My New Family

Chapter Two : First Night Sharing a Bedroom

Pauline

     I rush to the bathroom to take off  my very messy dress. Then I go to Evelyn's room, which Stepfather said she will be sharing with me. I miss sharing with Anna, although she used to keep me up asking questions. I miss our house in Paris. It was a mess after the fire, but it used to be the best home in the world. We would all read stories in the living-room together, when Papa came home, and we were all so happy! We were all born there, at home, not in the hospital. All five of us.

    I remember the fire very vividly.

    I woke up that night because Anna, six years old then, was screaming in her bed. Flames were licking under our bathroom door. I grabbed her hand and we ran out together and met outside, but only Mama, Philla, Pierre, me, Anna, and Anastasia were there. Mama was crying, she said Papa had gone back in to look for us two. The flame lit up the neighborhood, and the firemen came. They got Papa out, but he died in the hospital the next morning. We took a train to Amiens the day after; Mama said she wanted to leave the memories behind. We stayed at a hotel for a year, because Papa left us enough money for a lifetime. I realise that I am crying; I always do that when I think about that fire...

     Suddenly our room door shoots open! I hurriedly grab a corner of the blanket to wipe my red eyes. It's Evelyn. "Pauline, I'm so sorry, I thought you'd catch it. Look, can we be friends, and forget about this?'' I nod, sort of. I don't think I can ever forgive her for totally ruining my best dress. I was only measured for it last month! Doesn't Evelyn know that I can't even catch a ball? I never admit it, but I panic whenever that-big, round think comes flying at me. At least, I did in Paris. We never played ball at the hotel, just called on our friends. Jane is my best friend, but now that we've moved away from the hotel we probably won't see each other anymore besides at school ''Ok, we'll be friends- Linnie." Linnie?!? I am shocked. No one has ever called me that. If they insist on calling me something besides my name, they call me "Paul" or "Sunflower".

     Pierre opens the door. Whew! I run to him, and he catches me in his arms. "Paul, are you okay?" he asks, noticing my red face. "Yes, sort of." "Well, have a good night." "I will!" I am very cheered up. I climb into bed and pull the blankets high up, over my face. A few minutes later, I hear Evelyn's voice resounding throughout the dark room. "Pauline, are you mad at me?" I wait a few seconds before answering. "Well, what do you expect me to be?" I ask quietly. There is no answer. I wish I could still sleep with Anna!

     The bells of Notre-Dame ring throughout the city to announce the beginning of Mass. I jump from my bed and begin dressing. Evelyn is already getting changed. "Haha, beat you up today!" she giggles. I grab a plain dress and change in the bathroom. I can feel my face burning red. After I finish, I grab a hair ribbon and dash through our room to the hallway. I slow down on the stairs to put my hair in two braids. Everyone thinks it's childish, but I like it that way. The rest of the family is sitting down at the kitchen table, all but John and Anastasia. Those two are dancing around the kitchen. "Paul!" John yells when he sees me. "Newmama and Father are going on a homney moooon!" "Really?" I ask. Father nods. "I will tell you all after school."