The Undercover Princess

Chapter 4

Technology hates me.

I cannot figure how to work my cellphone no matter how much i try. I guess it takes practice, but who practices using a phone?! Thats just stupid. Olivia couldn't contain her laughter when I told her I didn't know how to work it and it was my first one. She tryed to teach me the basics and programmed her number into my phone because, like me, I'm her first friend in America. Its amazing what a 3 hour flight does to a friendship.

"So all you have to do is hit icon that looks like a letter you would get in the mail, yes, go on touch it," Olivia explained in full detail while I followed along closely.

"Now click compose message and type in my name, O-l-i-v-"

"I know how to spell your name.." I grumbled as we stepped off the plane.

"i-a. then type what you want and click Send! Easy peasy Japanesy!"

"I think I got it. So tell me how the new family goes, okay? How are you planning on getting out of here?" I asked easily to my new friend.

"They should be picking me up soon enough. How about you?" she answered, stifling a yawn. It was early in the morning here and just like her, i was feeling the side effects of jet lag too.

"Look for a sign that says Woods with me. Grandmum said someone would be waiting for me.

My eyes groggily searched out my fake last name. Woods. Like trees. California is supposed to have red woods, right? That might be fun to visit. Stop, stop getting distracted, Lily. There! There it is! The guy was off to the side and the writing scrawled messily. I pointed him out to Olivia.

"He's over there. I guess I should go."

"Wow, whoever that grandmother of yours is, she's sure got some money to blow."

"What do you mean?"

"The guy. He's a limo drving. You can tell by his outfit and by the fact you don't know him at all."

"Oh," i said sheepishly, "I guess your right."

I noticed that Olivia's eyes switched to my face to something behind me. I whirled around.

"Daughter, we need to leave immediately. They are waiting." David announced trying to be casual.

Oh my god. That is so embarassing. DAUGHTER? I have a fake name, David. How awkward could the man get? well, guess what. New record. Olivia noticed too. i could tell she was confused. Thankfully, Kelly swooped in to save me. Laughing she said, "Now David, don't try to scare away Emily's new friend!" Now David was the confused one. "Hello, miss. I'm Mrs. Woods, Emily's mom." she said calmly as she stuck out her hand.

Olivia shook it, turned, and hugged me. I jumped at the sudden affection. I wasn't used to being touched.

"Text me and we can get together, okay? I don't want to be bored all the time."

"I'll see you soon, no worries."

And with that we parted ways.

I got out of the limo and smiled. This new house was a castle away from home. You probably couldn't even define it as a house. It was modern, complete opposite from the castle. A pool out back, the overpowering smell of flowers, and a bright yellow Jeep in the driveway adorned my new home. I guess I found out what the keys are for!

"I think you'll find everything you need is over here!" David said, "Please excuse me, but I have to set up my room as well."

I was so jittery. My jet lag dissappeared. I wanted to experience things this instant.

Oh, if only David and Kelly knew the scare I went through to get here. Driving on the wrong side of the road was a challenge. And it was dangerous. I would have little panic attacks and forget which lane I was supposed to be in. Yikes. I was at the mall. Classic teenage move. People flowed around me and it was great. To be another person in the crowd meant so much to me in that moment. I didn't really want to get clothes because I had plenty at home. Suddenly, I felt alone. What was I supposed to do? Run up to a stranger and say, "Hey be my friend, I've never done this before." So I went to this little sandwich shop called Subway in the mall. Minutes ticked by and I noticed someone staring at me. A pretty, freckled brunette, a curly haired blonde, and a platinum stick thin girl looked at me in pity. I pretended I didn't notice, which was a terrible idea considering I had just made direct eye contact. "Poor girl, either got stood up or no one likes."

"Well no one would like those awful shorts."

My face drooped and let my hair fall over my eyes.

Those girls left 10 minutes later.