Snow, Snow Is Here To Stay

The Arrival

I carried two bags out of the trunk of the yellow taxi with a heavy sigh. I was jet-lagged and so exhausted. I followed my mom up the steps of our new house, followed by my older brother Adrien.

"Hurry up, Anna!" he complained. My dad staggered in the snow as my mom opened the door. I trailed behind her and looked around inside. It was very plain with just two tables, a dozen chairs, and a couch.

"Luxurious," Adrien sarcastically said.

My dad replied, "Come on! It's not that bad, right Anna?"

"Yeah, sure," I shrugged. Adrien muttered a string of Mandarin under his breath.

My mom looked at the clock. It was nine-thirty. "Off to bed. We'll set things up tomorrow. Night, my precious jewels!"

I walked into my room and fell onto my bed with exhaustion. The next morning, I rose at ten am. Pretty late for my family. I found Adrien on his phone in his room but my parents were nowhere to be seen.

"Where's mom and dad?" I asked, brushing my raven-coloured hair.

"Out. Went to the supermarket. They'll be back by twelve," Adrien responded.

"You okay with me going out to see the snow?" I asked, grabbing a banana.

"Why not? Go ahead. Just stay in the yard. And Anna, please don't talk to strangers!" Adrien warned. I agreed and put on my coat.

I walked to the front door and put on my mittens. I opened the door and walked slowly down the steps in my royal blue boots. I hadn't even touched the snow when a voice came from in front of me.

"Hey." I lifted my head and saw a boy with white-blond hair. He was smiling and looked about my age.

"Um...hi?" I smiled.

"You're the new girl?" he tilted his head slightly.

"Yeah. Is this city so small that there is only one new girl?" I asked.

He chuckled. "No, I meant in my homeroom. So when did you get here?"

I picked up some snow and threw it across the yard, shrugging. "Not long."

"Hey, does it snow back where you come from?" he questioned.

"No. I'm not used to snow at all," I said. "Anyway, I'm Anna."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Marco. So, I dare you to a snowball fight."

"N...no way! I can't," I said, shaking my head.

Marco crossed his arms and pouted, "Come on, Anna!"

"Oh, alright."

I grabbed some snow and threw it at Marco. He dodged and threw one back at me. It hit the side of my face and it kept coming. It seemed like only a few minutes had passed when my brother came out with a shocked look on his face.

"Anna, who is he?" Adrien demanded.

"Marco Florence. Your neighbour," Marco smiled.

"Well, hello. I'm Adrien Wong, Anna's brother," Adrien responded.

"I have to go, sorry. I'll see you at school in the new year," I said,

"Hopefully before that," he winked. I blushed and smiled. "Bye Anna. Bye Adrien." He walked back into his house.

"Bye," Adrien and I chorused.