In One Year

Lake House

It took another two hours and I finally figured out we are in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. I had to admit the drive up was beautiful and the lakes were gorgeous, but I could not help but feel even more anxious about everything. I wanted this to work out for my dad but at the same time I do not know what to think about everything. Was I ready to have another adult telling me what to do? Am I even ready for a sibling??? Gah, its all too much right now. Mostly I just want to get out of this car and take a nap in a bed. I do not travel well.

Pulling up the long driveway I could only describe what would be a mansion cabin in the woods. The house was massive taking two stories and what had to have at least 6 bedrooms. There was an insane number of windows and…. two garages? I cannot believe it; this is not a house it is almost as big as a small hotel!

              Turning to dad I could not even form words, I knew his girlfriend was rich, but I mean damn.

“Don’t give me that look, you are the one who insists camping is a primitive past time. See a house with A.C. you will love it. Come on” he laughs and gets out of the car. All I can do is hurry after him.

“You said a house, not a mansion, but yeah if this is where we are staying, I can be down with this for a week.” Taking a quick stretch, I adjust my shorts from sitting so long and make my way towards the bags he is pulling out of the trunk.

“OMG, YOU ARE HERE!!!” I hear a woman shriek and turn to find Christine. “I am so glad you both could make it I was beginning to worry it was taking to long.” She says as she bounds toward us.

“Sorry, this one is a rough waker, and we hit a bit of traffic up.” My dad states pulling her in for a kiss. “Not to worry and see we made It before noon, plenty of time to settle in and get on the water before Dinner.”

              Hearing this I immediately stop, I completely forgot, I was so preoccupied with the up coming proposal that I forgot part of the attraction of a lake house is the lake. “Out on the water? I totally forgot a swimsuit at home since this was a surprise. He didn’t tell me where we were going until four hours in.”

“Oh honey, that is perfectly fine we will just get you both settled in and you and I can go through my closet for something today. Tomorrow we can take the car into town and find you a couple of swimsuits. We can make a day of it, just us girls!” She practically started glowing at the thought. All I could feel was fear. “Oh no, it’s okay I can just read a book by the lake or go for walks. I am not super into the water anyways. I will remember it for next time. We are only here for one week anyways.”

“Hush, I will not hear of you missing out on all the fun. It really is no Hassell.” She said as she pulled me in for a hug. I was too embarrassed to tell her I could not swim and could only nod. I really did not want to ruin her excitement. “Uh, thanks Christine. I would love that.”

“I am so happy you are here. I want to get to know you more! But that can wait first come with me and let’s get you settled in.” Picking up my duffle bag she takes my hand and pulls me into the house the only thing I could do is sigh. Looking back at dad, he looked proud and happy to see her and I getting along. Well, if pretending meant he was happy I could look up on YouTube how to at least doggie paddle. I mean how hard can swimming really be?

As she led me into the front door, I could have sworn I saw some movement in one of the upper windows. Looking again it is not there anymore…. weird. This will be an interesting week.

Jaiden

              Watching my mom and her boyfriend’s daughter walk up the steps I took in her slight features and dark brown hair. “Ivy” her name suits her. Making my way to the stairs I make may way down to meet her. For some reason I needed to get closer. To see her. This was going to be an interesting week.