Cadestelle

The Arrival

The past two days were uncomfortable and tiring. We had driven for a total of 45 hours, only stopping for gas and food. I was almost excited when we finally reached Oregon's border. We were so close to our destination.

"What's this place we're going to even called?" I asked my aunt.

"Cadestelle, pretty isn't it?" She smiled at me before returning her eyes towards the road. She was in a cheerful mood for not sleeping for two days and living off of coffee and granola bars.

"We'll be there in 15 minutes." She added. I was so relived at the thought of getting out of this car. I looked around at my surroundings. The place was very... Green. Anywhere you looked, trees covered most of your vision. The whole scene was foreign to me. Growing up next to the beach where the only green you saw was the kelp and sea weed washed up on shore. I loathed for the salty air that had once taken up all of my scent. I snapped from my mourning to relieve myself of any sadness. I proceeded to amount my time looking for the new neighborhood in which my aunt called home.

My aunt inclined towards a steep hill as I felt myself swoon at the sudden steep slope. I closed my eyes and waited for the road to level out. When I felt myself stable and not climbing up, I cautiously opened my eyes and saw a small neighborhood ahead of us. None of the houses were similar in design or shape. One house was a dark blue with shingles covering the entire roof, giving it an old fashioned look. Another house was a cute yellow and had round windows with lace curtains covering every inch of each window. Although most houses didn't seem appealing, there were some nice ones. There was one in particular that caught my eye. It was a red house with a tiled roof. It was simple and the perfect size. My aunt caught me staring as she said, "I had a feeling you would like that one. It's ours now."

She was smiling, pleased at her accomplishment. I gave her a weak smile and told her that it was my favorite house in this neighborhood. She was beaming as she pulled up towards the driveway. Maybe this move won't be as bad as I thought I wondered as I looked closer at the house. It really was perfect. The windows were scooted away to the side to make room for a small balcony that opened with glass panels. I gawked at the fact that we would be living here now.

"Help me unpack" my aunt smirked as she got out of the car. I followed suit, and nearly fell from not using my legs for so long. I stretched my legs and arms and embraced the fresh air. It was not salty or anything like home, but right now I'll take whatever I get. I walked over towards the back of the truck and grabbed a box to carry. I failed at attempting to lift the box. I looked around for my aunt but she had already taken a box inside. I didn't want to appear weak as I grabbed another box and tried to lift, but again failed. Mustering all of my depleting energy, I was surprised to find my self hoisting the box with ease. Confused I saw two other hands around my own lifting the box for me. I screeched and whirled around, dropping the box in the process. The person that was helping me lift the box dove for it, and saved it from destroying the contents inside. I gaped at his inhumane quickness and stared at the boy, my mouth hanging open. He gently placed the box down and offered a hand to help me up. I hadn't realized that I had fallen.

"I'm really sorry to startle you I just saw you struggling and wanted to help." He said in a surprisingly attractive voice. I took his hand and hoisted myself up. We were now startling close as I pushed off of him and stammered a quick it's okay before rushing inside the house, leaving him looking just as startled. As I was running inside I realized I hadn't said a polite thank you or actually taken notice into what he looked like. I cursed at my stupidity and went to look at him or at least talk to him, but he had gone. The box was placed by the doorstep.