Chapter 1: Moving

Adley's P.O.V

School had never been easy for me. I was always the one sitting in the corner, alone, with her nose in a book. I had no friends. Females, in particular, seemed to avoid me as much as humanly possible. It did make me sad at the beginning, though, not anymore. I have realized that I don't want to associate myself with busybodies and gossips. I have more to do in my life then to talk about the newest type of hair or the cutest boys.

Boys, like the female population, have never really paid me any mind. They have always wanted girls that were normal, by today's standards, anyways. They want the preppy, fun, and popular girl. They did not want someone who could spend most of their day, or all if you let them, in their bedroom reading their favorite novels. They wanted the blonde girl with the perfect hourglass figure, not a sickly pale, mousy brunette with a stick figure. But, isn't like I am complaining. I love who I am. I also love that I have enough free time that I am able to do the things that I enjoy.

"Adley hurry up! We have to catch the train to Finchley, and I'd rather not be late." Her mum, Florence-Rose, yelled out to her.

I grimaced, not really caring for her at the moment. All my mother cared about was going out and having fun with friends. She would party all night, and not show up for two or three days at a time, leaving me, a thirteen year old girl, to take care of Lilian, my five year old baby sister, her twin, Leo, Margaret my nine year old sister, and Samuel, my eleven year old brother.

Now, don't think I'm a spoiled bratty little girl. No, I wouldn't mind her doing it a few times a month, but when it is every night, i have started to get a bit cross with her. I just wish she would stop with her antics, but I don't dare mention my feelings to her. I shudder as I think of how it went last time.

"I'm coming now!" I say back to her in the same tone, as I grab my last bag and hurry to go down the stairs. As I'm walking down them though, I remember all that has happened in this house. I remember my birthdays, which we celebrated with cake and presents. I remember my mum and dad, and how happy they were. I remember my mom being pregnant with the twins and how she was so happy. I also remember the day my life changed for the worst.

It was December 24, 1939, Christmas Eve, the day my father's death notification was given to us. Mrs. Langston, one of my mum's friends, knocked on the door. Now that I looked back, i should have realized what she was here for. She was the only person with a telegraph machine on the block, but me being my eleven year old self, I didn't register it.

When I opened the door, it was sunny and bright, and I expected to see Mrs. Langston with a smile on her face, as usual. I didn't see one though. All I seen was puffy red eyes and a grave expression. Then mum came to the door and told me to go upstairs. I did as I was told, like an obedient daughter, but I couldn't help but eavesdrop slightly.

"I'm so sorry Florence. I just received this today. I came as soon as I could." Mrs. Langston's voice rang out, but it wasn't the kind voice of the person who would give us candies and goodies and such. No, her voice was croaky and scratchy.

Then after a few seconds came a loud cry. It sounded as though the person who cried was in complete and utter agony. Only a few seconds later did I realize it was mum's cry. I ran out of my room, and halfway down the stairs, peaking towards the doorway. I could see my mum, sitting on the floor, sobbing as Mrs. Langston was comforting her. I didn't know what had happened until later that night.

I never saw my father again. We didn't have an open casket because apparently, the body was too mangled for anyone to wish to see.

Sighing, I finished my journey down the steps, walking over to the front door. As I pulled it open, I could see mum and my four siblings trying to fit everything in the hackney. Laughing at my four favorite people on Earth, I quickly make my way over to them.

All of them seem so excited, and I just can't help but not be. I have to live in a new home, go to a new school, try and make friends with people who don't really like me, and be rejected all over again. Great, I think as we all load into the black cab and head to god knows where.