Chasing Ella

I. Meeting by Chance

Chapter 1
Palm Springs, California
11:30 a.m | Ella

The brightness of the sun coming from my curtain-less window caused me to wake up. I rolled around in my sleeping bag, knocking down a few unpacked boxes in the process. I had to sleep on the ground because my bed doesn't come in until later today. I still haven't unpacked 2/3 of the boxes I had left.

I unzipped my sleeping bag, stumbling my way out of it. Kicking the bag to the side, I went into the bathroom down the hall and washed my face. As I walked out, my younger sister pushes me out of the way and heads straight towards the toilet, "Move outta the way, my poop is coming!"

I rolled my eyes at how adorably annoying she can be at this time of day.

"Well what are you waiting for? Close the door! My business does not--" She started ranting, so I closed the door shut and walked downstairs to make breakfast.

I opened the refrigerator door to see that it was empty, other than a few water bottles and a half full milk carton. I groaned and shut the refrigerator door shut.

Then, dad walks over to me and places a kiss on the side of my forehead.

"Morning bud." He greeted, taking a sip of his coffee before putting it in the sink.

"Morning. Is there a café or diner nearby? There's nothing to eat." I asked, leaning back against the counter.

He dried off his #1 Dad mug before answering.

"Yeah, your brother knows where it is. Wake him up so you two can eat."

"What about you and Ariel?"

"We ate already! I got a huge pancake tower with chocolate syrup!" Ariel said, running down the stairs while scratching her butt.

"Ew, you're gross." I said, walking towards her and messing up her hair.

"You're grosser!" She huffed. Before she walked away to play with her toys, she made sure to kick me right in the shin.

"You little b--," I looked over at dad who was giving me the be-careful-of-what-you-say-next look. I groaned and ran up the stairs and letting myself into Charles' room.

Charles is two years older than me, making him a freshman in college while I go into my junior year. Like every other siblings in the world, we made it our mission to make the other person's life hell. But that also doesn't mean he cares less about me. Charles is very overprotective. Even for a brother. Sometimes it feels like I have two dads. But nevertheless, I love my pain in the ass brother.

Ariel too. Ariel is our 10 year-old sister. She's quite a handful, but smart. By smart, I mean a total smart ass. I'm pretty sure she got it from me though.

"Aaaahhh!" Charles yells.

Surprised, I stood still by the door and asks why he's screaming.

"Your face. It's hideous." He said, giving me a disgusted look.

I charged towards him and got on his back. That's when I started to pull on his hair. He tried shaking me off but I held on tight.