My reaction will forever dangle in my memories. Mine and my brother's. I pinched myself to make sure that I was not dreaming. My only brother, Jarvis, and I could not contain our eagerness. We held hands and jumped high in the air. This is one of those rare incidents when we get along. Now it was a month later. I tried keeping my eyes open. I was still excited. Just tired from a long drive. But it was worth it. I would see my best and only friend for the first time since that she moved to Forlot.

We drove for ten hours without staying at a hotel. Dad and Mom wanted to reach Forlot as soon as possible. I was in the back with Jarvis, who had fallen asleep. His head was to the side with his mouth hanging open. He is cute when he sleeps. Do not tell him that I said that. I was tempted to stuff something in his mouth, but did not want to get in trouble. And I did not want Jarvis to choke to death. You would not believe how many times he has choked. He is a fast eater. He loves his food!

I was staring out my window with my head in my hand and my eyelids lowered. Like I said, I was tired. I could hardly wait until we reached our new house, which was next to my best friend's. She and I would be neighbors. She does not know of our move, so she will be shocked when she sees me on her porch. Mom promised to tape the special moment so we can relive it.

Our old house only had one story. I am happy that Dad and Mom did not have more kids. It would have been a chaotic mess. And Jarvis is plenty for me. The new one is supposed to be four stories. A basement. Downstairs and upstairs. And an attic. I had a crowded room at the old house, so I wanted the biggest room. Enough space for me and my friend to hang out and walk around. My family and I are residing in the safest place in America. Or so I thought.

I squinted at the clock on our dashboard. Eight o'clock on the dot. Not much longer. We were in Forlot. I love the sky mainly because purple is my favorite color. Hot red and warm blue make purple. I would not say that I am obsessed with purple. Jarvis says so, but what does he know? He is the most obnoxious being in the world. I swear. I love Jarvis, but he can be a jerk sometimes.

I laid back and massaged my thighs. I yawned. "I know that this is annoying, but...are we there yet?"

This is my brother's favorite question. He had repeated it since that we left the driveway. Now we could catch a break because he was asleep - while snoring loudly. He is obnoxious even when he sleeps! Mom instructed me to awaken Jarvis because we were almost there. Thank gosh. I was overjoyed to hear that. I grinned and shook him. I would rather hear him talk than snore.

Jarvis yawned and lifted his head. "A-are we there yet? 'Cause I have to use the restroom."

I frowned and gave his arm two playful slaps. "I cannot believe that is the first thing that you asked. If we were there, we would not still be in the car."

He turned to me. "Is that a no?"

Is it bad if I punch him?

The car slowed down until it came to a stop. Jarvis and I collided into our seats. Dad, who had been the driver, shut off the engine and announced that we were here. I let out a squeal and pressed my face and hands against the window. We were parked next to a gorgeous house.

The outside was better than the old one. The blue paint glistened under said sky. The house was taller than the trees. Its front had steps to a porch. A front door as red as...blood. Two square windows on the third floor. And a round window in the attic. I noticed this wooden sign on our lawn. In big, red letters, it read "SOLD." We are home sweet home. And there was Gemma's house. She sent me a picture when her family moved. I opened my car door and hopped out. I shut the door - and realized that black writing was also on the sign. I read it.

"'Welcome to the Dummy House 2.0.'"

The Dummy House? What is a Dummy House?

I pushed it aside and scrambled across said lawn to my friend's house. I stepped on her porch and took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I knocked on her door and cleared my throat. I have not seen Gemma for nearly a year. I could not wait to see the look on her face.

The door opened. It was Gemma's mother. She gasped and caught her balance. Her eyes went wide. "Justine."

I gave her a warm smile. "Hi."

She pulled me into a hug. "Goodness. Justine. How did you get here? I mean, I know how. You traveled by bus or something. I...I am at a loss for words."

I hugged her back. "I missed you too. I missed you all."

Before I could ask if Gemma was here, Gemma pushed past us. She examined me from top to bottom. "A-am I dreaming?"

I pinched her arm.

"Ow."

"Sorry. I had to check that I was not dreaming either."

She practically pounced on me and hugged me tightly. She had on the biggest smile that I have seen. "Justine. Oh, Justine. This is a blessing. How did you get here? I mean, I know how."

I giggled. She is just like her mom.

Gemma whispered, "I need your help. I am scared."