Give or take a few good books.

I love reading. I can spend a whole day glued to a good book but it takes a lot for me to absolutely love a book. So far my favorite books are the twilight series. It has action, suspense, amazing characters, a twisted plot and a strong romance. I just finished the last book of the series, breaking dawn, and I found myself with a range of emotions. I had become very attached to all of the characters so I was sad for the end but the way Meyer finished off the book was perfect.

After finishing this series I had to create of list for what books I wanted to read next. Of coarse after reading the twilight series I wanted to read Meyer’s other book the host. I also constructed a list of many other books like: 

the catcher in the rye, a confederacy of dunces, one flew over the cuckoo’s nest, the notebook, a message in a bottle, animal farm, wuthering heights, gone with the wind and to kill a mocking bird.

I went to the library today so I wouldn’t have to beg my parents for money to buy MORE books. But the library either didn’t have the books or they were already out. I reserved the ones I could and I was able to find one flew over the cuckoo’s nest and a confederacy of dunces.  I started reading a confederacy of dunces but was not pleased. The book was written in the mid-sixties and the humor was dull for my time. So I decided to leave that book out of my list and moved onto one flew over the cuckoo’s nest. I am only on the third chapter but I am very pleased with this book. The humor of McMurphy is witty and uplifting from the mood of the book. 

I do need more books to add to my list so I hope someone can suggest some good books. 

Part 4 & 5

    

Part Four

My room was complete. Everything was neatly placed in either a cupboard or on a shelf. It didn’t look as dark and depressing as it did without my junk piled in it. I was pleased with how my new home was ending up when my mother came through my door. “Oh Lex see I told you that you would like this place after a while!” She exclaimed in an extremely happy way. I hated when my mom said I told you so, mostly because she never was right. I always made the changes so she would get off my case.  I rolled my eyes at her and went to the kitchen. She followed.

 

“Want me to make you grilled cheese?” She asked as I placed my hand on the fridge door. I didn’t reply. It was nice of her to offer me lunch, she rarely did. But something was up. Her usual voice was tainted by a hue of guilt. I opened the fridge and took out a pitcher of lemonade. “I’m going out for lunch.” I lied. I wanted to get out of the house before I found out why her voice was in a slight tremble. I poured a large glass of lemonade and gulped it down. Tabitha stood there looking at me. Her eyes were fixed to my eyes but her gaze made it seem like she was staring past me. I finished my juice and placed the glass in the dishwasher. I turned around and she was gone. This place was already eating into the mind of my mother. Fun, I thought. Tabitha was a huge drama queen and every little thing sets her off so I just dismissed her odd behavior. One of our boxes of crystal glasses was probably missing so all hell was breaking lose inside her head. I snatched my Ipod from my room and left the house.

I walked down the road staring at all the little houses; they looked warmer in the daytime. Small voices trailed threw my head. They were almost like whispers roaming threw the trees. Everyone had the same dull feeling to them. I hate this. Why was everyone so weird? Except Trevor of coarse, he was nice and friendly and he sits on roofs like me. I continued scanning the people in the houses. Every time I would move to another house the feelings would hardly change. These people are like robots, I thought. I decided to explore the town instead of just this dull neighborhood. I crossed the road to what seemed to be downtown. At least I was close to shopping.

As soon as I crossed the road it felt as if a giant weight had been lifted off of me. The air seemed to get warmer and breathing became easier. I didn’t understand what just happened. I scanned the people in the store. They were much different. Their thoughts were happy and up beat. Their minds were easier to read and came in a lot clearer. No one had any walls up. This was weird. How could the people be so different outside of my new neighborhood? Something is severely messed up here. I continued to walk down the stretch of stores and small apartments. I would come across the odd person who was depressed and guarded, but I would soon scan them enough to find that they were too from the Groves. Well at least the whole town wasn’t screwed up, just my neighbors were.

