~Chapter 1~

After my mom died, I was juggled amongst a variety of guardians. A grandparent, an uncle, a distant cousin, all of them took me in willingly, but in a few short months, made up an excuse for why I had to leave, I'll be moving soon…The landlord doesn't approve of having children underfoot… I'm not cut out for this…. I can't really blame them, I'm not easy to handle.

It wasn't that I caused trouble, quite the opposite. I did everything I could to stay out of trouble. I make decent grades, don't get into fights, have never been tardy or missed a single day of school in my life, and yet I still managed to make a mess out of things. The family puts off my weird behaviors as simply trying to get over my mother's death. They pretend that my talking to complete 'air' is nothing, and turn a blind eye when I suddenly stop talking and stare at a wall for hours at a time.

They love me, I know, but they all think I'm crazy. Luckily none of them have sent me to an Asylum just yet, which I'm grateful for. If I can't convince my own family that I'm talking to the undead, not imaginary friends then how can I convince a room full of doctors? That would probably get me strapped into a strait jacket anyways….

So I don't say a word when I get carted off to the next home. One after another, month after month. It's like a never endingvacation. The past 3 'visits' I didn't even bother unpacking, that's how short my stay was. And one of the worst things about all of this moving around is school. No one has the time to homeschool me, so again and again I am the new kid. Imagine having to introduce yourself over and over again, from students to whole classes. It's frustrating and my quiet nature doesn't really help this matter at all.

But this is my life. I've grown used to it over the past 4 years. Just recently, my guardian decided to spontaneously move to England, and since she thought it would be unfair to make go across seas and away from the rest of the family, she graciously relented her roll of caretaker over me to another aunt. I never met this woman before, but she really isn't my mother's sister, more like cousin. I have heard rumors about her though, so I know a little of what I should expect.

Aunt Bethany, also known as Auntie B, is a colorful woman, literally. From what I've heard, she changes hair color constantly from natural colors like blonde, black, or brown to more unatural ones such as green or purple. I am curious to see what shade it will be when I finally get to meet her. At the moment, I'm sitting by myself on a bus destined for a place called 'Rosedale', my new home. I watch as we pass through a forest into rolling green hills, which then gives way to the ocean.

We travel along a road that brings us so close to the water I can see the salty spray as it crashed against the rocks. Rosedale is a small town of only about four thousand people, but it's well known for its perfect location for a vacation site. The blue-green water makes a lovely backdrop for the town and as we roll into city limits, I take note of how bright and clean the place looks. An ultimate tourist trap.

After three hours being on the bus and another two riding in the airplane. I am happy to finally stretch my legs out once we arrive at the bus station. I look around, surveying the area and watch as others get off and are greeted by family and friends, or for a few, hurry to the street to hail a taxi. I tugged nervously at my brown shirt, unsure of what I should do as I scan the crowd for a sign or hint of my aunt. Just when I think I may have to call her up (I talked to her a few days ago over the phone so we could arrange the trip) I see a flash of violet.

I hesitate for a moment before heading towards the bright color. The woman's hair was actually dyed this vibrant shade, which matched her purple eyes perfectly. I could only stare as she stared back. Finally, after a few moments of silence she spoke, "Are you Morgan?" Wordlessly, I nod, not sure of what to say. I was afraid if I opened my mouth I wouldn't be able to stop myself from commenting on her appearance, and I didn't want her to be angry with me before we even reached her home. To my surprise she stepped forward and swept me into a hug, "It's nice to finally meet you." She murmured into my ear.

She took a step back and offered me a smile. I returned it with a shaky one of my own, but this seemed to satisfy her. She turned her attention to my luggage, which wasn't much: one grey duffle bag that had lasted longer than any of the families that I had stayed with. "Is this all?" I could sense that she was a little surprised at my lack of clothing, but when you moved as much as I did, you didn't have much time to shop. "Um, yeah." I rubbed the back of my head, a little embarrassed by it, but Auntie B shook her head and sighed, "Well, it seems that I will have some work to do." She reached down and picked the bag up.

My eyes widen a little, "You don't have to-" She cut me off. "You must be exhausted. I would too with the trip you had. Don't worry about it, this isn't heavy at all." She started off with a brisk pace and I hurried to keep up with her. "I'm thinking takeout for tonight and we can rent a movie. Sound good?" I blinked slightly at the casualness of the conversation. "O-okay?" Usually the first thing out of one my guardian's mouths were rules, or their condolences but Auntie was talking to me as if we knew each other.

She offered me another smile as we walked out of the station and down the street. "You'll have to forgive me. I'm not really used to taking care of someone else, so I won't be like any of the others." She admitted. "I guess that's okay…" I murmured.

She chuckled lightly as she opened the door of a faded blue truck and tossed my bag in, "Hop in." She gestured for me to climb through the driver's door, "Carla is a bit run down, so you'll have to crawl through here." I nod and entered the vehicle being careful not to bang into anything as I get myself situated into the seat. Auntie B climbed in and started it up, the truck roaring to life with a vicious cough. "Good girl," She purred patting the dash before turning to me, "You know, this used to belong to your mother. She was a little older than me, so when I turned 16 she already had a job of her own and could afford to buy a new car. So she gave me Carla as a gift."

"You've had this thing for that long?" A pout forms on her lips, "Are you calling me old?" I quickly shake my head, "N-no not at all!" She laughed a little, "I'm just teasing you, no need to be nervous!" She put the car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot, "So what would you like? Pizza, Chinese, we've got a few burger joints as well…" I think for a moment, "Pizza is fine."

"Then pizza it is."

"I'm heading for bed." Auntie B looked up, as I stand up. An empty pizza box lies on the coffee table, as the credits of some chick flick roll across the Television screen. "That's probably for the best." She yawned, "I forgot to mention that you've got school in the morning." She stands up as well. "C'mon, I'll show you where you're sleeping." I grabbed my duffle bag, which I had ditched beside the door and followed her down a hallway. The room we entered was simple, a bed, a nightstand, with a desk and computer. The closet was open and filled with hangers, more than I would ever need.

Auntie B walked over to the dresser and pulled open the bottom drawer, pulling out a larger comforter and sheets for me. "We'll have to go shopping over the weekend so we can get you some more clothes. And I'm sure you'll want to decorate your room as well…." I shake my head, "You don't have to." The woman turns to me, "But I want to." She insisted, "You shouldn't feel like a stranger in your own home, Morgan."

I may not be here for long though."Thank you." I said finally, unsure of what else to say. Auntie B smiled once more before heading for the door, "If you need anything else, let me know okay?"

That night, as I laid in bed staring up at the ceiling I mulled her words over, You shouldn't feel like a stranger in your own home. Could I ever possibly call this place my home? Only time would tell…