The Brooks Boys

Chapter One

Hi I'm Eleanor. Eleanor Clove.

There's not that much that I can say about myself really. I'm just plain, old, normal Ellie. And when I say normal, I really mean, boring. All of my friends have stories to tell or struggles to face, but not me. My parents have always been together, I've never been bullied and my childhood was next to perfect, but I want more. I know, I know, I sound like a spoiled little brat. But It's not like that, It's the complete opposite. I love my family and I am grateful for all that they have done for me but in some ways I wish it could be different. That I could have had more of a choice, and been more independent you know? It sounds strange but do you ever just wish that something reckless would happen, just once, so you could taste reality?

...

I feel the sweat growing in my palms as we board the plane. I've never left the UK, let alone gone half way across the world! I don't know why I'm so afraid, Australia's a beautiful place but I'm not used to change. Especially when its so sudden. I begin to try and relax in my seat in between my mother and father, remembering the goodbye hug that Autumn gave me after she left the airport. Replaying the warm embrace in my head somehow manages to relax me for a minute or two.

Autumn has always been my best friend. Since she was born only a few hours after me in the same hospital. Our moms had been friends for a few years before they had us and we've been best friends ever since. Recalling our good times together nearly brings a tear to my eye. But then I am snatched away from my day dreams by the noisy flight attendant, informing me on where the gas bags are.

...

I am quickly awakened by my mother nudging me and calling my name over and over. The plane hasn't landed yet but, I know we are close. It feels like I have been sleeping for years. And having a wonderful collection of dreams. Dreams about how amazing my new school would be and how happy ill be when Troye comes.

Troye was my boyfriend back in England. We had been together for nearly a year but we decided to break up when my dad got the job in Australia. We were more like best friends than boyfriend and girlfriend but theres no denying that we did love eachother. I still do, I just don't believe in long distance relationships. And neither does he for that matter. But it will all be fine soon, his mother applied for the same sort of job that my father did. Theres no doubt that she'll get it. She was always getting special awards for her nursing and things back in England. And when she dose get the job Troye will come too. Then everything will go back to normal, just like I'd never moved at all.

I've now decided that I like planes. Well I wouldn't board one voluntarily, but they're not as scary as I thought they would be. Again, my thoughts are interrupted but this time by the loud voice of the pilot coming from the speakers above my head.

"We have reached our destination, prepare for landing. Return to your seats and fasten your seat belts. We are preparing for landing."

I don't like the sound of that. As the message repeats its self, the flight attendants scan the isles and remind us if where the gas bags are. My dad shoots me a loving smile while my mom passes me the small bag of ear plugs that she had packed in her carry on.

"Put them in dear, your ears might pop while we are landing." My mother says with her hand on my knee while she gives me a reassuring smile.

Nothing could reassure me at the moment. I'm sweating like crazy and my leg is starting to shake. I can tell I'm not going to like this at all. So much for liking planes.