The Dream That Changed Everything

Chapter One

     It's the time of the year when school lets out for a week or two and kids pretend it's early summer break, but really it's just Spring Break. The time when kids drive parents nuts, families spend time together, and the Brooke Family goes on their annual trip to Greece.
      Each year, The Brooke Family goes on a trip to Greece. It all started when Mrs. Brooke (Katherine) and Mr. Brooke (George) started dating in high school. They met in Greece and as soon as they laid eyes on each other, they knew they were destined to be together forever. It turns out their inner thought was correct, they no sooner or later got married and start having children. It's like a tradition to go to Greece and visit the place where they met, because that's where they knew their lives would change forever.
      Emma (the oldest child), who is 16, doesn't find it interesting or fun anymore. She would rather be hanging out at her friends, gossiping about boys or the snobby rich girls. This spring break, she's determined to stay home by a lot of convincing.
       James (the middle child), who is 13, likes going to Greece because it's a trip away home and he has two extra days off of school. He likes going because he gets to spend quality time with his dad, they go fishing and site seeing. Whereas at home, Mr. Brooke's always at work and James's always studying for upcoming tests or assignments.
      Scarlett (the youngest child), who is 8, loves going to Greece because she makes friends so easily there. Also, Mrs. Brooke and Scarlett go do girly things, such as, getting their hair done, nails done, and they go on a shopping spree. Whereas at home, Mrs. Brooke is busy with cleaning the house, working, and cooking that she never gets to spend time with Scarlett, James, or Emma.

That night, Mrs. Brooke was helping Scarlett pack for Greece, since Scarlett didn't know what to pack this time.
       "Hey mom, can I ask you a question?" asked Emma.
      "Of course! What's your question?" asked Mrs. Brooke, folding shirts and putting them into Scarlett's suitcase.
      "Would it be okay if I stayed here this time? I would go back to school on time and I'd take care of the animals," asked Emma, crossing her fingers behind her back.
      "Why would you want to stay here? Greece is a beautiful place and it's tradition to go there. It would be different and not so traditional if you didn't go, Emma," said Mrs. Brooke.
      "I know, but it's not fun to me anymore. Every time we go we do stuff that James and Scarlett want to do. You also can't force me to go, just saying," said Emma, regretting saying the last sentence.
      "Excuse me young lady, but I can force you to go because you're only 16, you're not 18 yet. You're coming on the trip to Greece. Now, go pack, we leave on Wednesday," said Mrs. Brooke, pointing towards the door.
        Emma walked out of the room, angry. She found it so unfair. She went on every other trip with her family, why wouldn't she just skip this one? Emma got into her room and laid down on her bed, she didn't even worry about packing because it was Saturday and she wasn't going to Greece this year.