Jace Smiles

Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

April's P.O. I two people start a marriage it is supposed to be about love. Wanting to feel loved at every waking moment of everyday but,when two people make the decision to have children, you are starting a legacy. You are teaching what love is and how to show it with your actions and your words. I always dreamed of the perfect family and perfect holidays. I would dream of my relatives flooding the house greeting each other. I would imagine hearing them say, "Look how much you've grown" or "We missed you so much.". I'd imagine my father affectionately kiss my mother on the temple as she'd giggle in pure bliss.

But, my family was the farthest thing from what I always imagined. My parents were never home and they viewed marriage as more of a contract between two major companies.  From a young age I learned how to fend for myself, only seeing and hearing faint goodbyes. I often spent my time alone in my room reading a book or wondering around town.

For a long time I had adjusted to the absence of my parents but, one day I just snapped. I went down a spiral that took me a long time to get out of. You'll soon learn about it but, right now i'm not quite ready to tell that story.

After six months of clinical therapy and support groups I was finally ready to make decision that I knew would help me.

PenBridge, California was 2,902 miles away from my home, school, and parents. But, it was home to opportunity, happiness, and new beginnings. When my cousin Sadie would fly out to visit at certain times of the year, she would always tell me how I'd love California. She said that the weather was always warm and the people were definitely not like the ones out here.

Sadie Mendez was 18 years old, exactly six months older than me with short blonde hair and bright green eyes. She always went out of her way to call or FaceTime me whenever she could. We used to be inseparable as kids, everyone wanted to befriend her but, she would still sit with me. When these last six months hit Sadie offered to fly out over her summer break to stay with me. She knew how much I had hated being alone and how I just wanted someone to keep me company. I wish I would've accepted her offer but, can not go back in time now.

Anyway, my Aunt Susie  following my mental breakdown immediately called my father and offered me a place to stay. Sadie says I exaggerate this part but, I could practically feel the relief being lifted off my father's shoulders.

...

"April, are you sure about this?", My mother asked awkwardly putting her palm on my shoulder.

"I'll be fine mom, it'll be nice to be around Sadie and Aunt Sus.", I said attempting a half smile but, i'm pretty sure it came off sadder than I anticipated.

"I know, I wasn't home enough but, I can talk-.".

"She said she's fine Carol.", My dad walked up holding a starbucks coffee and my carry on, "This is what she wanted.", He said sternly looking me in the eyes.

My dad was tall and practically screamed middle-aged businessman. His hair a salt and pepper, black and gray. Even though they were dropping me off at the airport he was in a button up shirt with black slacks. He was dropping his only child off at the airport to be gone for who knows how long and yet he still had a stern cold expression. My mom on the other hand looked tired her brown hair pulled into a low bun and the bags under her eyes hinting at the lack of sleep she's been getting. Her blue eyes looked less bright and black jeans replaced her slacks. Right now you would never guess these two people were married.

"My sister will being waiting to pick you up , she should be there as soon as your flight lands. I expect a phone call as well as one at least once a week keeping me informed on what you're up too.", My dad said anomotronically.

"Yes sir.", I said nodding. He motioned for a hug as awkward as it felt it made a feeling of warmth cover me.

"And April, if I hear of any sort of trouble you'll be on the first red eye back here, please be safe.".

"I love you too dad."

*********

Penbridge, California was not exactly what you think about when listen to 'Hotel California' by The Eagles. PenBridge was very small town , everyone seemed to know each other and all the rumors that erupted in it. I remember Sadie telling me how she hated how small it is was because nothing exciting ever happened. I envied that growing up , I think about a small town in movies where the teens would find ways to entertain themselves. Sadie however said it was less like pretty little liars and more like the strict town from footloose minus the rebellious teens. No matter how much she complained though , there was always a hint of acceptance in her voice. I could tell she loved it there even though sometimes she acted like she didn't.

Although, my flight had been delayed I had finally landed and was safe. As I stepped out of the airport I closed my eyes and let myself take a deep breathe in and out. I felt free of judgment, no one knew me here and no one would blame me here. My life was my own and I was free. California was a whole nother story although Penridge was still in southern california it was definitely not like what you see on brochures. It almost made me miss home in a way. I was to attend Pennridge high, practically everyone here already knew each other considering it was a small town and I was the first new girl since 2nd grade according to Sadie.

Sadie, that was a whole other problem. I love her don't get me wrong ,but she had a tendency to over exaggerate. She was always the social one in our family. SHe had been doing cheer since we were six and now she was the Varsity Captain. I somewhat envied her, she was so kind and strong and she never backed down from a challenge. She was my best friend. Sadie though had a lot of friends and was practically known for always wanting to go out and explore while I was quiet and enjoyed watching a good movie or a good sports event. We had been opposites ,but it always worked.

"APRIL !", I hear a voice shriek from my left. My eyes shot open as a grin snuck its way up my face.

I was engulfed in a hug before I could even mutter a hello.

"I'm so happy you're finally here, you look so good- not that you didn't look good the last time I saw you, it's just-.". I cut her off by squeezing her back. I may complain about how social Sadie is ,but she was always my best cheerleader (pun intended).

"Hey kiddo, how are you?", Sadie's dad Frank enveloped me in a hug. Frank and Susie had always treated me like their own and made sure I felt loved and cared for. I quite literally owe them for me being here, being alive. Frank was a slightly chubbier guy who was always in business clothes due to the fact he worked every second of his life. But unlike my dad Frank made sure he was around for his family when they needed it the most. I admired and couldn't help ,but envy her life at times when we were growing up.

"Welcome home sweetheart.".