled at me and nodded after I assumed it may have been Charlie's mother. I felt a hand on my shoulder shake me slightly.

  "Are you ok?" Bella asked with concern.

  "I'm sorry, the flight was long. I believe I just need sleep."

  "It's fine. Let me show you to your room." I followed her upstairs and was able to set my suitcase and carry-on down. "I'll let you sleep. Tomorrow is Monday, so we do have school. I'll ask Edward if he can let you ride with us." I thanked her before she closed the door, letting me get changed into something more comfortable and letting my body relax into a deep sleep.


Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.


Our leading lady, Thana. Please keep in mind all photos used as references and to show what characters may look like or what clothes the wear respectively belong to their original owners.

Translation: Próstimo! Áse to friktó prágma! Den échete férei típota, pará ntropí kai diafthorá se aftó to noikokyrió. Eímaste stin efcháristi thési na apallagoúme apó esás. Den eísai paidí mas. Eísai to paidí tou Diavólou! --- Fine! Leave you horrid thing! You have brought nothing, but shame and corruption in this household. We are happy to be rid of you. You are not our child. You are the child of the Devil!

Amongst The DeadWhere stories live. Discover now