I passed a few nice clothes stores that I would visit later. I approached what looked like town square. There was a statue of an older man with a beard and an old coat that looked like something that Captain Crunch would wear. I read the inscription that was etched into the base of the statue. To our founding father and protector of Manas. I re-read the inscription. What were Manas? I was curious but I knew I couldn’t do anything about it right now. I looked up from the statue and surveyed the square. It was all based around the statue of Captain Crunch guy.

There was a small park with a playground for kids and some water fountains and benches. You could see the tips of the tall tree’s that lined the back of my neighborhood and surrounded the town. The only place that was not surrounded by the dark trees was the far south that was on the outskirts and headed towards the countryside. I decided to head back home and do some research on these Manas.

I walked back into the Groves. Nothing changed in the past hour. As soon as I stepped past the wooden sign that marked the neighborhood the air changed back to cold and heavy. I headed towards my house when I saw Trevor pulling into his driveway. He didn’t notice me so I continued walking past his house. “I don’t get a hello?” A voice said playfully. I couldn’t help but smile. I turned towards him and waved. He was wearing a navy blue sweater that hugged his arms showing off his muscle. He looked very good. I decided I wouldn’t scan his mind, save that for when he’s not around. “I hate going into town, it’s always warm there but freezing in here.” He said trying to start up a conversation. “As weird as it sounds, I never know what to wear.” He half laughed and added a slight wink. I lost myself staring into his olive eyes.

They were so perfect it was hard to not stare into them. “I found the same.” I stated trying to contribute to his struggle to start a conversation. “I was just walking around downtown and noticed the same. I found it really odd.” He looked at me as if he was taking in my face. We were silent for about a minute both just staring at each other. Usually this would be very uncomfortable but something about the way his eyes were set made me feel at ease. “So I was at Town Square and I saw that statue of the guy that looked like Captain Crunch.” I was cut off by his laughing at my Captain Crunch comment. After he settled I continued. “I read the inscription and it said protector from Manas. What are those?” I figured he would know since he lived here for a while.

The warmth in his eyes fizzled away. Shit. I didn’t want him mad at me. Maybe this was a touchy subject for people here. “A long time ago when the town first started there were these people that had these powers to do things with their minds, they did some horrible things and thanks to Mr. Crunch who’s actual name was Samuel Grotchet, they were stopped.” He said all this fast and even toned. I don’t think he wanted to talk about this but I needed to know more. “Oh…” I trailed off; he knew I wanted to know more. His eyes turned warm again. “Look this is a shameful memory for the town and many people will be insulted if you bring this up, but I’ll answer all of your questions.” He came closer to me. “Okay curious George?” He asked in a flirtatious way. I stared into his big green eyes and melted, I was putty in his hands. “Okay!” I smiled.

He backed away from me and looked towards his house. “You want to come in so we can talk more privately?” He asked in a deep hypnotizing manor. I followed him into the house. No one was there except us, which was a bit awkward yet I was quite happy about it. The walls were dark colours just like mine and it was neatly decorated. As I took all of this in a herd the door shut and lock tightly.

 

Part Five

 I turned around a bit startled from the loud noise the door made. Trevor snickered at my nervousness. “I’m not going to bite.” He laughed. I glared back at him. He walked past me towards the kitchen and I followed. The kitchen was half dark purple and half vibrant lime green. The green was being painted over the purple. “My mom didn’t like the dark colours so she’s slowly painting it brighter.” He said so I wouldn’t be puzzled. He opened the fridge and took out a pitcher of fruit punch and poured us two glasses. He led me to the living room and motioned for me to sit on the big white couch.

 

I crashed down into the marshmallow like couch. Trevor sat beside me and handed me my glass of fruit punch. I sipped hastily; my throat was dry from being nervous. He watched me drink and offered me his glass after I gulped mine down. I accepted to avoid confrontation; his eyes were warm and I wanted them to stay that way. “Want me to start from the beginning?” He asked. I nodded unable to find my words at this moment. “Manas are people with mind powers. They are people who somehow are able to read, control and inhibit others minds. Long ago when people like this existed they used their powers to dominate over regular people. They killed and tortured their minds for money, property and just sheer fun. Samuel got the people together secretly without the Manas knowing and captured them.” His eyes fixated on me as he spoke and he didn’t skipped a beat to think.

