Band Practise

001 | The Last Relative

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ

I washed down the white pills with a gulp of water from my water bottle before placing the aspirin box back into my trench coat pocket.

I'm really here in Queens, stood directly in front of my cousin's front door. Looking like absolute crap.

My mother had recently passed away due to liver failure, her drinking habits could never be resolved which lead to her fate.

It all happened too soon. The funeral and the procession all went by too quickly. I felt as if I didn't have enough time with her.

I gulped nervously as I reached up my fist to knock the door.

Once. Twice. Thrice.

The door had finally opened up, revealing my cousin.

His tousled black hair hung loosely down to his ears, his piercing hazel eyes gazed back at me softly.

"Olivia, I didn't expect you to come so soon. How was the flight?" He asked, leaning against his doorway.

I clutched my suitcase handle and my violin case tightly as I let loose a wavering smile. "It's nice to see you, Cameron. The flight was... alright I guess."

He nodded, a smile still planted on his face. "I'll take that for you. Once you're inside, we can then discuss where you'll be sleeping and school arrangements." He explained.

I nodded as he took the handle of my suitcase and began to haul it inside to my new bedroom.

Cameron and I had always been mistaken as siblings when we were younger, him being the older one and me being younger. I am fifteen years old while Cameron is seven years older than me.

He moved due to his unstable relationship with his father and to gain a fresh start in a whole different country.

Our family comes from England, however, he hasn't really been in touch until recently due to the funeral. 

As I stepped inside, I couldn't help but to immediately begin to admire his house. It was very neat and well decorated. Yet that was to be expected of Cameron as he works as an interior designer.

My eyes skimmed over the photographs hung up on the wall. They were mainly pictures of all my other cousins along with my mother accompanied by a younger me and him sat together on a park bench.

I tore my eyes away suddenly, a little overwhelmed by the sight of her again. As I stood still in the hallway, Cameron came back from depositing my suitcase and joined me in the hallway.

"Now, your room is just down the hall and to the left. It's always been a spare room." He began, pointing in the direction of the room vaguely. "Lastly, school. You will be attending Midtown School Of Science And Technology, It's the nearest school here." He finished.

I glanced up at him. "Do they have any extracurricular activities?" I asked hopefully, my mind set on my violin.

He nodded."Plenty to chose from. Now, It's getting quite late, school begins tomorrow. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask."

"Thank you." I flashed a brief smile before I left him to his own devices.

As I made my way down the corridor, I took a left and opened the first door by its copper handle.

The room before me was very well presented. Inside contained a beige double bed along with a white, tall wardrobe at the foot of it.

A beige rug sat in the centre of the oak floor and a desk with a spinny chair sat opposite the bed. The room was beautiful.

I couldn't help but let out a genuine grin. Perhaps this could be a good chance to help me through the grieving process. I'm sure my mother wouldn't want me to be upset.

I noticed that Cameron had already placed my suitcase in the corner so I began to unzip it before taking out all of its contents.

After two hours of unpacking, I then placed down my aspirin on the desk along with my violin before I kicked off my shoes and sat down onto my bed exhaustedly.

What a day.

I looked over as my door opened up a crack, revealing Cameron peeping around the corner.

"Olivia, I just wanted to say about your pills really quick."

I nodded an okay in response as he quickly made his way present into the room.

He glanced over at the aspirin over on my desk. "I take it you are following your recommended dosage?" He asked.

"Yeah. I've got my prescription, It should be in the living room." I answered.

"Okay, good, great." He smiled awkwardly. "Well, goodnight then."

He then shut the door after him. My gaze lingered over at it before I then decided to get into my pyjamas.

Once I slipped into my silky, lilac nightwear, I switched off the light, leaving me in complete darkness.

I felt my way over towards the bed before I lifted up the covers and slid inside, embracing its warmth.

I closed my eyes, letting myself succumb to the darkness as my conscience spiralled away.

Finally asleep for 2 am. Probably not the best start to my first day at a new school.

I wonder what Midtown will have to offer me?

ᴇɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