"Mom common, why can't we just stay here?" I whined. I was following my mom around her bedroom as she tried to pack any last minute essentials.

I had calmed down since last night, but was still furious about the whole sleeping arrangements. The fact that I couldn't stay at Jordan's - Cole's father's - was especially pissing me off.

It would be good for Cole to have some father son bonding time apparently.

What a load of shit. She knew Cole saw our dad as his real father, and could just about bare spending a weekend hear and there with Jordan.

Grabbing her straighteners, she wrapped the cord around it a couple of times before shoving it her carry on bag.

"No Marina. Do you remember the last time I left you and Cole in the house for over 3 months?" Slinging the Chanel bag over her shoulder, I followed her out of the room while trying to tie my hair up.

"Oh common, what are the chances that we're gonna burn down 2 houses?" As she waltzed into my room, she started to fold the pile of clothes I had dumped in my suitcase for the year of hell.

"I'd say it's very likely." She mumbled. Groaning, the threw her hands in her hair in frustration. "Can you please sort your stuff out so we can leave."

"Mom please, I'm begging you." I pleaded. As her back was towards me, I wasn't able to see her face, but I sure did hear her tiresome sigh.

As she sat down on my bed, I huffed a breath out of my nose with a pout on my lips.

"You know your father and I love you, don't you?" It sure didn't feel like that.

"Yeah" I shrugged.

Running my fingers mindlessly over the back of my hand, I was snapped out of my mini trance by my mothers kiss Ontop of my head.

"I'll call you every night, okay baby?" Nodding my head with my eyes gently shut, I was left in my room alone.

Time to pack.

***

"I'll come round later, alright?" Cole smiled while holding one arm out for me, inviting me in for an embrace.

Crashing into him, I hugged him tighter than I knew I could ever grip.

"I don't want you to leave me here with them" I said emphasising the word 'them'. As he held me at arms length, he looked at my pouted face with a small smile.

"I'm literally only a couple streets away Marnie, don't be dramatic." He chuckled. Rolling my eyes, I glared up at him with a disappointed look. "Plus, we do go to school together?" Pushing at his chest, I watched as he saluted at me before lumbering into his car.

"Guess it's my turn?" My dad asked with a small pout. Not being able to stay mad at him, I let go of a little laugh.

He outstretched his arms and pulled me towards him, shoving my entire face into his chest.

"Dad, I can't breathe" I muffled into his button up black shirt, still with a small smile on my face, I made sure to inhale the cologne I was going to miss.

"Was that a dig at my cologne?" Holding me at arms length, I didn't even notice that tears had already rolled their way down my face before he wiped them away with his thumbs.

"We'll call you before we board the flight, okay?" Nodding my head without the slightest sound, he gave me another kiss on top of my head before starting the lug the suitcases in the back of his car.

Staring at my mom with tears threatening to spill from my eyes, I found myself running into her arms without thought.

Her black pristine slim fitting dress hugged her curves and flowed to her ankles.

"Oh Marina, you're going to set me off if you're not careful" chocking out a laugh from my small sobs, I let her hold my face with both of her palms on each side.

"Please don't go, I'm sure Africa can survive without you for a year?" Her warm smile was normally so infectious, but not at this moment of time.

"I'm sorry Marina-" giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead, I closed my eyes to savour the moment. "We'll call you okay?" And on that note, I was stood there waving at both of the cars that were soon out of sight.

Sighing, I wiped the stray tears from my face and got 2 good grips of my suitcases. It all seemed so much just for a trip next door, but it's not like it's just gonna be a week I'm spending.

But a whole freaking year.

Plucking up the courage, I dragged my cases from off of my porch to next door.

You can deal with 7 pesky boys, Marnie. I'm sure they'll be perfectly fine. I mean, Mrs Carter seems nice enough, so does her husband - so why should I be worried?

Shaking at my shoulders, I placed a suitcase firmly on the ground before knocking the door 3 times.

This was it.

This was going to be my entire year.