The Tomorrow People

Welcome To Your New Home

I drag my eyes off the window and down at the folder on my lap. I haven't dared open it yet, I wanted the family to be a surprise... but yet... what are they like? One peek won't hurt. And yet, it feels... wrong somehow.

I sigh and look back out the window and watch all of the trees and buildings drift by. America. So big and luxurious, but yet dusty and old. Well not so much so as England, but you know what I mean. The world of fast food, parties, some of the most famous people in the world.

I just don't feel like I fit in, but at the same time, I do.

It's then that I realize that my fingers are jittering. No, not jittering... simulating playing Carol of the Bells on piano. I've been playing piano since I was three, and well, I'm 16 now. Turning 17 in about 4 months. I settle my hands and try not to seem too jittery but, with ADHD, it's kind of hard to look calm.

The driver glances back at me in the rearview mirror. "You alright back there?" he asks, his American accent immediately registering in my ears. Weird accents. "Yes, thank you. Just a little nervous." I reply honestly and give him a soft smile. He smiles back. "British, eh? What was it like there? I've always wanted to go." He turns his eyes back to the road. I smile, glad to have the topic off of what was yet to come. "It was beautiful... all the people and their unique yet stylish clothes... and the architecture is amazing. Do you work for the family that adopted me?" I ask. He nods. "Then I'll put in a good word for you, and maybe you'll get to see it for yourself." I smile. In the rearview mirror, I see his face light up in a huge grin.

Suddenly, we were there. I'd thought they'd be somewhat rich, what with having their own personal driver and all, but this? I was not prepared. There I was, in my ripped skinny jeans, and MCR tee, and they were probably in dresses and suits, dripping with riches.

Maybe I'm over exaggerating but whatever.

As we drove in on the long driveway, I got a better glimpse at the house, or should I say mansion. I was going to be living in a mansion. I didn't think I'd be that lucky.

"Welcome to your new home, Miss Young." the driver says, pulling into a full stop. "Thanks.... for everything." I reply, as I grab my 2 suitcases and get out. "I can take those for you, miss." he says, walking around the car and taking my bags from me.

At this moment, I'm kind of glad that I didn't look at the folder after all, the surprise is much better.

___________________________________

I stand outside the door, still trying to wrap my mind around it all. "Are you ready?" the driver prompts, coming up behind me. I nod. "Just taking it in." I reply, without turning. "It's alright. I understand how hard it must be for you to wrap your head around all of this." he replies kindly. I nod again but don't say anything.

I lift my hand up to the door, and hesitate. "It'll be alright, they're very kind." he encourages. "No that's not it... I didn't catch your name...?" I ask. "David. David Pollert." He replies. I nod. Man I'm gonna give myself whiplash from nodding so much... I think.

I place my hand on the sterling silver handle. Nicely crafted. Taking a breath in, I try to comfort myself, but my heart doesn't seem to want to stop racing. I can do this. I remove my hand from the handle and raise it, hesitating for half a second, and then knocking.

10 seconds go by, nothing.

20, still nothing.

30, nothing.

I raise my hand to knock again but right before I do, the door opens.

Pic of Lyric to the side