Disorientation

Chapter TwentyFive

"So neither of you could tell me that my birthday’s next week?" I screeched in horror at mum and Riana the next day. The afternoon sun was arising and amber rays veiled the streets when I approached them in the living-room. They remained curled up on the sofa, seemingly confused as to why I had interrupted their TV program to scold them. They had no idea what I was talking about.

"I thought I already mentioned it," mum muttered cautiously.

"I forgot," Riana said with a shrug.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I'm 15 next Tuesday and I didn't even know. My own friend had to remind me! Do you know how stupid I sounded over the phone?"

"Looks like someone's getting their temper back," Riana whispered to mum, though I heard her perfectly clear. Mum tittered in response and I frowned.

"It’s not funny."

"Course it isn't," mum soothed quietly. "Tell you what; we'll go out for a nice meal on Tuesday when you return from school, alright?"

I sighed dejectedly and crossed my arms. "Fine." They both cooed and I rolled my eyes. "Anyway I’m going to Taylor’s for a while."

"Don’t come back too late."

I nodded and said my goodbyes before slipping on my light jacket and shoes and leaving the house. It was an oddly warm day for February, but I wasn’t complaining since the atmosphere was lively. I saw a few children playing outside and enjoying the brief moment of sun, since we all knew it would rain tomorrow—hell, it could even snow knowing English weather.

I arrived at Taylor’s in roughly half an hour and rang the doorbell. I was still surprised at the size of her house. It amazed me how wealthy her family was, but she didn’t even seem bothered. She was just more interested in boys. After waiting patiently I heard footsteps approach the door and it opened swiftly, revealing a very tired Kimberly. I smiled at Taylor’s older cousin, remembering the time I saw her shopping in Westfield not too long ago. She appeared more laid back in her house clothes, but her eyes were bleary and her hair was a mess.

She noticed it was me and gave a weak smile. "Hello Erica."

"Hey. You look different."

She chuckled lightly and ran a hand over her coarse hair. "Yes, things are a little hectic here at the moment." She stepped aside. "Come in."

I stepped inside and was immediately enveloped in warmth. I shuddered at the new temperature and turned to Kim who had just closed to door. "Why are things hectic?" I asked in mild curiosity.

"Look around you."

I scoped the hallway and noticed numerous square boxes filled with objects and clothes. I blinked in confusion and realised how bare the house seemed. Pictures had been taken down from the wall and furniture had disappeared. I then looked at Kim, who gave a light shrug.

"You’re moving?"

She nodded, almost solemnly. "Unfortunately, yeah."

I raised a brow. "Unfortunately?"

She sighed and scratched her head. "Well...none of us are really ecstatic. We were fine here, but Aunt Catherine wishes to move on." She picked up a nearby box and huffed. I smiled at her sophisticated vocabulary. Kimberly will always be someone to remember due to the way she spoke. It was obvious she had been brought up a lot differently than Taylor and her siblings. She then headed into the lounge, and as she disappeared I heard her call, "She’s upstairs," referring to Taylor.

"Thanks," I called back before trudging upstairs to the first floor. I briefly wondered why Taylor’s mum would want to leave a house like this behind. It was massive, and the structure was amazing—like a mansion.