Hey guys, this is my first fanfiction. Please read and review.
I dont own Cheaper by the dozen!
Chapter 1: Just the beginning
Sarah POV
I can't believe mom and dad have dragged us back here to Lake Winnetka. Granted this place was the business when we were kids but a lot has changed since then, it's been six years. This summer is bound to be so chaotic with Charlie and Ann's wedding. Yes my brother is marrying my ex-boyfriend's sister, Ann Murtagh. They've been together ever since that summer at the lake.
I haven't seen HIM in four years. Elliot and I were only thirteen when we were 'dating', I don't know if you can even call it that, more like puppy love. We kept in contact after leaving for a year and a half but after that high school and puberty got in the way and we haven't spoken or seen each other since. I wonder what he's like now. How should I react when I see him? Oh my god why am I being so stupid he probably doesn't even remember me! That might be a good thing.
"Sarah, are you gonna stand there all day or are you gonna go unpack? Dad questioned as I stared out across the blue lake. It was still as beautiful as ever up here. The lake glistened in the morning sun and the smell of the tree's just made you want to stay here forever. "Sorry" I apologised and turned to take my suitcases out of the car. Yes you heard me, suitcases! Six years ago, one bag could have done me for the whole summer, but since then I have actually grown into my girl genes. The house look different. Bud and Nora had replaced the old wood with new beach wood and a decking was placed outside. I hauled my bags up the steps and into the house. "Honey, you're in the room at the bottom of the hal, go unpack and then we can go and see Charlie" Mom said as she unpacked glassware and plates from one of the several cardboard boxes stacked in the kitchen. "Sure" I said struggling to get my bag through the door. The outside of the house may have changed but the inside was exactly the same. Sure there may be a few new furnishings but nothing major. I walked down the corridor to my room. It was exactly how I remembered it, except there was only one bed instead of two. Nice, I don't have to share.
It took me an hour or so to unpack. "Kids, meeting in the sitting room!" Dad yelled down the hall. Opening our doors we all filed out into the hall and made our way to the sitting room. I threw myself onto the couch beside Jake. Jake and I are so close, being twins and all. "Okay so here's the plan, you've all got half an hour to get dressed and then we're going to dinner with the murtaghs and Charlie. We need to discuss wedding plans and it will be nice for you kids to get to know each other again". Dad said happily. The moment I had been dreading was coming to soon and I didn't like it. "But dad I was gonna get in a run before it gets too hot outside, try outs are in four weeks" I exclaimed. "You can go running when we get back, its not gonna take that long and yes I know tryouts are coming up but you're training is going great, you'll be fine" Dad reasoned and I was suddenly left with no choice. Oh yeah, I was offered a scholarship to the University of California to be apart of their sports program. Dad and Mom were thrilled but California is a long way from Chicago but it's an opportunity I can't turn down. "Okay, meeting adjourned, go get ready, YOU'VE GOT HALF AN HOUR PEOPLE!" Dad shouted over the bustling footsteps of everyone leaving the room. I closed my bedroom door and went to my wardrobe. What was I supposed to wear? After numerous outfit changes I finally decided on a tight turquoise crop top, a white shorts and white converse. I was lucky I had fairly tanned skin which made anything white look good on me. I left my brown hair down and curly which lightly cascaded down my back. A little light make up and I was done. I walked up the long hall to the sitting room where everyone was gathered. A few my siblings eyed me but I don't think they sussed anything was up. I sat down on the arm of one of the sofa's waiting for mom and dad to announce it was time to leave. " Is everyone ready to leave?" Mom questioned and waited for everyone to signal they were. " Good, let's go then" She beckoned as she went out the door. She waited at the car door like she always does making sure everyone was in, I was last in line. She eyed me ever so slightly and whispered "who are you trying to impress". I laughed it off and squeezed in beside Kim and fastened my seat belt. The restaurant was fifteen minutes away and let me tell you they were the longest fifteen minutes of my life, I had butterflies dancing in my stomach. We pulled up outside and dad stopped the car. He turned in his seat to face us. "Now I want you all on best behavior, this place is very posh and I don't want any scenes, so no Nigel and Kyle no farting at the table, Henry phone away and Sarah no pranks" he said as he warned me. "Dad I haven't pranked anyone in years and I don't intend to either". He quickly turned back around and got out of the car. This place was posh. The outside was made of glass and gardens and fields surrounded it. Wow. As we got closer to the building, I could see Charlie standing outside waiting. "Hey son" dad shouted to get his attention. His head snapped to the left and he began to run towards us. "Hey you guys, long time no see" he said as he hugged mom and dad. "Well come on the Murtaghs are already inside" he said as he pointed dad in the direction to go. We all began walking and Charlie stayed where he was until I reached him. "Hey little sis, did ya miss me?" He winked as he got me in a headlock. Charlie and I were always close, probably because of the whole sports thing. "Yeah like a hole in the head" I joked with him, pushing myself out of the headlock and fixing myself up. "I heard about your scholarship, congratulations" he said. "Well its not mine yet, I've still got to do tryouts" I frowned. "Of course you're gonna get it!" he laughed bumping me with his shoulder, " We should go in, before someone sends out a search party" and with that I followed him inside. We met up with the rest of the family and dad let Charlie lead the way. after two elevator trips we were there. Red carpets covered the entire restaurant and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling at turn every. "Tom Baker, it's been a while" I recognized the smug voice that was Jimmy Murtagh. He appeared from behind two oak doors, dressed in a shirt and tie. "Hey Jimmy, this place is amazing huh?" Dad said now engaging in a quiet conversation. We all filed into the room and I felt sick to my stomach. There they all were, sitting at the table, Annie, Calvin, Daniel, Kenneth, Becky, Robin and Lisa but to my surprise he wasn't there. "Hey mom, I need to use the bathroom" I said feeling overwhelmed. "Straight up the corridor turn left, second door on the right" Charlie responded. I quickly left the room and hurried up the corridor looking at the ground. When I turned left I suddenly hit what felt like a brick wall. "Watch it!" I said angrily, however this was my fault. I looked up and my breathing hitched. "Long time no see, Sarah Baker", he said confidently. It was him. It was Elliot Murtagh.
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