One & Only

Chapter 1

(Madeline's outfit)

Madeline Hastings:

I took a deep breath, pulling away from my best friend Marie. Her tear stained cheeks were pale and her bottom lip was quivering, holding in a sob.

"I promise to text you everyday! And we can Skype! Or Facebook call! Or FaceTime!" I assured her, nodding my head and pushing a smile. The truth is, I'm absolutely devastated to be leaving my life behind, but I hated seeing Marie upset. She was like a baby puppy with her big brown eyes, staring into mine pleading for me to stay.

Marie opened her mouth to reply, but no sound came out. She sighed, throwing her arms around me one last time. I sunk into her warmth as she whispered into my ear, "you are my best friend Madeline, please don't forget about me."

My heart felt like it was crumbling into a thousand and one tiny pieces. And I honestly couldn't do anything about it.

***

The car ride to the new house was boring. Tension hung in the air like a curtain, separating us all from conversing. It had only been 2 hours of the painfully long 10 hour car ride.

My family and I didn't exactly get along. I blamed it on them not understanding me and they blamed it on my inability to save my mothers life 3 years ago. That would be why my father was currently driving down highway I-15 S from Utah's border to California to drop me off at his friend from high schools house.

I propped my elbow up on the windows small ledge, resting my head against my hand. I was surrounded by all of my belongings, as well as my families. They were in the process of moving to Beverly Hills, where my younger sister would attend Beverly Hills High School. However, they decided to send me to Santa Fe to attend a private school. I wasn't sure of the name yet, but I would find out soon.

I pulled my body from leaning on the window to sitting upright and grabbed my headphones from my lap. How anyone could keep their headphones untangled is beyond me. I began to pull at the knot, attempting to unravel it before plugging the ear buds into my ears, disappearing into the lyrics of Drake.

***

I fell asleep for the next 5 hours and listened to music for the other 2 and a half , which meant there was only 30 long minutes left until I arrived at my new home with my basically new family.

I was checking my makeup in the mirror of my Naked 2 palette, wiping the sleep from my eyes. I dipped my lightly tanned fingers into the shade 'Half Baked' and packed it in the centre of my eyelid, carefully avoiding the liquid liner I was also sporting.

I pulled a Q-tip and my Almay Liquid Liner out of my makeup bag and began touching up the intensity of my wing. I then wet the Q-tip with my saliva and wiped away any mistakes.

And that was when I saw it. My new home. Palm trees were planted in the front yard, the grass looking as if it was thirsty for rain. The house itself was white, with a terracotta roof resting on top of it. Large windows took up much of the front of the house. Double doors with large glass detailing sat between the large windows and the giant white garage. We pulled into the drive way and I couldn't help but notice the black 2000 TJ Jeep parked in front of the stunning house.

My dad cut the engine and I stepped out, stretching my legs before they landed on the grey, concrete driveway. I was used to having black driveways back in Utah. I circled around to the drivers side from my place in the backseat behind my sister who was riding shotgun.

My black boots added about 3 inches, so I towered over my 14 year old sister as we walked together towards the door, my father leading us. As we rung the doorbell Mr and Mrs. Anderson swung it open, beaming.

They ushered us inside, wrapping us all in their individual embraces. I took in the atmosphere, the beautiful wooden floors and perfect off-white carpets, which filled the sitting room and dining room. From the front door, on the left there was a fancy, open sitting room with high ceilings. On the right was another room, which held a large, black grand piano. Continuing on, there was a large winding staircase in the middle, a hallway on either side.

"Here! Let's show you around first!" Mrs. Anderson smiled, motioning for us to follow her.

She took us down the left hallway first. At the end was their beautiful kitchen, which was large enough to please Gordon Ramsey. In the middle of the hallway, was a smaller hall, which held Mr and Mrs. Anderson's rooms. Their was a washroom connected to their room and the hallway on the right side. Moving back to the right hallway, a living room and dining room was just beyond it.

There was a sliding glass door, which showed the view of a beautiful, aqua kidney shaped pool with a diving board and multiple pool chairs. 'Perfect for tanning,' I thought, holding in my smile. They then took us back to the stairs, taking us up to the second level. Mrs. Anderson again took the lead and showed me my room.

The room was white, with one light blue wall. The white headboard was pushed up against the light blue wall, the bed frame and duvet also white. On either side of the king sized bed were two white side tables, which had matching lamps. Underneath the bed was a fluffy, cool toned grey rug, which made the room feel more cozy. There was a small tv and dresser across from the bed and a large walk in closet on the right. I was in love.

After they showed us the rest of the second floor, which mainly consisted of closed doors, we returned to the foyer. That's when Mr and Mrs. Anderson confronted me, handing me car keys.

"We knew you had your license and we wanted to give you something that you can take to school, or when you want to go out with your new friends," Mrs. Anderson explained, handing me the singular key. I noticed that she does most of the talking around her, whereas Mr. Anderson just shoots everyone a reassuring smile.

"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed, wrapping her into my happy embrace. I know it's only been 15 minutes, but maybe this won't be so bad.

***

We managed to move all my stuff into my room within a half an hour, plus I had already begun hanging my clothes up.

After saying my goodbyes to my father and little sister, I climbed the 12 long steps up to my room and began to sort through all my stuff.

Better sooner than later, I guess.

***

Thanks for reading! Remember to comment or message me and give feedback! I'd love to know your thoughts and where I can improve. xoxox -Kayls