Celia

The first thing I am greeted to as I swing open the door and sit myself onto the couch, is a scary looking dude, with a shag cut, piercings and tattoos, wearing ripped up jeans and a black t-shirt with a skeleton on it...sitting next to me.

The only thing I can come up with is, "are you supposed to be the grim reaper, or something?"

The guy raises a pierced eyebrow, the right side of his mouth quirking up, and flicks me the finger.

So, now I'm completely stunned.

It's almost a relief when my father walks in through the living room door, takes one look at us, and plonks himself in between us protectively.

"So dad," I manage, "is this the guy grandpa was talking about?"

Come on dad. Say no. Please, please, please say no!

My dad looks slightly awkward, as if he's gonna be sick, or something. "Why don't we all come into the kitchen, amante. Your mom and sisters are in there, with grandpa and grandma."

I stand up, immediately and let out a sigh, as I walk into the kitchen, my dad and the grim reaper trailing behind me. As I swing open the door, the smell of freshly baked double-chocolate chip cookies greets me.

"Hi honey. How was school?" Mom asks. Her long, light brown hair is pulled into a pony-tail, and she's wearing her usual (big t-shirt, sweats and boots).

"Fine." I say, exchanging hugs with grandpa and grandma. My younger sisters, Estelle and Maria are sitting on the counter eating the cookies. I snag one for myself then turn to face dad, careful not to look into the eyes of the reaper.

"So. What's up?"

Dad looks at mom. Mom at dad. I hate when they do that. It's like they're communicating with each other telepathically.

Funnily enough, it's grandpa who answers my question, though.

"Celia, Maria, Estelle. This is Dylan Henderson." He pats the reaper on the shoulder. "He'll be staying with you guys for a few months, as a sort of reform programme. I think It's best for anyone to have a second chance, which is what we'll be offering Dylan. You girls can make friends, get to know him. Especially you Celia." I look up, startled. "You two are around about the same age, yes?"

I shrug, looking down again. My dad looks as if grandpa has slugged him one. Which is weird, 'cause they usually get along.

Mom comes around the counter and puts a hand on my shoulder, reassuringly. "I'm sure Celia and Dylan will become good friends." Then she looks straight at the reaper, which I admire, a bit. "Maybe Maria could show you her doll collection?"

The reaper smirks, insolently. "Sure. I'd love to. And then, maybe afterwards, I could go shopping with Barbie over there," he points his chin at me, "and we could exchange phone numbers and talk all day and all night!"

No one calls me Barbie and gets away with it.

I hear my dad intake a breath and let it out in a hiss. "¡mierda!"

Mom gives dad a 'look' which shuts him up. "Carlos, come on. You were the same way his age. Give him a chance."

Dad rolls his eyes. "Fine. But one misstep, and he's out of my house, understand niño?"

Reaper just rolls his eyes back.

Dad sucks in a deep breath and shakes his head. "I'm gonna go check up on the car. Kiara, you stayin'?"

Mom nods. Dad leaves the room, kissing me and my sisters' heads on the way out, absently. He stops when he gets to mom, looks in her eyes, intently and kisses her on the forehead. Then, giving grandma and grandpa a quick hug goodbye, he's gone.

After a small pause, mom smiles at the reaper. "So. You want me to show you your room, Dylan? You can freshen up and for dinner."

I can't imagine this dude ever looking 'freshened up', but the reaper just shrugs. Mom takes this as a yes and leads the way out.

With a quick, disturbing glance at me he's gone, following mom out. I'm left with grandma, granddad and my two sisters.

"This is going to be fun." I say to no one in particular, and then plonk down on the counter seat and reach for another cookie.