Lucy's Worlds

Chapter 1: Moving in

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Looking through the car's window, I saw trees towering over my aunt's red convertible as she drove with high speed on the country road. It was getting clear that we were already far from the city because the tall buildings, all the smoke, pollution and the noisy crowds weren't evident anymore.

Hahaha. How rude of me, I haven't even introduced myself properly yet.

Hi, My name is Lucy Miller. I lived in a city since I was practically a baby. That's why I'm figuring out how I would survive in the middle of nowhere. We're on our way to my grandma's house (mother's side). Actually, I haven't met her yet or visit her even once (busy,busy,busy)and now, I was going to live with her. Mom and Dad settled with this agreement so that everything would be fair for the three of us. I don't really know why they got divorced; it just came up all of a sudden. The car came to a gentle halt. I saw my Aunt Jane reach out for my hand from the driver's seat.

"You okay?"she looked me in the eye with her hazel ones. She had long, black hair which I once had, but then I dyed mine red last summer and added brown and blonde highlights. I guess you could say that I was feeling a little rebellious.

I nodded. Yes, I'm okay. My parents getting a divorce without even telling me why, then transferring me to this jungle. How could things get any worse?

I smiled at her. I couldn't say that out loud..she was just trying to be friendly even though she barely knew her bestfriend's daughter. I swept stray hairs from my face, thanked her then carried my stuff out of her convertible and placed them unto the damp earth.

I watched as her car sped its way back to civilization. I sighed, Lucky her. If only they didn't have to separate, then I wouldn't have to abandon my life, my friends, most of my sketchpads(I would die without them but we were in a hurry since my aunt had an appointment and she was the only person available to drop me off), the college scholarship I could've gotten from that Art Exibit and lastly, I could be resting in my own apartment right now instead of staying here. I sighed inwardly again, ugh I'm being selfish.Pathetic.

"You should probably get inside," a husky voice from behind interrupted my thoughts.

Woah. There was something in his tone that I quite couldn't place.

I tossed my blue bag over my shoulder then picked up another one with my free hand. I turned around slowly to face the masculine voice's owner. My grandmother's house was just behind him but I can't seem to pull my gaze away from this stranger. He had dark brown hair which was framing his tan face quite well, his thick eyebrows were covered a bit by his bangs, he had a well-built physique; everything about him seemed perfect, but what intrigued me most, was his eyes. They were shaped a bit like a hawk's eye, their color was dark green and in every passing minute, they seemed to pierce through my very soul, unveiling every secret I had and knew. He was only wearing a plain, dirty white shirt and beige camo pants rolled up a bit.

What--what?I was checking him out, seriously?

He smirked,"Lucy, right? I'm Stephen, the gardener here," he smiled genuinely this time and continued,"Your grandmother's waiting inside for you, come on."

Stephen started to walk towards the two-story house, but he stopped in his heels and looked back again at me. His eyes landed on the bag I was carrying. I was surprised when he extended his hand out to me, "Let me help you with that."

"thanks,"I said as he took one of my luggage from me. Did I just blush? In the corner of my eye, I saw him smirk again (what's up with guys and smirks anyway?). For a moment back there, I thought he was a gentleman, (Yes,he may be one... or helping damsels in distress was just part of his job description) but I guess he's a bit cocky too.

I shrugged, then followed him towards the porch. I spotted a big Mahogany tree providing a cool shade for the house. Its trunk was covered in gems of different shapes and assorted colors. It was cool, but kinda odd. I mean, who would stick rhinestones on a harmless tree anyway?

"You did that?"I asked, pointing my index finger in the colorful tree's direction.

He barely glanced at me then answered, "No, but your grandma did."

Huh. I guess it runs in the blood, hehe.

We stepped on few wooden stairs and arrived at the door. Stephen turned the knob but it was locked, a frown was etched on his seemingly perfect features.

"Nana!"He called out, "Nana, please open the door!"

I heard a muffled voice accompanied by incoming footsteps. Did she just cuss?

There were about fifteen clicks (were those locks?) before the door was opened by a woman in her eightie's.

"Why, hello dear," she told me with a smile, "You must be Lucy, I'm Natalie. You can call me Nana."

I smiled back, "Nice to meet you." Hm.Not bad.

She was wearing a light pink apron over a green dress that nearly reached her ankles. Her cheeks were round and pink, and her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled. I looked back at Stephen for a while when I felt two hands grip both of my shoulders tightly and heard her whisper in my ears.

"I saw you eyeing the tree," her sweet tone changed into a gruff voice which gave me goosebumps, "Don't you dare touch its tierres."

What the--

I was frozen in shock of her sudden change in personality. Eyeing a tree, seriously woman? Teirres? Did she mean those little gems?

I sighed in relief as she released me from her strong hands. What was wrong with her?

I turned around to face her and faked a smile. If I was going to live here, then I'd have to adjust.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Lucy?" she asked me innocently. Plain creepy, now she's playing the good granny card?

I felt a slight tap on my back so I glanced a bit at Stephen. One look. It took just one look at his eyes and I understood; My beloved grandma was ill.

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