I stare out the window. Watching as trees speed past. I slept for most of the trip and now with our new home an hour away I wonder if I should just go back to sleep. I slump into my chair, music blaring in my ears from my iPod. Taking a deep breath, I try to imagine the new life ahead of me.

In case you didn't get the memo, I am Lorelei Caddel and I am 17 and a senior in high school. Yep, a few months then I'm 18! A legal adult. Again, we're leaving the hell hole that was Camador and going to a weirdly named town; Wolfridge. I know right? Whoever named the town was not very creative. 

The car swerves through the narrow road lined by trees. I look at dad from the passenger seat and marvel at how different we look, yet again. He has dark brown hair with light brown eyes. Though I loathe to think of my mother, my mind strays to her. To her dirty-blonde hair and hazel colored eyes. I drag my thoughts away from the human who birthed me turning my attention to dad. His face has aged a bit, looking more tired and stressed out than any 37year old's should be and yet, here he is with a bright smile on his face as he looks down at me.

"You okay Leelee?" he asks as he ruffles my hair, a habit long forgotten. But I'm glad it's revived, though I hate my nickname. 'Lee' is way better than 'Leelee' if I do say so myself.

I glare at him playfully through a red curtain of hair now obscuring my view. I blow it away and it lands softly back on my head. I straighten and run my fingers through to make it look semi-presentable, I didn't brush it this morning and now I am regretting my decision as my fingers get caught in tangled knots. I give up and pat my head trying to make it sleep. Satisfied I look back to dad and smile

"I'm fine, though I dread combing this now"

He smiles and looks back towards the road. Good, I was starting to get anxious. "So, you want to go back to high school?"

I switch off my iPod then remove my earphones and place them on my lap. I look at him and sigh softly. We've had this talk too many times to count. "Yes dad. I'm going back to high school and you can't change my mind"

He lets out a sigh and I know he won't ask again. I've given him the same answer like a broken record. I'm surprised he had the patience to ask for this long. "So, what do you think it's gonna be like?"

I shrug, happy for the light change of subject "Oh I don't know, a normal school I guess? Books, lockers, assignments, teachers...people," I say sarcastically, trying to hold back a smile as dad glances at me with a smirk.

He rolls his eyes dramatically and gently nudges me in the shoulder. "Haha, very funny. But I'm serious Lee, are you nervous about going to a new school?"

Hearing him say that, I couldn't help but look away. To the comfort of stoic trees. To be honest, I'm terrified. I have never really had any proper conversations ever since that doll incident when I was seven since I locked myself up in the house, never stepping foot out without a mandatory reason. I want to take the steering wheel and turn right back to Camador, right back to our driveway and walk up the stairs to my bed. At least it's a familiar territory, familiar people, familiar hate. But it is still hate nonetheless, and I want to meet people without hate towards me. No matter how short it may last. Dad doesn't know about the storm within me of course, he'll feel guilty if he ever did and that is the last thing I ever want to see. So I toughened up and endured it all for dad and I am still doing that right now. For myself yes, but mostly for dad.

I let out another sigh and give him the most reassuring smile I can muster. "I am nervous, but what can you do? Life's an adventure right?"

He smiles weakly catching onto how I'm trying to lighten the mood, but he respectfully ignores it.

He didn't say anything else after that. I turn back to my familiar comfort, the trees. Their leaves green, summer. Though the end of it. I imagine myself running through the trees, as fast as dad's driving. Faster even. Like I'm trying to run away from the problems and worries of my life. I stare lazily when a dark figure zips through my line of vision in the camouflage of the trees. I squint my eyes, trying to find whatever was fast enough to run past our car. My heart beats loudly in my chest and it definitely isn't beating out of fear. Anticipation? But what exactly am I anticipating? What do I expect to see? These questions clamber over each other in my head as I roll down the window and lean my head forward careful not to stick it out the window. I squint more but I see nothing. Whatever it was disappeared and my heart drops in...disappointment?

I rest back into my seat and try to sort out my emotions and why I'm feeling them for something I didn't even see. I furrow my brow and deep in thought when dad clears his throat.

"You okay?" worry is evident in his eyes and I bite my lip. Damn it. I hate it when dad worries about me, because then he over-worries which makes me worry which makes him more worried. 

