riptide

Chapter 2.

The plane ride was both lengthy and uncomfortable. I was seated next to an old man who wouldn't stop coughing. He would apologize, only to start hacking one minute later.

Lucky me.

After dismounting the plane and collecting our bags, we hail a taxi to take us to our new home.

"18731 Ridgeway Road," Dad tells the driver.

The ride is once again silent. No one utters a word. It's probably because no one knows what to say. This whole idea of change is not only foreign to me, but to my parents as well.

After about thirty minutes, we pull up at the house. I watch as dad pays the taxi driver and removes the last bag from the trunk.

"So, this is it. I hope you like it, Kat. We wanted to bring you along, so you could've seen the house before we bought it; but we couldn't just pull you out of school," my mother says. "So what do you think?"

It's a white, two story, house with a red roof. The lawn is in decent condition, but the porch is littered with leaves and twig branches. Several green bushes border the house giving it a fresh appearance.

"It's nice," I answer truthfully, but withhold the conviction in my voice. Sure, it's not a mansion, but it isn't a shack either. It's extremely, well...average.

Just like me.

"I'm glad you like it," mom says with a weak smile. She doesn't believe me.

I drag my bags up the porch steps, kicking away some of the leaves that have clung to my shoes. Dad pulls out a silver key, and slides it into the lock of the front door. After a few twists, I hear a faint click.

"Would you like the honors, Kat?" Dad playfully asks. I roll my eyes before answering.

"Why, yes. Nothing like having the honor of opening the door to hell."

I watch as a frown instantly covers Dad's face. I immediately regret saying that to him. But, I would be lying if I said I didn't mean it. The house looks nice and all, but it's not my style.

Before he can say anything else, I turn the handle on the door and open it. I step inside, taking a look around. The wood flooring is a deep, rich, coffee color which I instantly take a liking to. A set of carpeted stairs snake their way up to the second floor. The house looks much nicer on the inside.

I wasn't expecting this.

"You're welcome to give yourself a tour," mom says coming up beside me. I nod, and begin to drift towards the family room.

There is already a large, fudge colored sofa that rests in the middle of the room. Apart from a television, the rest of the room is empty. I look to my left and find the kitchen.

It's a cute little area. Not too big, not too small. I circle the granite island once, before finding my way back to the stairs.

I cautiously climb them, being careful not to trip. It's not a secret that I'm clumsy.

After finally reaching the top, I turn right, walking down a hallway.

I instantly see three large boxes with my name written on them. So, this must be my room.

I kick my shoes off before entering. The hardwood floors appear newly polished, and are slightly slippery as I pad along the floor. There is a large window with a small ledge beneath it, designed for reading. The room is surprisingly bright, despite this gloomy weather.

"What do you think?" Mom asks from the doorway. "I just had the movers put your stuff in here for now. If you don't like it, you can pick another room."

It isn't anything like my old bedroom. It doesn't have any modern features, and isn't as big. But oddly enough, this room seems to draw me in. It is a bit rustic, but still cozy and charming.

"I like it," I simply reply, this time with conviction in my voice. A small smile spreads across Mom's face.

"I somehow knew you'd like it."

~

I mindlessly picked at my salad, not making any effort to eat it. I feel someone watching me and look up, only to come face to face with Dad.

"You better finish that," he strictly commands. I sigh.

"I'm sorry, I'm just really not that hungry right now. Is it ok if I finish it later?" I desperately ask. Dad begins to answer, but is interrupted by Mom.

"It's alright Kat, I understand. It's been a long day." I'm grateful for her understanding, unlike Dad.

"Sorry, Kat. I know it hasn't been easy. It will get better, though," I hear him say. I nod, before standing up.

"I'm just going to take a walk around the neighborhood. I'll only be twenty minutes."

After changing into some yoga pants, sneakers and a jacket, I begin to walk down the street. It's fairly empty and quite silent.

I pass by an elderly couple walking their dog. We briefly exchange "hellos" before continuing our separate ways.

Well, damn.

I'm not used to the idea of a peaceful neighborhood. Back in Seattle, people were always throwing parties and gatherings. It was normal for the police to show up to try and settle the noise. They often failed, making the situation worse.

But, I have a feeling something like that isn't going to happen here.

I look to my right, and see someone get out of their car. I'm surprised to find that it's a girl who looks my age.

I creepily watch as she grabs her bag from the trunk. She notices my presence, and turns to me. The girl smiles, before shutting the trunk and strolling into her garage. She has rich brown hair and emerald green eyes. Her skin tone is an even shade of butterscotch.

She's gorgeous.

I come to the end of the street, before turning around to head home. After getting lost for several minutes, I finally find my house with the somewhat familiar red roof. I step inside, and see mom's head peak out from the kitchen.

"Oh good, you're back! There's something in the mail for you," she says, gesturing to a package on the table.

I walk over and see a thick, white envelope staring back at me. I pick it up and turn it over in my hands. I rip open the seal, not bothering to check who it's from, and pull out the first piece of paper I see.

Dear Katelyn,

Rosen High welcomes you with open arms! We look forward to seeing you around campus. Disclosed in this envelope are all the tools and information you will need to prepare for your junior year of high school. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the administration. Best of luck and we look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Mary Jones

School Principal of Rosen High.

Well, shit.

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A/N: Hope everyone's enjoying the book so far! I also just moved into a new house like Kat.

I've been thinking about uploading twice weekly now as a regular thing. I have decided that uploading once a week is too lengthy of a gap and I don't want you all to be waiting that long.

Don't forget to read, comment, and vote. Thanks! Stay fierce ~ Nikita