Apologies if there are grammar mistakes. My english isn't the best!


Myka wakes up to the sound of voices.

"Jeannie, why are we doing this?"

Myka creeps down to the middle of the stairway and peers through the bars.

"Why not, it'd be a wonderful experience for all of us and Myka could really use a friend. She's not like Tracy."

A sigh from her father.

"What makes you so sure that this girl will befriend our daughter?"

"She seems intelligent and kind, just like our little girl."

Myka felt the flush creep up her body. What makes her parents think that she doesn't have friends? Sure, she isn't Tracy but with all the work they make her do combined with fencing practice and homework, she doesn't have time to make friends.

"Alright, fine." Her father grumbles. "Couldn't we at least have taken in a boy?"

Myka sighs at this comment, getting up and going back upstairs. She's aware of the let down her birth brought to her father. One more shot at a boy and she failed him. Her father loves her, he does but she knows that he'll always want a boy.

"Warren! She's a lovely girl."

That's the last Myka hears, quietly shutting the door. That explains why they were looking at bunk beds. Obviously they're going to put the girl with her. Great. More distractions and less time to study and be productive.


Tracy taps her foot in the airport and Myka shoots her a look.

"What?" She pops her gum.

"Can you stay still for one second? It's annoying."

Tracy rolls her eyes, taking her phone out. She always seemed to be on the phone, texting some no brain.

Myka huffs and continues reading Grapes of Wrath. The one perk of growing up in a bookstore with the title of Bering & Sons is that she gets to read all the books she wants which is fortunate because books seem to be the best companions.

Tracy would disagree.

"Mom, how much longer? Fencing practice is in an hour and I have to warm up."

A voice came from behind. "I wouldn't want to stop you from attending."

Myka turned around and made eye contact with one of the prettiest girls she's ever seen. Wow. Her hair is so straight and shiny and perfect.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude." She stuttered.

The girl smiled. "I'm Helena. You're the Bering family I assume?"

Myka opens her mouth to respond but her mother cuts her off, hugging the girl and welcoming her to the family.

"Welcome to Colorado, Helena!"

The girl smiles again. Damn, that's a good smile, Myka thinks.


"So you can just put your stuff into this half of the closet." Myka pushes the door open. "And what bunk do you want?"

"Top bunk please. The danger thrills me." Helena winks at her.

"Alright, just get comfortable. You know." Myka gives her a wane smile. She grabs her bag hanging on the side of the bed.

"Mom!" She turns and yells. "You ready?"

"Ah yes. This fencing practice I've heard so much about. May I come?"

The first thing this girl does when she lands in a new country is go see a boring fencing practice?

"Why?" Her face contorting. "I mean yes but why?"

"I've always enjoyed the sport and seeing you in action is much more fun than unpacking."

"But you barely know me."

"We have all the time in the world darling." Helena grabs her hand and tugs it along.