Chapter 2…My New 'Home'

Melissa's POV

Present Day

That was by far the worst day of my life. I felt as if I was being punished, forced to continue living with the guilt I felt. I didn't realize it then, but things really do work out for the best. I would hate to think of my life without my friends, and I never would have met them all if it wasn't for that tragedy.

December 1993

"Melissa" I could hear the gentle whisper in Grams' voice.

I adjusted in my seat and then opened my eyes. It was darker now. We were no longer moving. The flight had landed already. We exited the plane and picked up our luggage.

"How are we getting to your house," I asked Grams.

She didn't care much for driving. Everything she needed was fairly close to her house. For anything farther than walking distance she took a bus or went with a friend.

"One of my friends will be picking us up, he should be just around the corner," Grams said looking around. "Right over there."

The man appeared to be close to Grams' age. He walked towards us giving Grams a hug. He smelled like cigar smoke, similar to the way my Papa used to smell. It was oddly comforting.

"Joe this is my grand daughter Melissa, I do believe you met her a few summers ago." Grams said sweetly.

He stuck his hand out for me to shake, "Yes, she was smaller then; kids grow so quickly now-a-days."

I half smiled and shook his hand, "Hi, Mr. Moore. How have you been?"

"Good Good," he said shaking his head, "My sincerest apologies for you lose my dear"

I shook my head as if to say thank you.

"Well why don't we get you lovely ladies home now."

Home? He was right. This was my new home. The words hit me hard. I just stood there motionless.

"You okay hun," Grams said, waving a hand in front of my face.

I tried to shake my head clear, "Umm yeah okay. I'm okay. We ready?"

Mr. Moore helped Grams carry her bags to his car. The ride 'home' would only be half and hour or so.

Every house on her street was covered in Christmas lights. Some were colored, others plain white resembling icicles. Grams smiled brightly at me. I returned the favor with little effort. This place looked magical, despite all that had happened recently I couldn't help but smile.

As we pulled up to her house I noticed Joe whispering to Grams, "I don't mind just let her rest"

"I'm so sorry Joe I have never missed one of your Christmas parties." Grams pouted.

"No worries, you take care of Melissa, that is what's important now," he said almost mirroring the pout Grams had.

Grams was taking me in. She could have left me to rot with one of my putrid aunts, but she didn't. I wasn't about to make her regret taking me in. I wasn't gonna sit and mop about this for the rest of my life. My parents wouldn't want me to live life this way. Maybe a party would do me some good.

"Um… Heeellllooo… I'm right here I can here you. Remember I'm young I got good ears! What kind of party are we going to?" I tried to sound enthusiastic.

"Oh it's a little Christmas gathering, nothing big or fancy. Just some friends and family." Joe said as the smile on his face returned.

"We don't have to go. I mean wouldn't you like to get some rest after all that's happened this week?"

"No… I don't mind," I half lied, "Is this gonna be like all people… ummm your age?"

"You mean old fogies?" Grams giggled "Absolutely not, do you remember Joe's grandson? He'll be there with some of his friends, they're about your age" Grams said with a smile that could melt your heart,

"Well then let's go. Do I have time to change?"

Grams, Joe and I grabbed the luggage and dropped them all in the living room. I carried one of my bags to the bathroom to look for something to wear. Flinging clothes all around, I finally found something suitable. I came our wearing a pair of black pants with a pyramid stud belt, a red baby doll tee that clung to my small frame, my black Hurley sneakers, and a black zip up hoodie. Nothing dressy about it, but hey at least it was red. My Grams had changed also. She was wearing a red dress with a pair of black high heels. I felt a little out of place now.

"Am I … ummm… under dressed for this?" I questioned. Starting to regret wanting to go to the party.

"No, no, no you're just fine the kids won't be dressed up, I just like to look good for these kind of things." Grams said smiling at Joe causing him to blush.

We hoped back in Joe's car. After just a few short minutes we were at Joe's son's house. Grams didn't usually dress up much, but I guess there was no harm in that.

Joe had a grandson the same age as me, which meant he would be in school with me after the holidays. That was another good reason to be here, I didn't want to start school with no friends.

Author's note: Here's another chapter for you Harley! Again thank you for all your support. I have about 10 chapters right now. I will keep updating as long as you still like it.