Fabricated World

Chapter 2

"We're here."

My eyes flutter open as I tilt my head to look out the car window. My eyes observed the old house made with stone bricks. It looked insignificant and boring, I just couldn't believe I was going to spend my summer vacation here. That's two whole months in this house, with no T.V., no internet, and no signal! I couldn't imagine anything else that could possible ruin my summer. Well, at least my grandparents were nice. Maybe grandma will bake me some cookies?

My dad got out of the car and slammed the door shut, my mother following suit from the passenger seat. I sighed and paused my music, removed my earphones and unbuckled my seat belt. Collecting my belongings (a thin jacket and my worn denim bag), I hooked it over my arm and stepped out of the car.

"Omma! Appa!" my mother greeted as she ascended the flight of stairs. "It's good to see you again. How are you doing?"

While my parents were engaged in a friendly chat with my grandparents, I stood behind them, already regretting coming here. The air smelled like burnt coal and I dunno... apples? Yeah. Apples.

The house appeared bigger than it looked up close. To my right was a garden of flowers in a variety of colors. To my left was a garage where my dad's black SUV was parked, its front lights still on.

"Rikka, greet your grandparents properly." my mom urged, placing a hand on my shoulder. Her smile was so fake it made me want to laugh. Her hand may seem gentle, but it was tense. She probably knew I was going to screw up and displease her parents... which I would do under normal circumstances. But since I don't want my parents to make me stay here any longer, I showed them my brightest smile.

"Anyeonghaseyo." I chirped, even bowed slightly. From the looks in my grandparent's eyes, they were overjoyed.

"Omohh! Rikka!" my grandmother welcomed, holding both my shoulders. "You've grown so much! What a fine young lady you are!"

I nodded, smiling stupidly. I deadpanned myself for imagining how idiotic I would have looked in someone else's eyes, nodding while staring with a foolishly wide grin, eyes wide as if being lead to my execution.

"How old are you now, child?" my grandmother tucked a lock of hair behind my ear.

"I am 15 this year, Grandmother." I replied.

"So quick!" Grandfather added in. "I still remember when you were thiiiis small..." he held out his hand to his waist, showing emphasis on the word 'this'. "You were only up to here! Children grow up too quickly, and time passes too fast."

I continued to listen to the adults' conversation, nodding along politely. After what felt like an eternity, my parents finally let me get settled in. As my dad got my luggage, I climbed up the stairs, looking around the house. It's been a while since I've been here, for we visit every Christmas. Last year, however, my grandparents were on vacation so we weren't able to have the usual family dinner.

I walked into the guest room and sighed, dropping my bag onto the well-made bed. Sitting down, I pulled out my phone and held my breath as I checked for the internet. When the words 'No Signal' popped up, I groaned in frustration and closed my phone. A 21st century girl living without internet... lets just say the chances are slim to none. I'll probably go crazy in a few hours.

"How do you like it?" my grandmother entered the room.

"It's okay, I guess."

My grandmother smiled wearily before nodding to herself. "I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay here, Rikka. Tomorrow, grandfather will bring you to the lake catch some fish! How about it?"

"Okay..." I murmur, not excited in the least bit. "I'll be looking forward to it... it's the only thing I can do around here."

"Be a good girl, Rikka." my mother scolded, hands on her hips. "What did I tell you about that mouth of yours?"