Settling In

My jaw is literally on the floor. Wow. Ok, that hurt just a little bit. Raven did tell me that the boys don't know and that it was a surprise, but still, it is wrong to make assumptions you know.

"What? Reed no! she is our new exchange student and her name is Kiara." Raven informs her son.

He did look a bit taken back, but he covers it up. He gives a stiff nod and runs upstairs.

"Ooh, I always wanted a sister." the smaller boy says. I smile. He reminds me of Keith.

"My name is Ryder. I am 13 years old." He tells me.

"My name is Kiara and I am 16 years old. I am going to be a junior in your school." I introduce myself.

He also gives me a nod and runs upstairs.

"I am so happy that you are here." Blake tells me. I smile at him.

"Freshen up Kiara, we will have dinner afterwards." Raven informs me. I give a quick nod, and Blake leads me to my room. It looks very beautiful. I have my own tv, there is a big queen-size bed. I love it. I freshen up and wear a hoodie and legging.

I go downstairs and see Raven cooking. She notices me standing there and tells me to go fetch the boys for dinner.

I go to Ryder's room and, I knock. The door opens after a second, and I tell him that dinner is ready. He nods and goes downstairs.

My heart is beating fast as I go towards Reed's room. Why am I nervous? he is just a boy.

'Yeah, but a boy who hates you and who looks hot.' my subconscious reminds me, I sigh. I knock on the door and go in when I hear a faint 'come in'. I find him lying on his bed, and my cheeks suddenly go pink at the sight because he is lying down only in his boxers.

He notices me and covers himself with his blanket. I cover my eyes and quickly turn away.

"What do you want?" you can hear the anger and hate in his voice.

"You... Your uh.. mom, yeah your mom uh.. told me that dinner is ready." I stutter but, manage to get the words out.

"You can leave now." he tells me. Nope, he commands me.

I dash out of the room and go downstairs.

Blake looks at me and raises an eyebrow.

"Is the temperature too hot for you?" he questions getting up to switch on the fan, “your cheeks look very pink.”

I bring my hands to my cheek and feel it all hot and pink. I quickly shake my head.

“Nope, I am good.” I say quietly, feeling embarrassed.

Ryder was smirking like he knew something. Clever boy.

We start eating dinner after Reed comes down, and it was silent until...

"So, Kia, I can call you Kia, right?" Raven asks. I simply nod, and she continues.

"Tell us about yourself," she asks with interest.

"Well, my name is Kiara summer Tennyson and my birthday is on 15 April. I love to listen to songs, and I love horror movies." I finish.

"You like horror movies?" Ryder questions. I nod.

"I love horror movies too," he tells me with a huge grin. Aww, he is adorable.

"Well, we can watch a horror movie together if you want?" I tell him, and he nods enthusiastically.

When dinner ends, I wish goodnight to everyone and go to my room. I facetime Keith and he answers on the second ring.

"Arahowareyouhowwasyourjourneydidyougetairsickdoyoulovethefamilydoyoulikeyounewroom?" he asks all these questions in one breath. I giggle, yup, this is my brother you all.

"Hey Kei I am fine, my journey was good, no I did not get airsick, yes I like the family, and I love my room," I tell him with a chuckle, he grins.

"So, you all settled in?" he inquires. I nod.

"I miss you Ara the house feels haunted without you." I smile.

"I miss you too Kei." he yawns.

"I completely forgot the time gap did I wake you up?" I ask.

"Nah it's fine, any way you go to sleep you must be tired."

"Ok, love you Kei. Goodnight." I wish him with a yawn.

"Love you too Ara. Goodnight." I end the call.

There is a knock on the door, and I ask the person to come in. Soon Raven pokes her head in. I sit up as she comes inside.

"I am going shopping for Christmas tomorrow you want to tag along?" She asks me.

"Yes, I would love to come." she gives me a nod and wishes night. My first night here in America. It was not bad. As I am alone in my room, it has finally sunk in that I am here. I am finally here in America.

I take the pillow and squeal loudly into it. Ella barks outside my door. Oops. I switch off the lights, lie down and, hug my pillow and start laughing.

I can’t wait to see what is in store for me. I'm going to make the most of my time here, and I don’t want to regret anything. Even though I was super tired, the excitement of finally being here kept me awake.

It will take some time for me to get fully comfortable since living here in the US is very different from India. 

I suddenly remember something. I get up and open my suitcase and take my diary out. I switch on the night lamp and take a seat on my bed. I put my password to open it and strike off the first thing on my bucket list.

Go to America.