HOUSE OF FIRE

Chapter 1

      
      Staring out the small window of the aeroplane, I counted each drop of rain rolling down the glass until I got to ten, only to start counting all over again. I’ve done this for the past hour, and though the action seems like a boring activity, its the only thing distracting me from the paralyzing thoughts threatening to burst out of the pandora box within my mind.

       The music playing from my earbuds changes to another and the song, Oceans by Hillsong United begins with a soothing melody in my ears. Closing my eyes, I feel a sense of calm wash over me and can’t help but relax. I’ve never been one with faith in any religion, but before his recent death my step-father had been a strong Christian believer, and listening to one of his favourite songs makes me feel like he’s right by my side. Offering nothing but strength and encouragement. Opening my eyes, my thoughts are shattered by the presence of someone settling down heavily beside me. I halfheartedly acknowledge the older man who's been my brooding seatmate ever since we boarded the plane.

       Shifting my sitting position to put a little distance between us I stare at him through the corner of my eyes, for something about the older man puts me on edge. He has wrinkly ivory skin with neutral undertones and a slightly crooked nose, his eyes are a startling shade of forest green and his lips are a little wide in shape. He’s wearing a large black coat and when he raises his left hand to run it through his hair an eye-catching tattoo appears, it’s a dragon tattoo coiled around his wrist. Its head is resting on the inside of his palm while its tail is wrapped around his wrist, and its entire snaky body is covered in flames of red.

      Tilting my head in wonder, I can’t help but stare at the tattoo until it disappears from sight when he puts his hand back down. The colours of the tattoo are so vivid and bright that it almost looks like it was painted on his skin. Not seeing anything else that could possibly tell me why I’m uneasy next to him, I turn away and settle further into my seat to concentrate on the music from my earbuds.

       A few months ago, I, Coral Ray had everything any girl could dream of. A pleasant life filled with a large group of friends and a happy family. Then a mysterious accident takes the life of my parents and suddenly I’m left all alone to face the world. Right after their demise, harder news was dropped onto my lap at the reading of my parent's will and testimony. I was told by their lawyer that should in case anything happen to them, I’d be left under the guardianship of my supposed “biological” father. A man I’ve never heard, met, or even seen before. Deciding to shake off my brooding thoughts, I let my headrest back and close my eyes.

     I seriously need a break, the migraine pounding away at my temple is proof enough that I’ve been thinking way too much these past few months.

~*~*~*~

       The feeling of being lurched forward startled me awake, blinking my eyes open I scrunch my face in confusion at my unfamiliar surroundings. Looking around to see seat-belts being unbuckled and unfamiliar faces rising to their feet. Letting out a long sigh it all comes back in a flash, the speakers blare softly with the voice of the pilot has he thanks everyone for their corporation during the flight. Unbuckling my own seat belt, I count the time difference between New York and Paris and realize it’s 10:16 am. Tuning my watch to Paris time I rise and stretch, a shiver of discomfort running down my spine as my legs slowly get back their feeling and blood starts circulating. Getting off the plane I quietly follow the crowd of passengers towards the baggage claim in the airport and grab my suitcases before searching for the person sent to pick me up.