A Dozen Reasons

Chapter 5- Arrival

After what seemed as years, we finally arrived in Chicago. I rolled down my  window, The skyline was crowded with monstrous buildings. People were walking and waiting on corners. There was a smell of car exhaust in the air and chocolate. What's up with that? A gentle breeze caressed my skin. I leaned back in my seat. This was my new beginning. I can start over again.

We drove deeper into downtown. Chocolate invaded my senses, causing my mouth to water. I love chocolate. Back to reality, what's up with the chocolate?

"Dad, am I hallucinating or something because I smell chocolate?"

He chuckled. "No, you're definitely not hallucinating. There's a chocolate factory near here."

"Ooo, like Willa Wonka?" I grined.

"Haha, yeah, like Willa Wonka."

Note to self: Even though Dad moved us from our hometown, thank him for bringing us to this city. P.S. Find chocolate factory and buy a butt load.

I sat back quietly appreciating the view and smell. My plans about robbing the chocolate factory of their yumminess was interrupted by my vibrating phone.

From: Kevin

Message: Hey Jay!

Wow, this boy is relentless. I giggled silently.

To: Kevin

Message: Hey Kev, we're here already. Its amazing & it smells lik choco!

From: Kevin

Message: Lol I bet ur goin cr8z! U choco nut!

To: Kevin

Message: Ur as much as a nut as me! I'll ttyl. =)

From: Kevin

Message: Lol Ok ttyl

"We're here!"

I didn't even realize when we left the city. Thank you God! I can finally get out this car! Whew!

I stepped out stretching my arms into the air, and touching my toes. I looked around me. Wow, this neighborhood looks like those in the movies. You know, manicured lawns and people waving welcome to you while watering their lawns, but , guess what, there's a serial killer next door!

My dad popped open the trunk, and begin to pull out our suitcases. I grabbed mine and a couple of things from inside the car. I  looked up at the house. It was cute, smaller than the other house, but it was definitely cute.

It had three and two bathrooms . Knowing my dad, he'd probably transform the third bedroom into an office.

I was exploring the new house, when I heard the doorbell ring.

"I got it!" My dad said.

I shrugged and went upstairs. I opened the door on the left. Normal size bedroom, I'm guessing the guest bedroom. I closed the door and walked down the hall to the door on the end. It was a pretty big room, it had two windows along the the wall. I walked up to it, and looked out. I saw the lawn and the car. Nice, I have a front view of the house. I saw someone walk up to my dad and shake his hand. He had brown hair, was about my dad's height, and he had broad shoulders. He and my dad walked into the house.

"Jasmine, please come down." My dad shouted from the stairs.

I turned and jogged down the stairs.

"Jay, this is Greg Miller, he lives next door. His family has invited us to a barbecue tonight."

Greg was cute. He had brown hair, gorgeous brown eyes, and the most amazing smile.

I reached out to shake his hand. Once my skin made contact, I felt a slight spark of electricity.  "Nice to meet you." I pulled away, that was weird.

"Nice to meet you. So the barbecue starts at 6. We would be happy if you were to attend." He glanced between my dad and I. His voice was so smooth.

My dad spoke up. "Yeah, we'll definetly be there."

"Okay, I'll see you later," Greg said to me turning around and heading toward the front door, my dad followed. They were conversating. They went outside, closing the door behind them.

I just stood there. Wow.

My dad walked back in, with a box. "Last one, mija."

I grinned at my dad. 

"So, which bedroom have you chosen?"

"The one with the windows."

He smiled. "I knew you were going to choose that one. That's why I told the internet company to run a line in there."

"Aw, thanks Dad

"Your welcome, pumpkin." I smiled, he hasn't called me that since I was 7.

"So...barbecue, huh?" I helped him by starting to taking boxes upstairs.

"Yeah." He was following me with a box labeled "Jay's Room". "Besides, we wouldn't have to cook tonight. Unless you are wanting my famous Chicken alla Dad."

I remembered the one and only time my dad try to make chicken, they were really dry and slightly burnt.

I laughed, "Um, no thanks, maybe another night."

*****

An hour later

We moved some the boxes into each of their required rooms. Our furniture and rest of the boxes were to arrive tomorrow in the morning. For now my dad and I had inflatable beds.

My dad looked at his watch, "Okay, kiddo, we have 30 minutes to get ready for the barbecue.

I walked upstairs and dug through the boxes. Trying to figure out what to wear. When I was in the middle of choosing between two outfits, my phone started to ring.

It was Kevin. He was calling me.

I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't keep his words out my mind. I love you.

I debated whether to answer or ignore. I did promise to call him once we arrived. I let out a big sigh.

"Hello?"

"Hey Jay, so...um are you at your new home?"

"Yeah, we're here. Just finished unloading boxes."

"Uh...that's great! Well, I just wanted to call and see if you made it safe."

"Thank you." I couldn't help but to smile. Kevin always cared for my safety.

"Ok, so what are you doing now?"

"Oh, the neighbors invited us to a barbecue, actually I need to get ready."

"Oh ok. Making friends already?" He said playfully.

"We'll see. I'll talk to you later, ok?"

"Yep, no prob. Bye Jay"

"Bye." I ended the call. It was so awkward talking to him now.

Well, anyway, I have a party to attend. I quickly got dressed. I threw on a white summer dress with yellow details, and a pair of white sandals. I was heading out. It might get cold, so I grabbed my mom's cardigan. It was an off white, with pearl buttons. I loved it, and now that she's gone. I feel close to her when I wear it. I smiled.

Now off to the barbecue.

*****************

A/N: Okay people, I finally could upload this chapter! Some of it was typed up on phone, some in the library, and some at school. But finally victory!

I hope you enjoy.

Please comment and vote! Plz =)

                                                                                   Sara

P.S. Summer's here and I'm incredibably bored! Any suggestions what I can do to have fun?