Chapter 1
Eliana Adler's POV

"Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff, please. We are arriving in Northern Michigan," announced the air hostess.

I was just blankly staring outside the window. The clouds formed a perfect line-up in the sky, giving off a rosy glow from the setting sun. I was hungry; I only had a cup of coffee and a sandwich, which cost me $80. Food and beverages are really expensive on a plane. I switched off my aeroplane mode and checked my new messages. A new message from my Nan pops up on the screen along with other texts.

"I'll be waiting for you," she texted me a few minutes ago. It's been so long since I saw her. I was only 9 then, and now I am 17. I am kind of scared; nobody starts high school in the middle year. I might have no friends. I had no choice; my parents did what they thought was good for me or for them. I just have to let go of my past and start a fresh life. This might not be that bad. I took a deep breath; it helps me to relax.

The plane began to descend. The clouds started to vanish. I looked down through the window and saw big cities and towns that seemed to be like small toys. The landscape appeared to be very attractive. Forests and trees looked like tiny plants. Soon, it touched the ground and came to a standstill. I opened the belt that I had fastened before we took off and came out. The plane landed exactly at 7:30 p.m. The air hostess greeted me with a big smile. I walked out of the plane along with other passengers.

As I entered the airport, I saw a large number of people with baggage, some standing in line before ticket counters. There were many children, too. I heard voices at short intervals announcing the arrival, departure, or delay of flights and at times asking passengers to proceed towards a particular gate for a security check. Thankfully, the passport control line was short. Otherwise, it takes over an hour sometimes. After a few minutes, my turn came up. The security guards took my passport, matched my face with the picture, and then put a stamp on it. After that, I waited for my luggage in the luggage retrieval area.

After receiving my luggage, I walked out of the airport. It was a little crowded outside. I spotted my nan in the crowd; she was holding a sign with my name on it. A smile formed on my lips, and I quickly hugged her. She looked a little different, which was obvious. Her hair was golden brown, like mine. Her eyes appeared watery, but usually they gleamed with energy. Some wrinkles formed beside her eyes. I have never seen her wear shabby clothes, but they were clean and fresh. She has the most angelic smile I have ever seen, and it always makes me happy.

Oh, my lord! You grow up to be a beautiful woman just like your mother; she must be proud of you." Her soft hands caress my cheeks. Actually, they are the opposite-they are not proud, they are embarrassed. So embarrassed that they sent me here to stay. Nan doesn't know anything; it's better that way. Maybe she would start to hate me too if she knew.

My parents avoid talking to my grandparents; they barely even send texts to each other. I don't know why they build this invisible bridge between themselves, but Nan and Gramps love me very much. I just want them to get back together, like before.

"How are you and Gramps doing?" I asked. We walked over to the blue Toyota Corolla. I put my luggage in the trunk of the car. I settle down on the passenger side.

"I am as good as usual. Your Gramps has joined a laughing club recently, and he is doing good enough," she said while starting the car. Well, that's a good hobby, I think.

Wow, that's really good," I said, keeping my eyes on the road. This place was filled with greenery, tall trees, and forests. The air was lingering with the smell of moist soil, something I like.

"You are starting school tomorrow. Michigan high school is one of the best here," said Nan. More reasons to be afraid of

"I know it's going to be hard at first, but soon you'll make new friends-and maybe a boyfriend too," said Nan, teasingly. Making boyfriends is the least favourite option on my list. All I want to have are a few friends. From a far distance, I heard the howl of a wolf, then another, and another. Maybe a pack of wolves is near.

"This place crawls with wolves." Never go into the forest at night; it's very dangerous," Nan said, sounding concerned and scared at the same time.

"Did something happen?" I asked with curiosity.

"A young girl was found mutilated recently; the doctor said it was wolves. People are scared to go in there," she said while keeping her eyes on the road. it even scary to think but I love forests, it feels calm and peaceful. I heard there are some cool waterfalls inside the forest. But now I have to stay away because of wolves.

"By the way, I made your favourite apple pie," said Nan. suddenly get overjoyed. Nan makes the best pies; they're always delicious and quickly fix my mood.

"I love you, Nan; you always know how to cheer me up," I said with a big smile.

After 3 hours of riding, we finally reached the house. The house remained the same, just like I remembered. It is a two-story house with large arched windows. Light flows through the windows all year, gracing the air without favor. For me, the house is a kaleidoscope of memories, with photographs decorating the walls, each of them conjuring the emotions of those sweet, eternal moments from my childhood. The walls were the greens of summer gardens meeting a bold white baseboard. The white picket fence around the house looked a little rusty.

I remember that on the ground floor there was a spacious living room with a large window with views to a beautiful patio, which has a lot of flowers. On the patio, there used to be a table at which we used to have breakfast. On the same floor there was a modern kitchen and a bathroom. On the second floor, there were three cosy rooms and another bathroom.