"No I'm fine. I thought I saw something between the trees" I smile and turn back to the window. Now, my mind strays to school and I can't help but wonder how the people there will be like. Stereotypical hate for sure, but what else? Will they hate me before I introduce myself or hate me after I introduce myself? Might not matter to you but it does to this lonely hated freak. This is my senior year for crying out loud! And it is meant to be the best year in high school, something I want for myself. 

As dad makes another turn towards our new home, I promise myself to try and make my last year a memorable one. Maybe I could join the cheer-leading squad or something? Wait no scratch that. I just remembered that I am not flexible in any way, shape or form. And cheering is as depicted on tv, I'd rather avoid going to a hospital room because of broken bones and whatnot.

Dad makes the last turn into our driveway and I sigh(again) of relief. My legs are numb and as I climb out of the car they cramp. It takes a few minutes of silent pain before I'm able to stand up straight. Stretching I survey the house. It's a two-story, smelling of fresh paint. Probably painted a day or two ago. There is a granite pathway leading from the door to where I stand. Plants and flowers of vibrant colors lining both sides. There are two large windows on the second floor and I guess they are bedroom windows. On the side of the house, I spot a small balcony. White balustrade facing the window of the house next to ours. The thought of standing on the balcony and soaking the night air (or any air) makes me smile. I know for a fact that the room connected to it is mine. A gift from dad.

I head to the trunk of the car, a grin plastered on my face as I pull out my suitcase and all other luggage. Dad comes to help me and we pull the luggages into the house. Thankfully, dad shipped in the furniture ahead of time, so I am spared from sleeping on the floor. It's bright, mainly because dad pulled away the curtains before helping me. I look to my left and notice a door at the corner. I stare at it, trying to guess where it leads to.

As if reading my thoughts, dad answers "That is the office area. It's where I'll work on days I'm not in the office". He smiles and leads me to the living room on my right. I survey my surroundings again. The walls are painted a calm cream and turquoise, swirling into different shapes and design giving a lullaby effect. It's well prepared. The kitchen is on my left, an open archway beside the office area. It is in similar color except it is peppered with olive green instead. I turn back to the living room spotting familiar furniture. I am so glad dad chose to keep them, they contain memories. Good and bad.

There are two coaches and they are both cream matching the color my dad painted the house with. They have turquoise and olive green pillows though, not forgetting the aesthetic of the first floor. In front of them is a round marble coffee table with three wooden legs. It has been a part of our family since before I had the sense to think. On the floor is a turquoise and cream rug. Maybe it's my dad's favorite color now. I walk towards a couch, tracing my fingers on the intricate sewn line on the arm rest. Memories come flooding back. Dad said mum was the one who picked most of the furniture. The couch, the coffee table, the wooden dining table and matching chairs, framed pictures. Essentially, she styled our home, old and new. Dad got rid of most things about mum after their divorce. Her books, her clothes, his wedding ring. But he couldn't get rid of the furniture. It reminds him of the woman he fell in love with, the woman who loved style and decorating, the woman he wishes was still here. I don't mind, even though I feel like hurling everything that has so much as her imprint out the window. If I ask dad will certainly get rid of them but I can't do that to him. He should hold unto his love, I can't be more selfish than I already am.

But as much as they remind me of bad memories, they also remind me of good ones. Nights spent binge watching the Harry Potter series, nights spent watching romcom and tragedies. Eating ice-cream side by side, laughing, crying, goofing around. All on these couches. I look up at dad, his face crowded with sorrow and sadness but quickly replaced with a smile as he goes through the same thoughts I did.

"You get settled Lee. I'll take care of everything down here"

I nod and climb up the wooden stairs. I walk into a room on my left and as it doesn't have the balcony I saw before, I assume this is dad's room. It's empty save for a bed and a few boxes. It's painted teal and cream leaving a sense of comfort and I take in deep breath relaxing. I walk back out heading to the other door across the hallway and walk in. My room is a mixture of coral pink and lavender with a little cream here and there(seriously, what is with dad and cream?).  It brings out a Mediterranean feel, reminiscent of blooming flowers by the sea. Sure, calming. My bed is lined against the wall on my left with a door at it's end, my vanity dressing table lined on the right beside another door and large windows in between. I spot the balustrade beyond. Brimming with happiness I walk towards the windows and swing them outward. A cool breeze washes over my face as I inhale. I like open space though I experienced very little of it. I don't know how dad noticed but I am infinitely grateful. He pops his head into my room and smiles

"Like the balcony?"