It was like he had this rehearsed. Was he lying to me? I quickly scanned his mind to check. He wasn’t. “That horrible that someone would use their ability against people like that, what happened to them, jail or something?” I asked simply. Trevor looked at me, his eyes kind of dropped. I don’t think he wanted me to ask this. “What they did was so horrible, I skipped the details.” He looked at me searching me to see if I still wanted to hear their conviction. “They were burned where that statue stands today.” He sighed and looked down. The hairs on my arms stood up. That would have been me if I lived here back then, I thought. I didn’t notice but my mouth hung open. I felt like I was about to be sick. I gulped and managed to get out another question. “What about the ones who still exist, the ones who weren’t bad?” My voice quivered. His eyes joined mine again, they weren’t hard or soft; they were sad. “All of them were corrupted and screwed up, they were all killed.” He answered while still looking into my eyes.

Anger started to burn up in me. We still do exist and we aren’t all bad. “How do you know? What if someone hid their gift?” I challenged him in my anger. “His eyes turned hard and his voice became deep with annoyance. “It’s not a gift it’s a curse!” He illuminated his voice. This made me angrier. How the hell would he know what it’s like having a gift? The gift made you special not a horrible person! My eyes started to well up with tears. He was acting like he wanted me dead. I know he didn’t know about my gift but if he did he would hate me. I never used it for anything bad. He could tell I was very upset by his last comment. “If the people didn’t use their power for anything bad I guess there is no problem.” He said softly trying to make me feel better. My lip started to shake and twitch. “What would have happened to them if someone knew?” I asked in a wavy voice. I was trying hard not to cry.

 Trevor looked back down at his lap then lifted his head to stare into my eyes. “They would have been burned too, just incase.” He said almost in a whisper. He didn’t want me upset and I felt bad so I tried as hard as I could to not show I was hurt. “Like I said, the town isn’t proud of it, they did what they had to do.” He spoke more manly now. He wanted the conversation to change. I kept my head down; I was still trying to control my emotions. I felt his arms go around me to comfort me. “I know it’s horrible and sad, but it was a long time ago.” He said softly into my left ear. He lifted my chin with his hand and held my gaze.

He was so attractive and his eyes penetrated mine. I could feel his arm tighten around me as he pulled me in. His lips pressed tightly against mine for a few seconds, I could hardly register what was happening. It all went so fast; I wish time could of just stopped. He pulled away slowly making me want more. He half smiled at me and I beamed back at him. It was like I forgot everything about the Manas. “Sorry if that was a bad time to kiss you.” He apologized and looked down. “You just looked so beautiful and I couldn’t help myself, I’ve been wanting to do that for a while.” He said grinning. I was still in a daze replaying everything that had just happened so I didn’t reply.

I broke out of my daydream when he started laughing. “What?” I snapped. He smiled his perfect smile at me. “You were just kind of sitting there staring off into space, I could just guess what was going through your head.” He laughed. I glared at him. He thinks he knows whats going threw my head? Time to have some fun I thought. “Oh yeah?” I smiled back at him. “Let me guess whats going threw your head!” I challenged. He laughed again. “Shoot!” He exclaimed in a playful way. I scanned his thoughts quickly. “You are thinking about my eyes.” I said softly while giving him a small smile. I found it sweet that he was trying to find all the different colours in my eyes. “You’re good.” He said. “But that was easy, your eyes are so amazing that anyone would be thinking about them while looking at you.” He grinned thinking he just said an amazing line, even thought it was poorly written. I smiled back at him so he wouldn’t feel bad.

My eyes darted around the room trying to find a clock. There was a small digital radio that was sitting on a table across the room. It was four thirty. I should be going home before my parents start thinking I ran away. “I should go.” I said disappointed. “I just said I was going for a walk and I don’t want them to be worried.” I was sad. I didn’t want to leave him. I wanted his arms around me forever. “Yeah I don’t want your parents thinking I’m stealing you away.” He winked. My stomach jumped. I stood up and stretched. Trevor just watched me with a smile on his face. I think the kiss made him happier than me, if that’s possible.

