Opposite Ways
~Prologue~
My grandmother used to tell me that there were two kinds of people in the world. The evil and the good. So which populates the most? Which is it? The question's been repeating itself in my mind. It is evil? Or is it good?
I've processed the thought for two years now. Since i was thirteen. And in that time i've seen a lot. Maybe too much. At least for a thirteen year old. I'm fifteen now and have chosen to attempt to leave my past behind me. But lately that plan has backfired on me. One saying can send the memories back flooding into my mind, sending me into the dark again. So, i've finally come to a conclusion that may work.~Chapter 1~
Finally, i get to use my own time to pack so i can get the hell out of Dallas, Texas. Don't get me wrong i love Dallas, its just that it holds extremly bad memories for me, and i think leaving would help me forget at least some of them. I'm going to live with my aunt up in Colorado. I love it there, its beautiful. I'm sure the mountains there will help me clear my heada and help get myself together. My Aunts the only one of my family members thats still alive. I've always been connected to her, the way i was to my grandmother.
There's not really anything i'll miss about Texas. Theres only one person i'm counting on missing. She's been my best friend since forever. Cori's stuck with me through some of my toughest times. And now here i was, leaving her behind. I knew she just wanted what was best for me. I also knew that she knew i was unhappy. I just wish she could come with me.
I sighed and stuffed what was left in my dresser in my third suit case. And ended up having to sit on it to close it. I walked to my bathroom and threw all of my make-up, jewlery, and hair products into a big bag. I looked up and stared at myself in the mirror. It seemed like my features never changed. Like i had looked this way two years ago. I always let my long black hair hang over my shoulders, my bangs hanging over my right eye and kept my make-up semi-light. I know, i don't sound like the typical Texas cowgirl and your right i'm not. But i sure do have the accent. which i know is going to be made funof in my new school in Colorado. But in some ways i think having the accent is better than having the accent and looking like a country girl. But thats just me. A lots changed me in the past, thus who i am today.
I took in some air, let my cheeks puff out and let my air go. I shut the light off, took one last look at my empty bathroom and turned to walk away dragging my bag with me. I set it down next to my suit cases and bags and plopped onto my coverless, sheetless, pillowless bed. My room was now empty except for my bed, dresser, and desk which would all be left here. Apparently my aunt had it all covered and already had my room set up.
I heard a car honk and looked out the window to see a yellow cab that sat in the driveway. I huffed and began dragging my suit cases down the stairs and out to the trunk of the cab. Once i got the last things out of my room i stared into the half empty room, sighed and turned the light off. I walked down the stairs and stopped when a short old lady with gray hair stepped in front of me. She had a few tears trickling down the side of her cheek. I gave her a faint smile and hugged her tightly. " I'll miss you so much, thank you for everything."
She sniffled and held my face in her hands and kissed my cheeks." Non, merci tu as aimable!" (No thank you, you were pleasant.) " J'adore tu tres beacoup!" (I love you very much!)
I smiled and hugged her one last time. I would miss her a lot. I took my smaller bag in my hand and wlaked out to the cab. My eyes wondered back to the women, my nanny. Because of her i was fluent in french. Although i will admit i sound funny speaking it because of my accent. I waved to her one last time and looked at the driver. " To the airport please."
The driver nodded and pulled easily out of the long curved driveway.
I stared out the window abscentmindedly, and right then i wished the driver would have taken a different route to the airport. We were passing everything i was saying goodbye to. My school, Cori's house, the football stadium, the supermarket where i used to work with my second family. It was all passing by me.
Suddenly. i felt like the drive to the airport was extremly short. I wanted to just turn around and go back in a circle to see everything again. But i knew i couldn't i would miss my flight, and i was still semi-excited to go to Colorado. I just didn't want to leave anything behind. I would take everything i had if i could. And i wanted to more than anything at this point.
I paid the cab driver and loaded my suit cases and bags onto a cart. The airport seemed so small from the outside, but once i was inside it seemed like it never ended. I took a deep breath and pushed the cart out in front of me. My ticket sat in the pocket of my jacket. I came to the first check in and unloaded the cart of my bags and onto a conveyer belt that took them away. I went through security and ended up having to go through it twice because of all the piercings in my left ear. I finally got through, found gate 28 and was right on time. There was a crowd in front of the doors that led to the plane. I followed behind, joining at the back of the group. I took a deep breath when the plane entered the runway, as soon as we were high in the air, my heart pounded with a sudden adrenaline rush and all i wanted to do was be off the plane back at home running around the football field.
I couldn't wait to get off the plane. I waited restless for the whole front half of the plane to load off. I had my jacket balled in my hand and my small bag in my other hand ready to dash off as soon as i got the chance. I was an extremly impatient person, and i knew for one that i needed to work on that.
Finally i got my chance and took off from my seat. Sure enough as soon as i got all of my suit cases and headed to the meeting area, a dark skinned women with a pure white smile, and a tall shaped body stood waiting. I smiled and quickled dashed towards her. " Aunt Judy!'
She looked around meeting my eyes and smled. I pushed my cart and luggage to the side and ran into her arms glad to see her.
