Million Dollar Girl

Chapter 1: Snowflakes to Sun rays

'' All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt''- Charles Schulz

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Ella's POV

I watched in despair as my father and a few worker men piled our belongings into a truck. My mother trailed behind, carrying a box labelled 'Kitchen Supplies'.

'' At least try and loosen up,'' my brother spoke from beside me, adjusting the beanie on his head.

The air outside was crisp as it brushed pass my face and exposed hands. Brown leaves and snow decorated the sidewalks and buildings. It was mid- February here in New York and Mother Nature had yet to get rid of the winter season leaving me to bulk up to escape the harsh cold.

'' I can't loosen up. You know how hard this is for me,'' I said to him. Leaving New York meant leaving behind my life.

New York was our home. It was the only place me and my family had found peace and safety. And now leaving here would only be an advantage to the 'predators' that so badly wanted to get at us. Then again, it was them that was driving us away.

'' You have it hard?. Imagine how dad must feel,'' he said, gesturing to our father.

A glance in my father's direction had me thinking a little differently. I watched as my father ran a hand through his hair in stress as he was on the phone with someone. Dad has always tried to make life as normal as possible for us and it has taken a great toll on him.

Maybe I was being a little self-centred.

I sighed. '' I know''. He patted my back before he walked over to my dad's car and got in. It was only then did I realise my family piling themselves into the family car.

Maybe they can leave without me.

Reluctantly, I padded my way towards the awaiting vehicle and got in the back. Reaching into my pocket and retrieving my phone and headphones, I placed them into my ear and hit play to drown out the world around me.

**********

About six hours of flight and one sore ass later, we finally arrived in Los Angeles, California and exited the plane. We were now standing in front of the airport, awaiting my father's arrival with our car. Almost five minutes later, dad pulled up in a jeep. We loaded our bags into the trunk and proceeded to get in the vehicle. Again, I chose to drown myself out with music and stare out the window.

The weather in L.A. was a huge contrast to the weather in New York. By the time we had reached the Baggage Claim we had to shed a few layers of clothing to accommodate the weather change.

The streets of L.A. were littered with people roaming around probably shopping or doing something else. The people were dressed to suit the climate; a simple cotton shirt or sleeveless top and most in shorts. I probably would need to shop for new clothes if this is what the weather is going to be like year round.

An hour and a half later, we pulled up outside a simple off white, two- story house in a quiet looking neighbourhood. I expected something a little different but I guess this was nice. It looked quite cosy

'' Well isn't this a sweet little home,'' my mother commented from the passenger seat.

I stepped out of the jeep, taking in the neighbourhood around me. A single wooden fence separated each house from the other and no one seemed to be out at the moment. I looked ahead at our house and observed the beautiful blooming garden filled with red roses.

My mother will love those.

'' Why don't you do the honours this time,'' my father appeared beside me, dangling a key between his fore and thumb fingers.

I took the key from his hand and walked up to the front door of the house. I placed the key into the key hole, successfully unlocking the door and opened it up. Immediately I was hit with that ' new house smell'.

The walls were painted an off white colour and floors, dark wood. Walking further into the home, to my right, an arch led to a living room equipped with a large black couch and two single seaters. Off to the front wall hung a flat screen TV. An unembellished wooden table sat in the middle of it all.

'' Ohhh, I love this kitchen,'' came my mother's voice from across the house. I followed the sound of her warm voice and met up with the rest of my family in the kitchen.

'' So what do you guys think of the house?,'' my dad asked.

''Its pretty,'' my mother said as she examined the cabinets.

" There's a pool out-back too''

A pool?

Maybe this house isn't so bad after all.

******

'' What are you up to?,'' my brother, Nick, asked.

After exploring the new house, I had returned back to our car to get my bags. The room I chose had a great view of the background and our neighbour's house. Nick was rooming right across the hall from me.

I looked up at Nick who stood in my doorway. '' Nothing''

Truth was, I was subjected to browsing my Facebook and Instagram feeds, bored out of my mind.

'' Want to go scout the backyard with me?,''

'' Sure,'' I shrugged.

I got up from the bed and followed Nick downstairs and to the back of the house where a double glass door led to the backyard. There was a small patio outside accompanied with a table and matching chairs and next to the pool sat a few lawn chairs for sunbathing and relaxing.

I stepped further out into the backyard admiring the few sunflowers that hung from hoisted plant pots and the giant oak tree in the far corner of the yard. It was beautiful, plain and sweet.

'' Hey Ella,'' Nick called from behind me.

When I turned to face him, a blast of cold water hit my face, making me gasp in shock. I wiped the water from my face, sending a glare Nick's way.

''Nick, what the hell?!,'' I shouted.

'' Run, bitch, run''

Not thinking twice, I darted for the other end of the yard. Cold water struck my back this time and I let out a shriek. I maneuverer my way around the oak tree, trying to hide myself behind its large trunk.

''Oh come on. You're not playing fair,'' Nick whined. I peeped out from behind the trunk, seeing that he had stopped about ten feet back. The hose only went that far.

'' Well, neither are you. I don't even have anything to defend myself with,'' I said.

'' But that's the fun part. Just come on out. I'll give you a head start''

I cautiously stepped out from behind the tree, immediately regretting it. Nick betrayed me and drenched me in water once again causing me to scream. The pressure of the water became too much for and I ended up falling to my knees on the ground in a fit of giggles.

'' Kids!''

Nick stopped trying to drown me and we both looked to where our mother stood in the doorway of the backdoor.

'' Dinner's ready, we ordered pizza''

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Author's Note:

The first chapter is never the best. Story development to come!!

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Song of the Chapter: Sweater Weather- The Neighbourhood