I started to walk towards the door when I felt his hand grab mine. He put his other hand on my waist and pulled me in. He held me tightly and kissed me tenderly again. I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. “I wish I didn’t have to let you go.” He admitted. I felt like saying then don’t but I didn’t want to go too far. I continued to stare at his perfect face when he pressed his lips to mine for a third time. He then released his grip on me and reached behind me and opened the door. “Don’t be a stranger neighbor!” He smiled and winked at me. I usually hated cheesy lines like that but it was cute on him. I turned and walked out of the house. I floated home and up to my bedroom.

Novel-Part 3

   

 

            I whipped open the front door and hummed a happy tune down my driveway. I turned to my left and walked down the sidewalk. When I turned I could see Trevor already half way to my house. I scanned his thoughts; he thought I looked pretty in black. As I became closer to him I could see his characteristics more carefully. His arms were big and full of muscle and every part of him was perfectly tanned. His jet-black hair was shaggy yet not messy looking. As he became talking distance I could see his eyes. They were olive green just like my room and the forest. His eyes amazed me. Even though I absolutely hated that colour in every way, his eyes made it seem warm and friendly.

“It’s nice to see you up close!” Trevor smiled. His smile was even brighter up close. His teeth were perfectly straight and when he bared them you couldn’t help but smile back. I was not disappointed that my neighbor looked like he was a Greek God but I had a tendency to be nervous in front of good-looking boys. I gave a weak smile back. “It’s nice to know I have a neighbor who is around my age, I didn’t know what to expect out of this place.” His smile dropped a bit. His eyes became seriously set and darker. “How do you like it so far?” Trevor questioned in a more demanding way then friendly. I wasn’t sure what to answer; I didn’t want to disappoint him. Or anger him. “I don’t know.” I lied. “I mean everything seems so in place and perfect, it’s very different from back home, I don’t know if I will fit in.” I answered in a shy sheepish volume. He studied my face for a few seconds and I took the moment of silence to read his thoughts. He wasn’t angry, he agreed with me. A feeling of relief came over me with this information. “Yeah, everyone is very proper in this place.” He laughed. “People frown upon me and my Mom since we live alone, and I sit of roof tops.” He winked at me after his last comment and my tummy flipped a little. I giggled and stared deep into his eyes. I lost my thoughts while studying the different shades of green his eyes held.

My mother used to yell at me when I was young for daydreaming but I always rubbed her off. I should have listened to her so I wouldn’t have been this embarrassed. Just when I lost myself a newspaper came flying through the air and hit me across my face. I turned beet red. Trevor laughed then turned to the paperboy. “Hey kid, don’t harass the new neighbor!”  He yelled in an angry tone but the young kid on the bike new he was joking around. He turned back to me and smiled. “Are you okay?” He said and touched the side of my face where the paper collided. I got more flips from the physical contact. “Yeah I’m used to having papers thrown at my face it’s fine.” I half laughed nervously while answering. We both smiled at each other then there was an awkward silence. “Well my mom needs me to go get the dry cleaning so I have to go, I’ll see you later?” He announced while turning away. “Yeah, roof top later tonight?” I giggled at him. He grinned at that comment. “Say ten thirty?” He winked at me then started walking away.

 I stood there for a moment wanting to focus on his thoughts but knew I’d look crazy. I half skipped half ran back to my house and up to my room. I flopped myself down onto my bed and began to focus on Trevor’s mind. I was able to hush out all other noises so I could clearly intertwine myself to his thoughts. I hoped they would be about me. I was disappointed. He was focused on driving now but flashes of myself ran through them. I knew he thought I was good looking but I also impressed him with my wit and charm. I laughed, I have wit and charm. Boys weren’t usually into me since my special gift. Maybe I could keep it a secret. I could avoid all the explanations and questions that people would have. I could be normal. Maybe living here wouldn’t be so horrible. At least being neighbors with Trevor wouldn’t be so bad. I started to unpack the boxes that were collecting dust at the corner of my room.

