When we got to my house I walked in to a quiet and peaceful place. My dog was sleeping by the fire place so I decided to wake him up when we were ready to leave. I walk into my room, only to find the horror of my suitcase packed with all of the camping stuff. I start unpacking it, trying not to think of our trip. I guess I took a long time because my Aunt calls up,
"Nate, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Be down in a few" I reply. I start putting things into two separate piles; one for camping and one to re-pack for my Aunts. When I'm done sorting I start packing; 8 shorts, 15 t-shirts, about 12 pairs of socks, two bathing suits, sweatpants, a sweatshirt and a few pairs of underwear. Next I grab a backpack and load my toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and a picture that has me, my mom and dad in it. I took my suitcase downstairs and run back up to get my pillow. My Aunt loads my things into the trunk, along with the dog bowls and food and I went to find Nolan; he was in the same place as when I walked into my house. I put him on his dark blue leash and walked him out. We both jumped into the back seat and prepared our selves for the hour and a half journey to my Aunt's house.
As we drive out of the area I felt like I was safe in, I see the landscape change. House's start to change into apartment towers and trees start to change into stores; I soon start to notice not as many "stop" signs but much more street lights. Eventually we pull into a street that looks "dead"; the house's are big although there is no one outside, even though the yards are luxurious. Every yard has at least one tree that casts a shadow and flowers surrounding the walkway to the door.
In about three minutes we pull up to my Aunt's house, maroon shutters and door with Lilly's covering the siding. I take Nolan out of the car and start walking on the path to the door when I notice a strange object in the right corner of my eye, a basketball hoop in the driveway.
"Aunt Rachel, when did you get a basketball net?" I ask.
"Oh that? Your Uncle Mark got Brandon it for Christmas last year." She says getting my backpack out of the trunk.
"Another thing, I hope that you don't mind but I'llprepare for you to share Brandon's room"
"Okay, that's fine." Now, don't get me wrong, I loved all of my relatives although some of them don't seem to enjoy my presence as much, especially Brandon.
As I walk into the house everything that I knew has changed. Straight in front of me is a staircase and to the right is the kitchen with the dinning room right behind it. The room to my right has been transformed into a living area, but just with couches; I guess the "family room" was behind the stairs. As I follow my Aunt up the stairs I hear music, increasingly get louder. As we get closer to the end of the hall the music is now BLARING in my ears. My Aunt slams open the door and Brandon shuts the radio off.
"Brandon, you remember your cousin Nate, right?" My Aunt says staring at Brandon trying to get the message "don't set a bad example" across.
"Of course Mom." Brandon says standing up off of his bed so that I can put my stuff down.
"Thanks." In my mind, it seems like Brandon has really changed, he used to be this kid who people thought of as a "tough guy", but now he seems kind and sincere.
"Nate, play ball?" He says shoving a basketball in my face.
"Not really" I say in a quiet voice.
"Well Brandon, maybe you can teach him." My Aunt says seeing that we are getting much closer.
"Okay, I would really appreciate that, but I think that Nolan needs to go outside for a few minutes." I say guiding him out the door.
"How about tomorrow, lets get you settled in and comfortable." Aunt Rachel says half way down the steps.
I guide Nolan out the front door and start walking around the block. It still seems still empty but in the matter seconds I hear tires on pavement behind me. I keep walking thinking that its just a car, but then someone yells,
"Hey, you there, what's your name? I'm Rebbecca, but everyone calls me Beccy." And as she says that I think, Hey, maybe this place isn't deserted.
