Rock Bottom

Chapter Six: You Look like a Homeless Slob

"Are you ready?" Bill calls when he hears me thump down the stairs. I decided to wear my lavender dress that buttons up along the front. I find it gives me a look of maturity. It's also very flattering. I want to make a good impression on my new guardians. I don't want them to think I'm some child who is going to be a nuisance.

"My suitcases are all packed by the front door."

I feel the nerves dancing around in my stomach. It's like I'm starting my life from scratch. Not in a good way though. It's like I've baked the most delicious cake then dropped it on the floor. Now I've got to make it all over again even though I know it will never compare to the one I've made before.

"Kayla, I want you to know I'll always be here for you. So if you ever need anything please call me. Even if you just want to talk," Miranda wraps her arms around me as we wait by the door for Kate to arrive. "I've watched you grow up over the last sixteen years and you have grown into such a beautiful human being. You have always been so strong. Just keep you're head up sweetheart. It might be rough at first, but I promise it will get easier. You'll be fine once you're settled in. You're a trooper," she kisses my forehead tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear with her pinky.

I've always loved Mandy because she's so down to earth and always knows exactly what to say. She has been the closet thing I've had to a mother growing up. I think I've been like a daughter to her too.

Bill and Miranda tried to have kids years ago. They tried for a long time. I guess it wasn't possible for them. All the odds were against them. They went to several different doctors and did many different treatments, but nothing worked. Miranda seemed so empty when she finally had to accept that it wasn't going to happen. I started going to her house after school when dad was at work. For a while I just sat there and did my homework so she would have some company. She lost herself for a while. Eventually she started to get better. The dark cloud that seemed to always be hovering over her faded and then she was her bright, sunny self again.

"Thank you, Mandy. I'm going to miss you guys," Bill gives my shoulder a comforting squeeze. I tense up when there is a knock at the door.

"Here we go," Bill says under his breath to me before pulling the door open. "Hello, come on in."

Let me tell you something.

Kate is stunning.

Her blonde hair is pulled back into a elegant up do. She has gorgeous green eyes that almost seem like they sparkle. She's wearing a beige dress that compliments her flawless skin and cling to her curves in all the right places. Her outfit is finished off with a stylish black belt around her small waist.

Kate is the kind of woman you don't want to stand too close to because you look like a homeless slob compared to her.

"You must be Kayla," she smiles at me.

"Yes, nice to meet you," I reach out and shake her manicured hand.

"I can't believe how grown up you are," she gasps.

What a silly thing to say.

Kate hasn't seen me since I was two. What did she expect? A seventeen year old that's three feet tall and still plays with Barbies?

"I guess I am," I shrug.

"Time flies," she shakes her head. "Well, we better get going."

"I guess this means goodbye," I turn to Bill and Mandy.

"See you sweetheart," Bill kisses my forehead.

"Take care, Kayla," Miranda's brown eyes glisten with tears. "It was a pleasure to have been your neighbour for all these years." I hold back the tears that threaten to fall as I grab my suitcases.