Mind over Matter

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Ashlyn took a deep breath as she got out of the car, feeling the balmy summer air of northern Florida hug her.

"Wow," her father Alexandre whistled as he wiped sweat from his brow. "This weather sure is warmer than Feltwell's seventy five degrees summers."

"And suffocatingly humid," her mother, Emily, added.

"No, really? I had no idea Florida was warmer and wetter than Britain," Ashlyn teased, words dripping with sarcasm.

"Ma'am, tone down the sarcasm. Try to be happy! We're finally back in the states!"

"I am, but I also liked living in England. Plus, we were really close to Grand-mère and Grand-père in France."

"I know Ashlyn, but my job brought us back here. I'm sorry," Alexandre apologised.

"It's fine, Papa, really. I'm used to it."

"That's my girl," Emily cooed.

They grabbed their bags from the trunk of the car and walked across the lawn. There were large oak trees in the large lawn, along with rose bushes lining the house. The house itself was elevated with an eggshell cement façade and columns, and had a porch that had swings hanging from above.

They walked up the steps and into the house.

"Bienvenue à la maison!" Alexandre exclaimed, which means "welcome home" in French.

Ashlyn was taken by surprise. "The house is already furnished. And with our own stuff!"

"Remember when I came over early?" Emily asked. "Well, I made sure all our things were at our new home. I left your room untouched though, so you'll have to organise it yourself."

"Thanks Mom!"

Emily showed Ashlyn where her room is, and without another word Ashlyn set down her bag and observed her new room. One, two, three, four, five large moving boxes. She blew a strand of long brown hair out of her face. Her bed was already built and made, as was her dresser and desk. That's less work to do, she thought. She put her telekinesis to work and waved her hand. The box started to undo itself and the contents unbox themselves. She then did the same to the other four boxes in her room.

As she was doing this, her mom walked in.

"What did I tell you, Love?" she scolded.

"'Don't use telekinesis and telepathy unless necessary. Which, it isn't.' I know Mom. But if i don't do it, it's like a muscle that's getting too much rest time! Who knows, what if I went insane if I didn't?" Ashlyn questioned.

Her mother rolled her eyes. "Teenagers. You think you know what's best for you all the time. Just be sure--"

"I don't use my powers in the presence of others," she finished. "I know."

"Anyway, I came in to tell you that since it's late already and our flight came into the gate late and the drive from Jacksonville airport took longer than anticipated, we're doing leftovers for dinner. What would you like?"

"I've got trail mix in here, I'm covered," Ashlyn said, preoccupied with her head in a book, all the while the boxes are still unpacking.

"You need to eat something more," Emily chided.

"Mom, I'm fine! Honestly!"

"Alright, don't come crying to the kitchen later tonight when you're hungry."

Ashlyn looked up and rolled her eyes. "It's eight o'clock. It's my room time. Night, Mama."

Emily walked over and kissed Ashlyn on the head. "Night, mon petit chou."