Dreams or Reality

New House

Marley lasted a whole three hours before she finally crashed. I leaned my head against the window and watched the blurred trees as we zoomed down the road. I'm still sad about moving, but now since we're on the way to our new home, I can't help but to feel a little excited.

My butt is starting to go numb and my back aches from all the sitting. I sit up straighter when Dad pulls into a rest-stop. I take off my headphones and reach over to wake up Marley. I gently shake her until she stirs, then take off my seat belt and slide my feet back into my shoes. We get out of the truck and I stretch, listening to the satisfying sounds of my joints popping.

My dad grabs Marley by the hand and we make our way to the bathroom. Me and Marley head into the women's room and I wait until she locks herself in her stall before going into my own. I do my business and wash my hands before picking up Marley so she can reach the sink. After drying our hands, we go outside and see our dad waiting for us.

He and Marley head back to the truck while I make my way over to the vending machine with some money Dad gave me. I grab a bag of chips for me, M&Ms for Marley, and a soda for my dad. When I got back to the parking lot, Dad already had the truck cranked on. I open the door and disperse all the snacks.

"Thanks sweet pea." My Dad opens his drink while maneuvering the vehicle back onto the busy interstate.

"You're welcome, here Marley." I open her packet of candy and hand it to her. She smiles as a thank you and turns her head to look out the window.

"Are we there yet?" She swings her feet gently back and forth, munching on the chocolate.

"Yeah, how much longer? I'm going to have bed sores pretty soon." I open my bag of chips and pop the salty goodness into my mouth.

Dad chuckles, "About two more hours." Marley throws her head back and groans. I silently agree with her.

"It's not that bad, we'll be there before you know it." Dad smiles at us through the review mirror.

"You said that an hour ago." I give him a deadpan look.

"Daddy, that's a super duper long time." Marley swings her arms open to get her point across. I nod, taking her side.

"You know what? I think y'all are just spoiled." Marley gasps dramatically, putting her hand on her chest.

"Daddy! That's not very nice." She scolds him.

"Yeah, there is no 'y'all'" I make quotations in the air with my fingers. "If anyone is spoiled, it's Marley." I point my thumb at her and she whips her head towards me, scowling. I smile sheepishly at her and she sticks her tongue out.

"Alright, alright, y'all don't start now." Dad slowly shakes his head, but I don't miss the small smile on his face. The corners of my mouth tip up seeing it, it's been awhile since he showed any happiness. I mean, yeah, he's been incredibly strong for both me and Marley, but mom's disappearance took a toll on him.

***

Two and a half hours later, we finally pulled into our driveway. There's woods all around us, which isn't a big change, but I'm used to seeing some fields accompanying it - this is just one giant forest. I slightly gaped at the house. It's three stories and has a wrap-around porch. I eye the porch swing, knowing that I'll spend most of my time here lounging on it while reading my books.

We all get out the truck and follow Dad as he makes his way to the front door. He punches in the code on the padlock. It swings open and we all step inside. I'm pleasantly surprised with the open plan and hardwood floors. The ceilings are high and the lighting seems good.

To the left is a staircase and the right is the living room. There's no furniture except for a large TV, sitting above the mantle of a fireplace. Looking past the family room, my eyes trail over the huge kitchen. The backsplash is a white-grey color which matches the sage green cabinets. The windows above the sink give a glimpse of the medium sized yard and the massive trees that border it. On the other side are big french doors that lead out to the porch. Fairy lights line the wooden beams that hold up the balcony above it.

I make my way upstairs to the second floor. Dad said earlier that mine and Marley's room would be here, and his downstairs. I open the first door and Marley squeals, practically knocking me over to get inside the pink-painted room. She starts jumping around and I leave when she starts screaming again.

I walk further down the hall and on the opposite wall is a white door. I turned the handle and stepped inside. The walls are a beige color, which I'm glad for because it'll be easier to decorate. There’s two doors, one is a walk-in closet and the other is a bathroom. I walk across my room and pull back heavy curtains to reveal a balcony. I open the glass-french doors and step outside, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

I lean against the railing and stare at the luscious greenery. I close my eyes when a breeze blows my hair out of my face and a sweet smell reaches my nose. It's almost like balsam with a hint of spicy cinnamon - it reminds me of Christmas. My shoulders drop as all the tension in my body wears off.

I gasp and snap my eyes open when I hear a low growl. I scan the tree line but see nothing. Maybe I imagined it...Oh, who am I kidding, this is how people die in horror movies.