 

Novel-Part 2

 

 

            I awoke to my room being darker than ever. My only window faced the back of the house, towards the forest. I pealed the curtains to each side and peered through the pains of glass. I could look out into two of my neighbor’s yards; both yards had a hammock, barbeque and a pool. No one seemed to be home, it was a Sunday so I could safely bet that they were at church. The forest seemed to loom over the backs of all the houses. I examined the dark trees. They were all mostly oak or pine. The trees only had a few leaves on them, which was very odd for the beginning of summer. This whole town was odd. The left my room and went back down to the kitchen. As I approached I could hear the ripping of cellophane and the small mumbles of my mother and father. I walked into the large sunlit room and starred at my parents in amusement. The kitchen was almost all unpacked. One normal room down, the rest of the house to go. My room would be the last to be fully furnished. My mother was unloading the last box full of china plates and crystal glasses. My father looked up from a business document he was overlooking while enjoying his fifth cup of coffee. “Good morning!” He sang cheerfully. I eyed him coolly. Did they honestly think if I slept in this house for one night it would change my opinion? I walked over to the fridge that was not there last night. It was stalked with quick fix meals and jugs of juice. I grabbed the pitcher full of apple juice. My favourite drink conveniently placed at the front of the fridge. I searched through the cupboards until I found the one containing the glasses. I poured myself a huge glass of the juice and gurgled it down in half a minute. I looked at both of my parents after draining my glass. Both of them were starring back. “What?” I asked in an unappeased tone. “Nothing, just admiring your bed head.” My mother replied in an equal tone. I cocked one of my eyebrows I knew something was up. “Seriously what’s your issue now?” I snapped. I was rarely outwardly rude to my parents so they picked up on my anger. “You will like this place eventually, we just hope you realize this!” My mother answered in an irritated manor. I left the kitchen before I started to yell. I could feel tears swelling up in the backs of my eyes. They just don’t understand or care how hard this is for me. Leaving everything behind. I stomped up the stairs back into my dark room. I shut my door quickly and hard, but kept it quiet; I wasn’t in the mood for quarreling about already breaking something. I ripped open my box labeled in big black letters clothes. I pulled out a pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. I stormed my way to the bathroom and started up the shower. The water rushed down like a waterfall, at least it wasn’t green like I half expected. I noticed my mother must have placed my soap and shampoo in one of her boxes since they were already in their place. After I lathered away all my night sweats I pulled on my clothes. My hair was mangy and wet, not to mention knotted. I groaned. I’d have to unpack my toiletries I suppose. I thumped back to my room and located my bathroom boxes. I ripped it open after a short struggle and grabbed my hair dryer, straightener and brushes. I threw the other box and the remainder of the open box in the sink cupboard. I guess I would have to unpack a few things unless I wanted to be the new eccentric girl. I looked into the mirror and saw my reflection staring back at me. My honey blonde hair was curling and going frizzy. I moved closer to the mirror. The pupils in my eyes shrunk from the light above the mirror. My eyes were my favourite part about myself. They were porcelain blue with a dark ring of navy on the outside and a shady yellow ring around my pupil. No eyes were like mine. I moved away from the mirror and started to yank at my hair. When I finally untangled the mess I dried it and then straightened it. It looked fine. Right now I wasn’t concerned of my looks. I went back into my bedroom and stood there for a moment thinking of what I should do next. I didn’t feel like sitting on the computer for the rest of the day and my room sucked out all my creativity. I would normally go downstairs and find something to do there but I didn’t want to see my parents. As much as I hated this dark mossy room, these walls will see and hear more of me than anywhere or one else. I opened my window and crawled out onto the roof. The sun was just tipping over the houses leaving me in the shade still. I looked up at the sky. No clouds, how surprising. As I was mocking the idea of this being the perfect neighborhood I was interrupted by the melody of a guitar. I traced the music to my far left. There he was, my guitar angel four houses down from mine sitting on the edge of the house’s roof, strumming. A smile hit my mouth immediately. I felt foolish to get butterflies from a boy a new nothing about, but he was an amazing musician. I watched him for about five minutes until he looked my way. The music stopped. Oh god I probably look like such a stalker. I looked away instinctively, acting as if I wasn’t just gawking at him. “I thought I was the only one in this place that sat on roof tops.” The boy said in a playful manor. I looked back at him. His smile was bright and his shaggy black hair ruffled in the cool breeze. I smiled back. “I really hate my room, it’s so dark!” I said in a matter of fact way. “It’s nice to have someone to look at.” He spoke fluently. “Especially someone who is so appealing to the eye.” I thought he winked but that was most likely my imagination and hope. He didn’t use the vocabulary of a teenage boy, which mad me wonder how old he might actually be. Which made me sad to think that I might be into an old man. I started to sift through the voices I could hear trying to find his train of thought. “I’m Trevor by the way.” He said in a stressed tone. I was silent for a while, which probably made him think I was creeped out by his compliment. I smiled warmly to try and relax him. “I’m Lexi, I just moved here from Australia.” I announced trying to make a conversation. The boy studied me for a bit and I studied his thoughts. He didn’t understand why I would move from a place so far away to here. I also sifted enough to find out that he was seventeen. “He Lexi, I’m much better for conversation off of roof tops, I’m not too used to this. Why don’t we meet on the ground?” He smiled a crooked smile towards me. I couldn’t help but smile back. “See you in five!” I yelled a bit louder to emphasize that I agreed that talking by rooftop was a little odd. I crawled back into my room and shut the window. I skipped down the stairs exited to meet my neighbor in person. I couldn’t get a good look at him from far away so a part of me hoped he looked as good as his music sounded. 

