Stella smoothed the envelope with her fingers. She peered out the window of the town car as it made its way past downtown Los Angeles. California, she thought. Definitely a departure from Maine. Stella hesitantly opened the envelope and began reading the letter.
Dear Donatella,
I love you, and I hope you remember that always. We always knew your mother's business would catch up with us. I'm sorry it has affected you this way. I will miss you more than anything, but I must ask you not try to contact me. Any attempt will only put you in danger. You mother owes things to a lot of people. Things she can't pay back from prison.
I regret this has cost you so much. I want to send you to college and allow you to do all the things you want. I want you to have a good life, and I'm confident we will get to have one together again. Your mother did well-she hid her tracks well. I just want you to be as happy as you can while being safe. We-your mother and I-are afraid someone might try to use you as collateral for their money. Or, once your mother is out, their LSD. I'm sorry, Stella.
California is the best place for you right now. It's the furthest place from Maine, and the people are very friendly. You are going to do so well there. You have a house in Burbank completely paid for. There is also a special present waiting for you once you are there. We left no paper trail, so you are safe.
Stella, find someone you can trust. More than anything right now you need a friend. While we can't be there for you as parents, we want you to have some sort of family. Sending you away is the hardest thing we have to do. Do not worry, we will get you back. We will have you home again! It's just temporary, I promise.
I promise I'll miss you every day. I hope you enjoy your time in California. Make friends. Enjoy life like you should. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Dad
Stella rolled her eyes and looked up as they passed the Church of Scientology. God, she thought. I knew this would happen. I knew it. The drug dealer and the businessman have a kid. That story could only end one way. So, here I am, across the country from where I should be. Ivy league was my calling, and I'm stuck here hiding from crooks. My mother owes people money for the LSD she never gave them because she landed herself in prison. I am collateral.
Stella struggled with her thoughts all the way to Burbank. The streets were lined with quaint shops and palm trees. She wondered how she would get used to everything when her driver pulled up next to a small-looking house.
"You need to unlock the gate with a code." The driver said. Stella leapt from the car onto the sidewalk. 0-3-1-9-1-1. The gate slid open and the car followed Stella into the driveway. The driver removed her three suitcases from the trunk and said,
"I hope you have a wonderful time." He smiled. Stella reached into her purse for tip money. "No, no." The driver shook his head. "That has been well taken care of." He got back in the front seat and pulled out of the driveway. Stella closed the gate and a sense of foreboding washed over her as she glanced at her new home.
"January 2nd. New year, new life." Stella muttered. "Hopefully this one will involve less bullshit." Two pairs of keys were taped to the front door. One was labeled "House" and the other "Car." Stella tilted her head and thought, Car? She turned and saw a 1972 Lotus Elan sitting in the driveway. Stella smiled. "I'll learn to love it."
Stella ripped the two pairs of keys from the door and unlocked it.
"Pre-furnished." She muttered. "Perfect." She walked into the foyer, then the kitchen, then up the stairs to her bedroom. Stella collapsed on her bed, leaving her suitcases downstairs. "It's gonna be an adjustment." She muttered as she fell asleep.