"Thanks dad. How did you know I like open spaces?"

He tries to hide it but I can basically see the pride rolling off him "You're my daughter, of course I know" I laugh. "Well then, I'll be downstairs trying to organize the china wares. You settle down and come help me. You are helping" he fixes me with a stare like I always leave most of the work to him. I mean, sometimes but not always.

"Fine" He walks out and I turn my attention to the door beside my vanity. Opening it wide my face aches as a smile spreads across my face. It's a walk-in closet! I silent scream loudly and do a little dance. I turn to the other door, day dreaming of being a proud owner of not one, but two, dress closets. But opening the door I find an en suite bathroom. In my room. This time I squeal and clap turning in a circle like a child. I hear a low chuckle from downstairs and try to school my facial features but fail miserably as a grin spreads across my face. My face is going to sore tomorrow but I don't really care. My dad and I shared the same bathroom in Camador and to say it is...uncomfortable is a big understatement. Someone who is a neat freak and another who doesn't care about anything remotely 'neat' is a bad pair for sharing anything. Trust me.

I walk in and chuckle to myself as I notice the interior. The walls are cream. All cream this time. To my left is a long granite counter that stretches from my door to the other side of the wall. There is a big mirror hanging on the wall and a sink below it. Beside the mirror is a small cupboard for all my necessities. On my right is a shower with its surroundings encased in a rectangular box. It has a door that slides left to right. And in the middle is a typical toilet and a toilet paper holder on its lower right side. It's your typical bathroom but it seems magical to me because it is in my room. It is mine.

I exit the bathroom looking like a cheshire cat while taking my room in full stock. It's perfect and I think I'm gonna like it here. 

My smile disappeared as I bump into my luggage on the floor. I don't know when dad brought them in and I'm not particularly happy to see them. I groan. Coming here was the easy part. Unpacking and arranging is a curse. I'm sure most of you will agree.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

After arranging my room, I took a nice relaxing shower to ease some stress away. I made my way downstairs and helped dad organize the things left. After, he ordered pizza. Dad isn't too fond of cooking, and neither am I. A trait I am glad to have inherited. We each took a plate of pizza and went to the couch. I sigh as the bare skin on my legs make contact with the couch. Righ now, I'm wearing a white t-shirt and pink shorts, my typical 'night gown'. 

I took a bite of my pizza groaning in pleasure as the double cheese slice does wonders in my mouth. I glance at the tv and find dad watching the news. Boring. I turn my attention back to triangular goodness on my lap and anticipate my next bite. 

"You ready for school tomorrow Lee?" Dad asks without looking away from the tv. I gulp down the piece of pizza in my mouth and almost lose my appetite. Almost, what? The food did nothing. I take another bite of pizza and nod even though his eyes are still glued on the tv. If possible, I didn't want to have to think of school before tomorrow morning at least. I finish my slice and go to the kitchen for another and a cup of juice. As I rummage the fridge I feel like my belly is full of butterflies.

Suddenly I feel this nervousness, like I am waiting to meet someone for the first time and I'm worried about how they will perceive me. I mean, it's normal I guess but this feels a lot different from 'first-day-of-school' anxiety. The feeling of anticipation comes back and my trails back to the shadow in the forest I saw on our way here. What was that?

I sigh as my appetite disappears for good this time. I come out of the fridge and keep my plate in the dishwasher. I walked back to the living room and kissed dad on his cheek, my face feeling his rough stubble. "Good night" I murmur as I walk towards my room. I quickly rush to my bathroom and rinse my mouth with mouthwash. 

 I sigh and pounce on my bed, burying myself in my covers. I snuggle against my pillow as I wait for sleep to take over. My mind is running at high speed, giving images and ideas as to what my first day tomorrow might be like. As I sink into the world of dreams, I am stuck with a gut feeling that this town is might not be as it seems.