Prologue
I sat up in bed with a jolt. I had to be having a nightmare, right? I glanced around an unfamiliar room: blue walls, a tiny maple dresser, and the mattress that was laid on the floor. It wasn't a nightmare; it was real life. I had moved in with my cousin Sean so he wouldn't have to be alone. Sean had some rough times and just needed to get out on his own. I couldn't let him live alone and rot away. He does have a girlfriend, but apparently there was nothing she could do. I remember getting that call about a week ago from Sean...
"Autumn! Sean's on the phone. He wants to ask you something," I heard my mother's voice from inside. I had been lying on our private beach working on my tan.
I quickly wrapped my towel around my waist while running into the house. "Thanks, Mom." I took the phone from her tight grip. She never really cared for Sean; he was the black sheep of our family. "Hello?"
"Hey Autumn how are things out in California?" my cousin's voice sounded so far. It didn't sound like the same Sean that I was so close with.
"Things are fine, but things definitely could be better. What's up?"
I heard him clear his throat, "I was wondering if you wouldn't mind moving up here with me. I moved out and I have this little apartment all to myself and it's kind of lonely. I need someone here with me...please?"
Startled by his request, it took me a minute to regain my thoughts. "Um...Sean, what about your girlfriend; where is she?"
"Ellie has to take care of her mom. Her dad is in the troops, so it's just the two of them and I can't take her away when her mom needs her. Autumn, you know I wouldn't ask you for anything unless I absolutely needed it. I need you..." his voice trailed off. He wasn't just asking; he was pleadingly with me.
"Sure. I'll be there as soon as I can."
And that was that. I explained to my parents that I was needed by Sean. Sean wasn't one to ask for help. My mother was a little resistant to the idea, but eventually my father coaxed her into letting me go. I packed my bags and I got on the first plane to Canada, where Sean lives.
But Sean isn't the only one who lives here anymore...I live with him. I left my life behind to help my cousin and so far I didn't see much of an improvement. Starting tomorrow, I would be going to school with Sean. I just hope I made the right decision coming here. I love Sean and I really hope things work out while I'm out here. Only I didn't know what trouble lay ahead of me. If I only knew, things would be a lot different.