Constellations

Chapter 2

They were, as expected, alright with it. Well, they were surprised when they saw a girl getting off the car instead of a boy (and probably thought Timothy had taken the wrong person or something), but they're very lovely, and kind, and very, very warm. Timothy helped her carry all her belongings upstairs, to the room that would be hers for the next upcoming months.

"Sorry if it's a bit plain, because... well, you know, we thought it'd be for a boy," Mrs. Taylor said, "Now, is there anything we can get you?"

"No, it's really fine, thank you," Ara smiled, "I could really use a bath now, though, 11 hours flight and all."

"Alright, we'll get you a towel, dear. You can go unpack now, make yourself at home."

As she closed the door, Ara turned around to take a closer look at her surroundings. The wall seems to be freshly repainted. The single bed on the side of the room looked comfortable enough with clean sheets, probably more than the one at home; she had to share with her older sister. There are two windows at the end of the room, and a wardrobe big enough for her to put all her stuff in; she didn't bring that many bags with her.

"I could maybe put the poster I bring over there above the wardrobe..." she mumbled to herself.

Soon enough, there were knocks on her door, and she opened it to find Mrs. Taylor bringing her the towel. "There you go," she said, "The bathroom is downstairs, by the way, at the end of the hallway."

"Thank you so much," she beamed, "I think I'll go get some rest after this, I'm so tired."

"Not used to long flights?"

"Yes, first time out of my hometown, actually," Ara replied, "and I'm kinda nervous about school."

"I see," she smiled, "Well, enjoy your stay here. And don't worry, you'd fit in just fine."

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She took a long time in the shower, taking it as an opportunity to unwind a little; she felt slightly overwhelmed. The shower did help her; she felt so much better in her baggy t-shirt and shorts, or probably just because she could finally take her itchy shirt off and change it into something a lot more comfortable.

The night went slowly, even after she had taken her shower; just after she got out of the bathroom, Mrs. Taylor called her for dinner. She was dying to get to bed as soon as she could, but it was a nice dinner nonetheless; leaving her feeling all warm and stuffed afterwards.

And even when she had gotten comfortable in bed, slowly falling asleep, there were other knocks on her door.

"God, it's nearly 11, who else...?" she groaned quietly to herself. Trying to conceal how annoyed she actually was (it could be Mr. or Mrs. Taylor), she dragged herself to the door and opened it, trying to cover a yawn. But the person in front of the door only confused her even more.

"Timothy?"

"Um, just letting you know that if you need anything, I'm right next door."

...what?

"Okay..." she said, one eyebrow raised. "Thanks for the information... I guess. Good night."

Awkward smile exchange.

The door closed shut, and there were simply no energy left in her to think about what just happened; only the fact that it was slightly weird and creepy.

Hopefully school won't be as bad as I think.

In only mere minutes, she was already fast asleep.