Shadows Behind

Chapter 1: The Secret File Deal.

Riley's POV

It was dark by now. The car kept moving as I looked at the scenery passing by. All I could see were tall trees as I sat with my hands crossed.

We were shifting right now, to our new house. Beside me sat, my older brother, Zen. He was 23 years old, 6'1 with black short cropped hair, green eyes and a very masculine body structure. Girls practically throw themselves at him and he never give them his time.

At the front, on the passenger seat sat, my Mother chatting with my Father, as he drove the car. Mother was in her late 40's, with short curly brown hair, green eyes and a very cruel smile. She is the typical house wife, with her cruel ways. My Father was also in his late 40's, with black hair, having streaks of white, brown eyes, a light stubble and has a very sophisticated personality. I don't know what he does, but he is never home.

I, on the other hand was 5'8, long wavy brown hair and brown eyes. I didn't look like my mother at all, I didn't look like any one of my parents and that's why Mom loved Zen more than me. I never understood why she always took his side whenever we had an argument. You could say he was the Star Child in my Mother's eyes and I was always in the shadows. As per for my Father, he also supported whatever Mother said and I was left to deal with their cruel remarks and insults. Zen tried to support me many times and still does, but Mother always had a way to make him quiet.

"We are almost there!"Father informed as we took a right turn into Rosewood Neighbourhood. 'My new hell!' I thought as we passed by many houses and came to a halt outside a modern two story house. It wasn't small or huge, it was normal for a family of four to live. 

As everyone took their exit, I sat still not wanting to move out. I never wanted to shift here, I was fine where I was not connecting with people. Zen noticed me still sitting inside. He moved to my side of the door and opened it. 

"Aren't you coming?"He asked as he held his hand out for me to take. I nodded at him and took his hand. He smoothly pulled me out of the car and shut the door. I looked around and noticed some neighbour's coming out of their houses to look at us. Mother also noticed them and held a very dangerous smile. She always shows off and gossips about people and what not.

I ignored them and started walking on the stone pathway that led to the front door. I walked up some steps and came to a wooden door. It was already open so I just walked in looking around. There was a staircase leading to the second floor in the middle of the hall. On the right side of the hall was the kitchen adjoined with a dining room. The left side was the hall, where all the unpacked furniture sat.

"Zen! Come on! Go pick your room!"Mother shouted at him ushering him inside the house. I rolled my eyes, of course he's going to get the best room.

Zen walked upstairs and I followed behind. The upstairs had five rooms. I entered the first room that was just beside the staircase and looked around. The room was painted a light peach colour, it had white flooring and was just my size. Opposite from the bedroom door was a large window that showed the other neighbourhood house and some of the forest. The room consisted of a queen size bed, a dresser, a four door closet and a desk. It was simple and perfect.

On the right side of the room was a door which led to the bathroom. I walked inside the bathroom and checked it out. It was a simple bathroom with a sink, a shower and of course a W.C.

'I am definitely putting dibs on this one!'I thought as I walked outside my room. Mother and Father had already chosen their room, which was down the hall at the right and Zen took the room opposite to theirs.

I walked downstairs and decided to carry my own bags upstairs. I opened the trunk and took out my only two bags and a suitcase. I put both of the bags on each of my shoulders, the suitcase in hand and tried to carry them upstairs.