She laughed as she hugged me and rubbed my back. " I'm so glad your finally here Ellie."
I smiled. " Yeah me too."
She pulled back and looked at my cart. " Did you bring enough stuff?" she laughed.
I shrugged. " I tried not to bring everything."
She laughed and put one of her arms around my shoulders and walked with me as i pushed the cart. I barely came up to her shoulders. " Gawd, i missed your accent."
I laughed. " You'll be sick of it by next week."
She made a funny face. " I'm sure i won't"
We came to her SUV and she opened the back. " Guess it's a good thing i brought this car huh."
I nodded. But even with the SUV some of my stuff had to sit in the back seat.
The first ten minutes in the car were quiet until my aunt cleared her throat. " So... how have you been?"
I barely heard her, i lost myself in the beauty of the mountains
She waved her hand in front of my face.
I shook my head and looked at her with a confused expression. " Huh?"
" How have you been?"
" I've been...okay i guess." i said hesitating. My heart pounded as memories already started to flood my mind. I shrugged. " Anyhow, how bout yourself?"
She grinned a bit keeping her eyes on the road.
" I've been great. Randy moved in a few months ago, he helped me get your room settled last week. I'm sure you'll love it."
I tore my gaze away from the mountains to look at her. " I'm sure i will, you've always known what i like." i smiled.
We passed a few places i knew from coming here before. Like Cottonwood Park, Garden of the Gods, my grand-mothers old office, the skate park. All the places brought back good memories... for once.
I unbuckled my seatbelt when we pulled up into the driveway of my aunts house. Home sweet home. At least thats how it would hopefully be for the next three years when i'm old enough to live on my own.
My aunt got out and i followed behind taking a good stretch. The stretch didn't last very long as Randy came running out to hug me. I jumped from the suprise. He patted my back still hugging me. " Hey kiddo, so glad your finally here."
" Yeah...me too." i chocked out trying to breathe.
" Hunny ease up and let her breathe."
Thanks Judy I thought as Randy let go of me with a cheesy smiled. " Sorry kiddo."
Akward silence.
I rocked back on my heels, my hands in my pockets, mey eyes wandering down to the ground.
Randy cleared his throat(a habit he obviously got from my aunt) " So let's get you settled eh."
I nodded. He was nice, been with my aunt for at least two years. I never really noticed his features before though. He was tall, muscular, dark skinned and had chocolate eyes.
He grabbed two of my biggest suit cases, while my aunt took the two smaller ones. I grabbed my last suit case and my two smaller bags and followed them into the house.
I felt like i was smacked in the face with a scented candle. Immediatly my nose was filled with the smell of cinnamon. Nothing like home at all which was a good thing. I let the scent fill my lungs, enhaling deeply. Not only was the scent great, but it matched the warm tone that most of the house was in. I lugged my bags up the stairs and halted at the top almost running into my aunt.
Randy had his hand on the door knob of a door and was smiling. " Well Ellie, what do you think of your room?" he turned the knob and pushed the door open. he stepped out of the way while i walked forward.
My aunt knew me well. A bright blue filled the walls of the room, with lime green circle accents. The bed covers were the opposite of the walls, lime green with bright blue polka dots. The white bed and white dresser took up the whole side of the room while the desk and a love seat took up the other. It had a walk an attached bathroom and a walk in closet.
My mouth dropped open at the sight of the room. I finally closed it and smiled. Walking in i sat my bags on the bed and took a tour of the room.
Judy and Randy walked in behind me putting the rest of the suit cases to the side. " So what do you think?" Judy asked following me to the couch.
" I, I love it, it's amazin." i said heavy with my accent.
They both laughed while Randy patted my back. " Glad you like it."
Judy smiled and held onto his arm. " Well, we'll leave you to unpack, dinner will be around 6:30"
I smiled and nodded.
They both left the room closing the door behind them.
I took another look around my new room before dumping out one of my bags in the bathroom, and putting everything i had packed before neatly away. I was surprised at how much more space i had here. It was nice. Even with the things i brought, i still had plenty of room to add more clothes.
The dining table was already set and the food was sitting in bowls and on plates in the center. Judy smiled and motioned for me to sit in the chair near the corner.
Randy ate his fried chicken, attacking it. My plate was filled with the chicken, greens and beans. I stuffed myself without a second thought. Judy slowly picked at her food.
We were all finished by 7:15. Judy and Randy were winding down while i went on a walk outside in the cool air. The sun was setting behind the mountains making the sky turn all different shades of color.
I walked slowly down the block taking in my surroundings. I stared down at the sidewalk analyzing the colored rocks, the tuffs of grass coming up out of the cracks and the small ants moving quickly towards the holes. I saw a shadow form in front of me and at first i thought it was mine. But when i looked up i saw a boy, much taller than i was. His hair dirty blond and shaggy and light blue eyes. He seemed...familiar. I stared into his eyes as he stared into mine.
" Ellie?" he asked unsure. His voice was smooth like velvet. I knew i recognized it.
"Jason?"
He smiled. " Ellie! It's you!" he scooped me up into a tight hug making me quickly lose my breath.