Novel-Part One

I sat on the roof just outside my window. I listened to all my neighbors’ thoughts as they went about their live son this Saturday afternoon. I didn’t know any of them. I just moved in today, I should of been unpacking. I did not want to move. I loved my life back home in Australia, the warm sun and friendly people. Everyone knew about me and my special gift of hearing. Everyone loved me for it. Here I would be the freak. I couldn’t look at my new room filled with boxes containing my belongings. My old room was a soft peachy colour with splashes of blue; just like the beach. Here it was an olive green; just like the dark forest behind our house. Moving here was like dying to me. For one, it was a small town surrounded by deep wooded areas of land. Secondly, as much as the sun shone here it was always cold. I was used to lying on the beach listening to the people around me and now I am stuck in a sweater. Everything was so different. Too different. The people here were different too. I might not have met anyone yet but I could still hear them all. They weren’t so happy and carefree as the people back home. Here they were quiet and grumpy and they all seemed to be hiding something. I sat there perched for what seemed to be an hour until my mother opened my oak door and poked her head inside my still box filled room. “Honey have you unpacked anything yet?” Tabitha said quietly, carefully choosing her words. I looked at her, my eyes dark. She let out a small sigh and sat down on my bed. The only thing that was unpacked, and not by my choice. My father, Leopold, had bolted it back together before I sat on the roof. My mother starred at me as I sat cross-legged still on the roof. “I know you weren’t happy with this move, but your Father and I needed this change after what happened.” Tabitha spoke softly to try and make me feel a bit of emotion towards their decision to ruin my life. Maybe they should of thought about me. I was hurting too. I am the one with the gift; I was the one that could hear it inside her. I am the one that has to deal with explaining my life to everyone, not them. “What ever.” I spoke freely and sharply to show that I really didn’t care. Without another word Tabitha left my room and shut the door. The sun was slowly setting behind the forest. I laid down on the roof trying to quiet all the negative voices I could hear. I shut my eyes and focused on my mother and father. They were having a discussion about me. My mother was wondering why I was being so difficult and my father was blaming it on me being a teenager. I snickered a bit. No one knows what goes on inside my head yet I know everything everyone is thinking. It seemed a bit unfair to the rest of humanity. I peered back into my room. It was dimly lit by a small lamp my mother must have hooked up while I was deep in thought. The light made me hate my room a little less. It made the room seem less dark and scary and more like home. That lamp was my sun, the sun that made me feel safe. The sun made me think of my home. I crawled back through the window and sat down on my bed. I stared at the boxes thinking. I began to unpack only the things I would need. Computer, Desk and my beanie chair. It took me only ten minutes to hook up my computer and unfold my desk. I turned on my instant messenger to see if anyone from back home was on. Even with the five-hour time change. I picked at the skin around my left index finger as it loaded. Three emails and zero contacts online, everyone was in bed. I logged onto my hotmail curious to see who emailed me. Two party invites, even thought I didn’t live near my friends they still must feel obliged to invite me. The last email was from one of my closest friends Alice. It read:

