Chapter 5

After thirty-eight long hours from Wake Forest, North Carolina to Santa Monica, California we finally arrive at our new house late at night. The house looked beautiful lit up with its small fountain in the middle of the driveway central in front of the house and with small palm trees leading up towards the house.

The moving truck was leaving as we arrived, we honked our horns and waved as we passed each other. I pull up outside the house putting the car in park, grab all I need out of the car, and climb out to look at my new home as well as the surroundings. “Wow” is all I can say I’m totally lost for words. If the outside looks like this, I cannot wait to see out back and the interior design inside.

Walking up the steps to the open door, I catch my breath looking round the main hall. This house is unbelievable. The big open-plan kitchen diner to the left, the family room to the right with an office to the side, and a marble staircase that leads upstairs and down the hallway I can see the backyard so, I head in that direction.

Stepping outside it looks so beautiful in the lights lighting it up softly. The first thing that catches my eye is the pool, I can’t believe we have a pool. The closest thing to a pool we had in North Carolina was a swimming hole on the neighbor’s property.

Off to the side, I spotted the garden furniture thinking it would be nice sitting out here in the morning with some breakfast and enjoying the Californian sun. Walking back into the house I see all our boxes stacked up in every room and see our couch in the main room.

Good job Dad hired people to help us unpack otherwise this would take us forever to do. “I’m gonna head on upstairs to find my room and call it a night Dad I’m pretty tired.” As I ascend the stairs.

I hear Dad call out “I’m not far behind you sweetpea just locking up down here.” Finding my room on the first floor I see that my bed is already built, and my boxes are scattered around the open space. Putting down my things I brought in from the car I start to open some of the boxes to find what I need.

I take a quick shower in my en suite bathroom, once I’m dried after my shower, I get dressed into a purple tank top and green shorts, I climb into bed set an alarm, and text my friends that I am in Santa Monica safely. I snuggled into the sheets and was out like a light.

BEEP BEEP BEEP my alarm wakes me up at six thirty, ready to start my first day at my new school. Today I am starting Santa Monica High, Go Vikings.

I climb out of bed and find my best jeans that show off my curves, my cute butterfly halter neck top, my lucky boots, and matching jewelry. Descending the stairs, I can smell eggs and bacon with fresh coffee, and I know that Dad is awake. I’m also grateful knowing that he hasn’t burned the food like he has done in the past.

I head into the kitchen to make myself some coffee. Grabbing a mug from the open box of mugs “Morning Daddy did you sleep well?” I ask as I pour my drink from the coffee machine.

“Morning baby girl I slept well thank you it was much needed" he wraps his arm around me and gives me a gentle squeeze.

Taking a sip of my coffee I start to plate up my breakfast nodding in agreement “Yes Dad very much.” I take a bite out of my bacon “It was a great night’s sleep after driving to the other side of the country.”

Finishing off my breakfast I quickly rinse my mug, plate, and utensils then put them into the dishwasher. Walking over to Dad who is sat at the kitchen bar reading the morning newspaper I kiss his cheek “I’m off to school now Dad I’ll see you after” and I head for the door, picking up my school stuff, get to my car, drive down the driveway and once I’m out the gates I drive off to school.