I toy with a lock of my chestnut hair while staring at my reflection in an old, cracked mirror. Looking into my big brown eyes I silently wish myself a happy birthday. I'm fifteen. Yay. This means another family: another life, another fresh start. I used to think nothing of moving every year, it was just a given. Now, I dread it. A year is just enough time to make friends, to get comfortable, to get over the ups and downs of each new place. But I can't establish any real connections or relationships with people if I can't stay long enough to relate on a long-term basis.
My eyes wander over to the backpack on my bed; it's filled with a couple shirts, a pair of shorts, and my few knick-knacks. I'm fully packed and ready for the jet ride to my new home. Woo-hoo.
~~~~
A knock sounds on the ancient attic door of my room and my foster mom's sing-song voice asking, "Arabella? You ready to go?" I sigh and start to fishtail my unwieldy locks. "Yes, almost. I just have to finish my hair." I hear her sigh an okay and her tiny feet patter away. Once I'm done, I go into Lila's room down the stairs. She is only a year younger than me but looks and acts four years younger. Her petite frame is on the bed with her music up on max volume. I never really got to know anyone but her and she's the only one who really, sort of, "gets me", I guess.
Lila stops the music when she sees me and jumps off the bed. "I'm so sad you're leaving, Arabella. You have to visit EVERY week! Besties forevsies?" She says, putting her fist out in her adorably childish way. I uncertainly look at her hand reached out to me but don't leave her hanging. "Besties forevsies." I grudgingly say, bumping her fist and continuing our handshake.
"Well, off I go. Again..." I roll my eyes and we smile sadly. I catch Lila in a bear hug and bury my face in her tiny shoulder, tears stinging my eyes. She puts me at arm's length, her hazel eyes shining with sisterly love. I pat her head then gesture towards the door, worried that 'mom' will be upset that I'm late. Lila hugs me one last time and we head towards the family room where 'mom' awaits, ready to take me away...
