Penny For Your Dreams

Chapter One

"Well, this summer will be the worst one yet," Isabelle grumbled as she strolled up the large lawn, carrying her large suitcase. The garden wasn't so bad at all; the flowers were bursting with vibrant colors, the dark green grass danced a dance of jubilance to the wind's song. Branches arched gracefully from tall tree trunks, decorated in leaves and fruits that greeted the sun. The birds sang a mellow tune, hidden yet present.

            What made Isabelle feel so dreary was the prospect of meeting her other sisters. She wasn't excited at all; her father had avoided the subject of their broken family as much as he could. She knew they would be judgmental and coldly polite, for such was human nature. Isabelle had been observing the psychology of distant relatives, and they tended to be careful in manners and intent on hiding their true personality. Which was exactly what Isabelle intended to do.

            Isabelle detected a flutter from the folded velvet curtains, shielding her sight from any view beyond the window. They're spying on me, Isabelle thought sullenly as she trudged forward. Probably sizing me up and trying to guess what I'm really like. She usually didn't feel down when people did that to her, in fact, she always did the same when meeting new people. It would give you a great advantage against them, knowing how their minds worked, and Isabelle wanted all the advantages she could get. It just made her heart ache a little to think that the people doing that to her were her own flesh and blood.

            The house was large and white, with columns coated with cream paint. In fact, the air was filled with the strong smell of paint, making Isabelle wrinkle her nose as she tried to suppress a sneeze. There was a red tiled floor, a long beige couch, a round glass table and a large mahogany door that awaited her at the balcony. The place was neatly and simply designed, yet it looked immaculate.

            You're being too suspicious about them sizing you up, Isabelle chided herself, finally arriving at the doorstep. A fuzzy old welcome mat was underneath her feet, dusty and soft, reminding her of the large dog she and her sisters used to play with. They're merely curious, that's all there is! She raised her finger to ring the doorbell, but the door swung open, making her meet a girl face-to-face. She was greeted by a curious pair of small eyes, gray, alert and alive. 

            "Hello," Isabelle said first, wanting to be the first one to throw a word in. She observed her sister, who had wavy caramel hair, which was well-combed and straight. She had a small stature but had a big smile. 

            "Hi!" she answered, her involuntary smile turning into a wide, intentional one. Surprisingly young, Isabelle deducted. Probably the eight-year-old one, but I don't remember her name. The young girl was staring at her eagerly with fierce admiration. Naïve, too, Isabelle noted.

            "Can I come in?" Isabelle politely inquired. She continued observing her younger sister, who had light brown hair, close to blond. Isabelle thought of her hair the color of auburn, and the fact that she and her little sister looked nothing alike.

            "Sure!" the girl enthusiastically answered. "This is your home for the summer, best get used to it soon." She forcefully swung the doors open, and made way for Isabelle. Isabelle prayed that she would not have to call any of her sisters by name, for she doubted that she would still remember all their names accurately.

            She went in the living room, and three other girls sat down on plush velvet couches, which matched the draperies that blocked out the sun from outside. The lack of light cast shadows on their faces, veiling the expressions on their faces. But Isabelle didn't need any light to know that all the other girls were staring at her.