 

LEX! How’s the move going?!?! We all miss you over here! Email me back as soon as you get this!

 

Ps Any hotties catch your eye yet? Xoxo

 

            I clicked reply and wrote a quick message back, saying:

 

Hey Al.

 It’s fine I guess. Everything is so cold and boring here, including the weather. I miss all of you too. 
No, I have only been here for a matter of hours and have
not left the house. Unless you count sitting on the roof moping boy scouting.
I’ll email you again when something actually happens around here.

 
Love Lexi

 

            I sent the email and shut off my computer. My tummy grumbled and I realized I have not eaten since eleven this morning. I shuffled my feet and made my way to the kitchen. My self-absorbed parents were not in the house. It was now nine-thirty and my parents weren’t home. Wasn’t it the kid who was supposed to be sneaking out? My eyes then caught a note sitting on a small table near a window that faced the front of the house. I picked up the note and read: 

 

Lexi Dear we have been invited to the neighbors across the street for coffee. Be back later, you don’t have to wait up. There’s a microwavable dinner in the microwave (duh!) LOVE YOU LOTS!

 

            Yum I thought. Frozen chicken and vegetables. Not the best choice I thought dimly. I closed the microwave and clicked a few buttons and waited until I herd the food popping; I never actually read how long it had to cook for. The food was steaming and I piled chunks of Barbeque chicken and beans into my mouth. It burned the sides and roof of my mouth as I chewed. I finished the meal in less than five minutes. My stomachwas happy, even if I wasn’t pleased with the meal choice. I thought about what to do but there really wasn’t much I could do at the moment. Unpacking wasn’t even an option. My parents make me move, I am not going to conform so easily. I decided I would scope out the neighborhood so I slipped on a pair of runners and headed out the door.

 

 

            The air was even cooler and the wind had picked up since I was last outside. I shivered and got goose bumps all over my arms. The streetlights lit up the road in circles stretching a meter away from the posts. I studied each house by the thoughts of the dwellers inside since the houses all looked alike. The house to the left of mine had an identical layout; the only way you could tell it apart from my new home was the roof colour. It was a charcoal black while are roof was a darker grey. A small family lived inside of it. A mother, father and a small boy of five or six. As I continued walking I found that the families were similar as well. Each home had a mother and a father and at least one child, always a boy. All the families seemed to have something disconnected with them. Everyone had a wall up as if they did not wish to talk to anyone. Not the children thought, they were all happy and creative like kids should be. Listening to their thoughts made me smile. I came to the last house on our road. This house gave off a different vibe. It was happy, like back home. It was a smaller house made out of brown bricks. There was a mom in her early forties and a boy around my age, maybe a year older. They were happy. I wished I could go live with them; it would make living here less tragic. I stood there in the darkness listening to the melody of a guitar rushing through the thoughts of the boy. I tried to picture what he would look like and what we would talk about if we were to meet right now. I found myself becoming fond of this boy and laughed at myself for it. I don’t know what he looks like or his name and I have a crush. I began to walk home before more crazy was rubbed off no me. But I kept a part of my mind on his guitar, the hum of his voice made me smile the widest I have in a while.