But i went along with it and held my arms tightly around his neck. Of course though i had no choice. Since he picked me up, my feet didn't touch the ground. I was just danglin like a rag doll. But danglin happy.
He set me down and took a look at me. " I see you haven't grown much."
I frowned. " Guess i can't say the same for you gigantor." I grinned.
He laughed. " You sure can't. What are you doing here?"
I rubbed my left arm lightly. " I, uh just moved here."
His eyebrows raised high underneath his bangs. " Really?"
I nodded. " Yeah, i just moved in with my aunt."
" Well that's great!" he smiled. " So what made you move here then?"
" I, uh just thought it was time that i actually stayed with my family for awhile."
His smile faded a bit. " Oh yeah, how's your nanny?"
" She's okay."
" How are you?" he asked with a slight hesitation.
I looked down and shrugged. " I guess i'm okay."
He took his thumb and pointer finger under my chin and made me look up at him. " Come on, you know you can tell me more than that."
" I know," i tried to smile lightly. " Maybe later." I took a deep breath. " I came here to distance myself from what happened. I just need some time before i think or ever talk about it."
He nodded. " I understand." he smiled. " For what its worth, i'm glad you here."
" Me too."
" So what are you doing out here?"
I made a face. " You have a lot of questions."
He shrugged. " I'm just curious."
I laughed. " Well if you must know i was just taking a walk."
" You mind if i join you then?"
" I don't see why not though i was heading the opposite way of you."
He turned himself so he was at my left side and put his arm around my shoulders. " No problem."
We started walking. And for once, in the few hours i was here, i didn't feel awkward. I looked up at him a few times. He was handsome. How could this possibly be happening to me? What was i thinking?
We came to the neighborhood park and i already started heading towards the swings. I sat down in one and Jason stood behind me and started pulling back the swing. " So, what school are you planning on going to?"
I shrugged and let the wind blow through my hair. " I'm not sure, i think Liberty."
He stopped the swing and i looked up at him. He had a strange smile on his face.
" What?"
" Thats where i go."
" Good then i'll actually have a friend there." I twanged.
He laughed and started pushing the swing again. " You sure will." he said mocking my accent.
I stuck my tongue out at him and jumped off the swing when it was high enough. I laughed when i slipped and fell into the rocks. I sat there laughing not even bothering to get up.
Jason rushed over and kneeled in front of me. " Are you okay?" he took my hands in his and scanned over them making sure there were no scrapes.
I laughed even more at his worried expression. " Yes, yes i'm fine."
He pulled me up off the ground.
I dusted myself off and smiled. " Really i'm fine calm down."
He stared at me his eyes wandering to my elbow. He sighed. " no your not."
" Huh?"
He took my arm gently in his hands and turned my arm a bit to look at my elbow more clearly.
I looked at it, a cut ran around the bone part of my elbow. " Good lord." i muttered. " Well, it dosen't hurt." I paused. " That much."
He shook his head. " Same old Ellie. Come on we better go gt you cleaned up."
I rolled my eyes. " Good lord."
He took my hand and pulled me with him back to my aunts house.
" I really am fine. Its just a tiny cut." i tried to asure him as we came into the house.
Judy looked at me, " What happened?"
" Clutz over here got a war wound." Jason said before i could say anything.
" I'm fine!" i protested.
Judy shook her head. " I'll get the first aid kit."
I sighed as Jason sat me down in the chair.
He wetted some wash cloths and cleaned off the cut.
I stared at him almost glaring.
When he looked up at me he smiled like he was proud of himself.
Judy came back and set the kit on the table. " So how are ya Jason?" pulling up a chair to sit beside me.
He opened the kit and pulled out a bottle and some cotton balls. " I've been good for the most part. How bout yourself? " he asked as he began wiping the cut.
I flinched at the stinging but was obviously out of the conversation.
Judy handed him a bandage. " I've been fantastic."
He smiled and taped the bandage to my arm. " Thats good."
My foot started tapping impatiently. " Well if ya'll are done now."
" You so impatient." he said handing the kit back to Judy.
She laughed as she walked away.
" I'm really okay." i said stretching my arm out.
" Well now you are."
I rolled my eyes. " Good lord i've been with you for not even an hour and you've already had to bandage me up."
He laughed. " Don't worry, by the end of the week you'll be covered in em."
" Your probably right."
He stood up pulling me with him into a hug. " I better get going, i'll see ya tomorrow?"
I nodded, inhaling his toxic sweet scent.
He smiled and pulled my head up to look at him. " You still got my number right?"
I smiled and nodded.
" Good, txt me."
He pulled away and waved as he went out the door.
I closed it behind him and leaned against the back of the door. My heart pounding in my ears. It was amazing at how mature and romantic he was. He certainly wasn't like like three years ago. Amazing how time can change a person... I thought about it until Judy came around the corner and stared at me with a confused look.
" You okay?" she asked walking closer.
I stood up straight. " Yeah, yeah I'm great." i started walking towards the stairs. " Well night." i said abruptly and bounded up the stairs into my room. I sat on my bed and stared out the window. The sun was gone, the moon taking its place the stars filling the sky.
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