Hoot: The prequel
" Goodbye Family"
Beatrice was only ten when she heard her parents mention the words 'divorce'. She knew what that was, but wasn't to worried since her parents argued as often as a baby cries.
Beatrice was an only child, but liked it that way. She wouldn't have to be bothered by anyone around her age, or splitting a room, or sharing presents on Christmas, or loosing attention on a birthday. Not that Beatrice was given much attention in the first place.
Living in Coconut Cove was the best thing Beatrice loved about her home. Though it was hot, flat, and moist all year, Beatrice didn't mind it much. During the years of jogging, biking, and swimming she had become such an athlete. She was actually the most athletic in her school district, even out starring all the boys on the basketball team.
Beatrice had a good group of friends, though she rarely saw them unless they were in school of at soccer practice. But she liked it that way. On her free time she would do all her physical workouts and concentrate on her grades without other kids bothering her.
It was about a month before her eleventh birthday that Beatrice's mom said she was leaving Beat's father. At first Beatrice cried but then settled down when she knew her parents weren't so happy together. Her mom had always wanted to train parrots, however Beatrice's father didn't like the birds and Beatrice was allergic. So her mom packed up and left to another town in Florida, promising to write or call.
Beatrice, unlike other kids, had a choice. She could have gone with her mother to a busier and better town, but Beatrice doubt her father would survive on his own.
Beatrice knew that her dad was once a great basketball all star, but once he retired his will power to stay fit went down hill. That was one thing Beatrice had gained from her father: the athletic built, tan skin, and great height. However, Beatrice had inherited her mother's blonde hair and beautiful smile, along with her brown hazel eyes.
And that was that. Beatrice's mother was gone, and called to check on her rarely. Beatrice's life went on normal, only the seat where her mother sat in the kitchen was empty.