The house is quiet and relaxing. There is a huge forest behind the house. When I was young, it used to creep the hell out of me. Tall trees at night look like giant monsters, and then there is the hooting of an owl. I was very little at that time, and my memories are still a little hazy. But it was the best feeling in the world. This neighbourhood is pretty old and has always been quiet. There are only four to five houses other than ours. The only bright light that illuminates the area is from a small supermarket nearby. Street lights are pretty far away. There is also a church in the neighbourhood, within walking distance. I haven't been inside, but on a Sunday morning, I always used to hear the church bells ringing. Every tiny detail feels like home.

"Reliving your memories?" Nan asked while patting my back.

"I still remember this place and the house," I said with a satisfied look.

"Let's go inside; your grandpa must be waiting for you." I took out my luggage from the trunk and followed my Nan inside the house. As I entered the house, a sudden smell of apple pie hit my nose. My mouth was watering just from the smell of it. The living room was simple, with only a couch and a TV, some decoration, and a few photographs on the wall.

My eyes rest on the man sitting in front of me. He was sitting with his backside facing me. It was Gramps; he was reading a newspaper. His grey hair was all messy. Gramps has a hearing problem, which explains why he couldn't hear us coming into the house.

"Gramps!!" I said it loudly. He quickly turned towards me with wide eyes. I hope I didn't scare him.

"Jellybean! Oh, my sweet child. You've grown up so much, but you're still little to me." I hugged Gramps tightly and left a kiss on his wrinkled forehead.

"I missed you so much," I said with watery eyes.

"You know you have to say a little louder than that; my hearing aid is as useless as my ears," he said with a smile. I laughed at that.

"I said I missed you so much!" I said it with a loud voice.

"Me too," he replied back. Gramps is my best friend ever. Once I shared about my feelings for a boy from my class. The next day, he invited the boy for dinner. I was in the fifth grade, and I was never able to share my feelings. Gramps is also a good secret keeper.

"You should go and get fresh; dinner is almost ready. The left side room is yours; I cleaned it for you," said Nan while shredding the cheese with full concentration. Gramps handed me a brochure about the school. I will read it later.

Okay," I try to pick up the luggage up the stairs, but it's kind of heavy. Gramps helped to get the luggage to my room. I was astonished; the room looked just the same. I was surprised that Nan didn't throw away my weird, alien looking childhood drawings; she still kept them stuck to the walls. I used to imagine that I am an artist, but those drawings can be someone's worst nightmares. I pick up some of the drawings off the wall and take a good look at them. What is this? A stickman on a horse or a donkey? Then there is a scary version of Superman flying in his red underwear, an unknown species of flower, and I had also drawn a red eyed wolf or dog walking on two legs. My imagination was out of this world-I mean, kids draw some bizarre things sometimes.

The room smelled like crayons and old, I don't know; it was a warm and homely feeling. There was a photograph of me fishing with Gramps in the lake. I looked so happy. There are still some stickers on the wardrobe. The bed is opposite the window; its bedspread is pink, and there are soft toys and a cushion. The toys are from when I was young; she still keeps them. The bedside desk is brown, and it has a white lamp. I like the striped curtains. There is a beige carpet next to my bed. In the corner there is a bookshelf and a wardrobe. The bookshelf is mostly empty except for my colouring book and a children's story book.

I closed the window because of the chilly wind blowing outside. I don't want to catch a cold. Tomorrow is my first day of school here. They might ask me several questions, like, Why am I starting school in the middle of the year? I already revised the answer once; I just have to avoid screwing it up.

I unpack the luggage and arrange my clothes and shoes in the wardrobe. Put some of the books on the shelf. Then I took a warm bath and changed into a comfortable nightdress. I tied my hair into a bun. New start, new me, I said inside my head while staring at my reflection in the mirror.

"Dinner is ready." I heard Nan's voice, and I rushed down the stairs. It was a delicious smell.

"Make your favourite cheesy tomato pasta, chicken salad, french fries, and apple pie for dessert." I quickly settled down, and Nan served me the pasta. I took a spoonful and put it in my mouth. It felt like the pasta melted in my mouth. It was tangy and mouthwatering. I was speechless. chicken salad and the french fries both were delicious and tasty. The combination of flavours in the chicken salad was perfect, and the crunchiness of the fries complemented it well. I couldn't resist taking another bite of each.

"Tomorrow I will drive you to school because it's your first day. If you face any trouble, just let me know," Gramps said while chewing his food.

"Sure. Don't worry," I replied.

"She is a fighter, John; she can take care of herself," Nan said in defence.

"Still, don't hesitate to tell me anything." Gramps had a concerned look on his face. He still thinks I am his little jellybean. I reassured him that I'd be fine.

After having dinner, I bid them goodnight and went straight to my room. The taste of the pie was still in my mouth. It tasted just like before. I turn off the lights and walk over to my bed. The moonlight was falling on my bed through the gap in the curtains.

I was feeling tired and quickly went to sleep. The bed was comfortable and warm. My eyelids became heavy, and soon I dozed off to sleep.

***
Hope you like the first chapter.
If you have any queries just let me know in the DMs or comments. Also if there is any grammatical errors then please let me know and correct me.

2270 words.