Crossing Jupiter (#Wattys2015)

Chapter Sixteen

Jasper calls the next morning. I stretch and roll around in bed before answering.
"How's it going? Was your first night alright?" He asks.

"It was as good as you would expect. I mean, nothing big or dramatic happened. I almost got into pranking, but was able to wiggle myself out of that one. Dinner was nice, and we watched a few movies afterwards. There's drama, of course, but there's always drama. All in all, I guess it was a pretty normal night." I leave out the parts with Bay, because it wasn't something to talk about.

"Well, then you're lucky. I literally have no clue where I am right now, let alone who these mysterious relatives are. I arrived at around 3AM last night, but it was too dark to get a good look at the house. They seem nice enough, but I don't think they like me. Every time I go near them, their voices die down. They don't have any kids, so this is a first."

I sit up and rub my eyes. "What are they like?"

"I've only been here a few hours, but they seem like your ordinary aunts. Their names are Aunt Becca and Aunt Lilith. I'll call you tonight with some updates, and if I can't get to the phone, then I'll call you in the morning."

"Alright, sounds good." I bid my goodbyes before hanging up. A quick glance around the room tells me that nothing has been tampered with. For a second I forget I'm in a different room with different surroundings. It's odd waking up in an unknown place. It reminds me of when I first moved here. Everything was so alien, and it took me a while to adapt.

Strange to think how long ago that was. It seems like just yesterday I was moving in, meeting the neighbours for the first time. Now the year is almost over; only three months remaining.

Bay bursts through the door. "Ready for an adventure?"

I squint my eyes. "Can't we just stay here and watch movies? I'm not up for am adventure today."

"As you wish," he grins. "Actually I just came up here to tell that breakfast is ready."

I roll my eyes. "Thanks."

-

I chomp on some cereal and watch Maria fiddle with the kitchen cutlery.

"These kids never put anything in the right place! Is it so hard to put the spoons where they're supposed to be?"

"We never learn." I smile. "Just give it a year or so, we'll mature."

"I hope so." She scratches her head. "So have you made any friends?"

"I've made a few." A moment passes before I say something again. "It's not much, really, but it's enough for me. I'd rather have a small circle of friends rather than a big one."

"You remind me of myself, when I was younger. Very independent, you are. It's quite lovely."

"I'm very moved, thank you." I'm unsure as to if I should make a gesture or something. It seems fitting, but I just don't know what to do. Instead I just sit there awkwardly.

"Maybe you can go upstairs and find a movie," Maria suggests. "I have a great selection in the cabinets above the television."

"That sounds wonderful."