14February

Chapter 2: The demenagement

-Elena-

I was bored. The hills were endless, green and repetitive, as if everything around me merged into a monotonous landscape. I had stopped counting trees after a while, and my thoughts were wandering between what I left behind and what was waiting for me in Unhappybird. This name did not announce anything good, it was clear. But that's when my parents decided we'd have a fresh start, clearing everything out to give me a chance. An opportunity that was going to cost a lot.

Sitting in the back of the car, I was staring at my father, who was looking nervously into the rearview mirror. My mother had her hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. It was like she was playing for her life at every turn. And maybe it was. This move wasn't just a change of location, it was a leak. A desperate escape from what had made my life hell.

I sighed as I tried to repel the bitter memories. High school, the looks of contempt, the laughter behind my back... all this was supposed to be over. But for how long? How long before it starts again?

"We'll be there soon," my mother muttered as she looked at me in the rearview mirror. She tried to smile, but I could see the concern in her eyes. I shook my head not believing it. I had learned not to expect too much from life. Maybe Unhappybird would be different. Maybe not. Anyway, I had to be on my guard.

The car entered a small street lined with old houses. I felt a chill. There was something strange here, a tension that I felt. This city was hiding something, I was sure. But for now, I had to concentrate: survive this new beginning, find my place in this world that did not want me.

I was bored. The hills were endless, green and repetitive, like

I will sit a little more in my seat. I was Elena, a girl who had already lost everything and who kept fighting to understand what it meant to live. Whatever Unhappybird had in store for me, I was not going to let myself be shot down.

When we arrived in front of the house, an old imposing building, I noticed a silhouette in the shade, on the side of the road. Someone was watching me, I was sure. I squinted to see who it was, but the car turned in the driveway, blocking my view.

A shiver of apprehension passed through me, but I ignored it. This was only the beginning, I had to get used to this place. Anyway, I had no choice.

As we got out of the car, the front door squeaked open, revealing the dark and dusty interior of our new home. Not really welcoming, but it would be fine. My father turned on the light, revealing washed-out walls and a floor that was cracking under our feet.

"It looks old, but we can make something nice out of it," my father said, smiling at me with a slightly embarrassed smile.

"It will be all right," I shrugged, and said, It was not the house that bothered me, but rather what it symbolized. Another change. Another place where I should fit in.

I went upstairs while my parents were unloading the boxes. The corridor was narrow and dark, but it didn't bother me. A door at the bottom, half open, attracted my attention. I pushed it gently and discovered a small room with faded wallpaper, with a large window overlooking the garden.

Perfect. Away from others, away from questions. Here I could be quiet, be myself.

I dropped my bag on the bed and approached the window. From there I saw trees that formed a barrier between our house and the rest of the city. I smiled slightly. Maybe this move wasn't so bad after all. Maybe it was my chance to turn the page.

But as I let myself go to that thought, a movement in the garden caught my attention. A figure of a man stood by the trees. My heart was choking. Who was it? And why was he there?

I squinted to see better, but before I could know more, he disappeared into the shadow. A knock on the door made me jump.

"It's me, Elena," said my mother as she entered. "Do you like it?"

"Yes, it's quiet," I say trying to mask my trouble.

"We're going to order a pizza. Do you want to choose the topping?"

I nodded, trying to get my head together. I had to be careful. Unhappybird was not a city like any other, and something was wrong. But for now, I had to stay focused. Adapt, observe. Whatever this town has in store for me, I will not let it break me.

Don't miss the next part!

Kiss my readers preferred!

Signed Miss Auxane