One
A New Horizon
Elena
“You have reached your destination,”my phone’s GPS app says. I pull over, mount the curb, and cringe at my terrible driving skills. I scan my surroundings and sigh in relief—no one saw that. It’s late afternoon. Despite using a navigation app, I still got lost and could have arrived earlier.
The two-story redbrick house is average looking. It will be my new home in Crown Village, a small coastal town with a lake and beaches. I already know I’m going to love it here. My previous town just didn’t feel like home.
Closing my eyes, I recall the first time I told my parents I was leaving.
Mom’s mouth is wide; her eyes bulge and then narrow. “No! You’re not leaving.”
I clench my shaking hands in front of me. “I got a job as a waitress at a respectable restaurant.” I smile, thinking if my parents see how happy it’ll make me, they’ll be happy.
“Why are you moving away from us?” Dad asks. “You gave up college... now you’re taking upanotherwaitressing job away from us and your sister?” His disapproving glare slices through me like a blade.
I frown. I’ll miss my sister, Ava, but that’s about it. I shake my head to get rid of these thoughts—I need to stay positive.
Two girls in bikinis, with towels around their shoulders, rush out of the front door of the house and dash past across the lawn. They’re probably going to the beach; it’s not far. That’s what the ad said, at least. I’m renting a bedroom in a shared house because that’s all I can afford in this town. It’s so expensive here.
When I step out of the car on shaky legs, the breeze swirls around me, flicking my hair. I inhale the fresh, salty air. I could get used to this. I had to escape my small hometown and experience life while I’m still young. A sudden flicker of nerves makes my heart pump in my chest. I roll my shoulders back. “Pull yourself together,” I mumble under my breath.
After closing the car door, I walk across the lawn and stand by the front door. I knock. “Hello,” I call out. It comes out as a strangled whisper, so I clear my throat to try again. “Hel—” is all I can say before the door opens right into my head. Pain ricochets through my forehead and nose.
“Sorry,” the guy in the doorway says. He chuckles.
A girl opens the door fully. “Are you alright?” She’s attractive and also wearing a bikini, and her blond hair is tied back in a super high ponytail.
“Yes,” I say. I smile tightly, even though it still hurts. “I’m Elena. I’m supposed to be moving in today.”
She gives me a big smile. “I’m Lucy. The owner told me about you. Your bedroom is the first one you see when you get up the stairs. I’ll go get your keys.” She darts away.
I swallow and look at my feet, conscious of the guy’s eyes on me.
“Want to join us at the beach?” he asks.
When I look up, I try to focus on his face so that I don’t stare at his body. He’s wearing only shorts.
I peer back at my car. “I’ve got to get unpacked... but uh, thanks.”
He nods. “Maybe next time,” he says, and smiles.
Lucy comes back with an outstretched hand. “Here are your keys.”
I take them from her.
“The small one is the key to your bedroom. Just lock it when you leave to go anywhere, because we have parties occasionally. The big key is to the front door.”
“Thanks,” I say hesitantly. Is she insinuating that there are thieves or that random people will barge into my room when they are over? I consciously make a note to lock the door 24/7.
“I’ll see you later,” she says, then I watch as the two walk away in the same direction as the other girls went.
I return to my car, open the back door, and retrieve my heavy suitcase. I tow it along on its wheels while I proceed to the house. The front door opens on the living room, which is furnished with weathered green couches. A few beer bottles are scattered on the tables. The house is basic, with white walls, worn floorboards, and the bare minimum of furniture. As I walk in further, I see the kitchen toward the back and a staircase to my left.
I drag my suitcase over to the stairs. I go up one stair, pull... two stairs, pull... My suitcase is so heavy. This is going to take a while.
I’m breathing heavily when I get to the top, but at least the door is only three steps away. I knock first, just in case Lucy directed me to the wrong room. Silence. I push the door wide and see a white metal bedframe with a mattress on top, a white chest of drawers, and a nightstand.
