Away from Home

Chapter One

Chapter One

       I heard the news both my mother and father were gone on a trip, but had not returned when they told us they would be back. They had not told us the exact place they would be staying. I do remember the morning before they left. It started when I went downstairs for breakfast. I was thirteen with my older brother who was seventeen at the time. We were going to school that morning and were having breakfast. The table was set out with bread and eggs, freshly baked and picked. There was a bit of salt and some pieces of ham. I sat down eating slowly one piece at a time. Father was eating two rolls and an egg with a stack of ham. He was going to work in the market place to sell eggs and things with Mother. My brother was now so tall and grown up eating all that we didn’t eat. His dark hair got in the way most of the time as he ate, and his clothes were getting messy too. My Mother’s brown hair was long reaching her elbows and her eyes were all kinds of beautiful. Father took Mothers arm as they grabbed their stuff for the marketplace. I too grabbed a few books as I told James to do the same. It was hard to take both my books and hold my dress from the ground, but I managed. The horses were ready and our driver was ready as well. James and me hopped in and waved to Mother and Father as we drove off. That was the last time I saw them before they left. Even though our school was one building, James and me were let out early. James and I were okay to stay a few nights alone, but we were both too young to stay home alone for a long period of time, and no one knew where they were. Until then we would have to stay at one of our relative’s house, because it was the law. But since all our relatives were overseas, it would almost be like moving. Mrs. Samson heard that our parents went ‘missing’ and gave us to be given to our Aunt. My three close friends Kate, Danielle and Ashley tried to comfort me as much as they could even though they knew I was leaving. I had also been friends with others, such as Henry who grew up together, I would miss them all. I was shocked never did I feel so scared in my life. I never know where they were or if they would ever come back. Some nights I cried and cried ‘till there were no more tears. James stayed strong even though I knew we were both hurt inside. That week we packed our things and left.

         We rode a carriage to a boat, and then we sailed for three days. It was long and hard. I was hurting so very much but it seemed no one could tell. We didn’t know our Aunt at all, but only heard from Father that she had three kids now. Father had two sisters and two half brothers. One of them included our Aunt. Mother only had a sister who lived in Spain, much farther than our Aunt we are going to now in France. I hoped one of her kids would be my age so that I could talk to her.

         When the boat finally stopped, we got off and waited for our Aunt. As I said before, we had no idea who she was or even what she looked like. For all we knew she could be a grouchy old lady who hates us! Once we did find her she was nice. She had long curly red hair with sparkling blue eyes. Her dress was beautiful with buttons on each side and a white lace that stretched down to the bottom of the dress. She looked at us with the kindest eyes and purest smile. I just hoped her kids were as kind as she was.

         On the ride to her home she talked to us about the details of their home; like where the kid’s room was and the parlor and kitchen. James listened intently as if trying to see if she would mention her son’s room. I mostly looked outside noticing large trees and grass as green as the mountains. The carriage followed a river with some small currents and smooth rocks. We crossed over a bridge, which the river passed underneath. The path seemed so smooth and quiet that almost fell asleep. My eyes were weary from crying and could close so easily. They followed the birds as they flew by and looked at the mountains.

         The horses came to a stop when we reached their house. It was beautiful white with four white pillars at the front. By the looks, it seemed three stories high with ten or so windows. I grabbed my bag and stayed close to James as we walked to the door. Our Aunt’s face looked still so loving as she told us that the kids were at school and would be coming soon.