Chapter 2

It's a fine afternoon, the weather seems better as though it was trying to bribe me to stay back and not leave, but there was nothing I could do, school was about to resume, and even though I had the best summer holiday with my grandma, I knew it was time to go back home. My grandma lives in Florida, the Sunshine State in the southern United States, which is very well known for having cool beaches, while my family and I live in the neighboring state which is Georgia, the Peach State, just a little bit of distance between Florida and Georgia since they both share the same border.

There was my grandma, sitting on the balcony. One could tell she was sad, well why wouldn't she? I'm her favorite grandkid and I really feel bad for her, although she pleaded with my brother to let me stay with her, she was even prepared to train me in school but my dad declined the idea without a second thought and my mother was in support of her husband's idea, poor grannie, she couldn't do anything so I promised her that I would always visit her.

I'm done packing my bag when Doggie my grannie dog rushed into my room, he stared at me as though he was confused why I was arranging my bag, Doggie was a new dog and I met him the day I visited, although I wasn't really a pet kind of person but him and I got along so well, we played all the time in fact he made my different and fun unlike before "Are you gonna miss me big guy?" I said while rubbing his head, just then I heard the sound of my dad's car, I quickly smiled knowing how much I really missed my family......

My name is Anna Jenkins, I'm 15 years old, a bit fair, or you can say chocolate-skinned, I'm a bit short, or average, I guess everything about me is just in between. Not really the favorite kid in the family or maybe you can. I just have that face that makes them not think twice about ignoring me, yeah, I was not that beautiful, at least not like my two elder sisters, plus I was slim, and I'm like a shadow, always there but ignored. Did it hurt? Of course, when the uncles or aunties including cousins just doesn't make you feel warm like they do to your sisters, so during the holidays I drive down to Florida to be in with my granny, she was the only one who treated me special and different, she praised me a lot and always stood up for me and I so much loved her.

"Anna dear?" My grannie called out to me. I quickly went out to the sitting room and smiled at my dad, John Jenkins, who was having a conversation with my grandma. He smiled back at me. "Good morning, Sir," I greeted him.

Turns out he had work to do in Florida so he arrived two days ago and came this morning to pick me up so we can both go back home together and since it was going to be a long drive from Jacksonville to Atlanta where we lived, we needed to leave immediately, he got up and took my bag from me I hugged my grandma, she gently squeezed cash into my hand, I wasn't surprised because I was already expecting this part to happen "Thank you so much grannie" I said and waved her goodbye and left

"How are you?" My dad asked, and I just nodded my head, indicating that I had a good holiday. He smiled and handed me a pack of cookies he bought on his way here. I happily accepted them and thanked him. The drive was quiet as I laid my head against car seat, all I could think of was the beautiful moments I had with my grandmother and I kept wondering what she and doggie would be doing now, a smile ran across my face as I began to replay the wonderful moments I shared with Doggie and how uncomfortable I was around him at first I can't even begin to picture how I got to like him so much all I do know is that he made my holiday so adventurous.

"Should we drop by and find something to eat?" My dad's voice brought me back from my daydreaming. "No I'm not really hungry," I said, as I looked out from the window I saw a couple entering the restaurant, the way his hands were carefully rested on her waist, the smile on her face I sure wished it would be me not when I'm older but at that moment, it wasn't because I find the man attractive or he was my spec but because I wanted to be loved like that

I began picturing myself in that moment, being much older than just 15, wearing a nice black dress with my hair all curly and shiny, and I would be looking gorgeous and breathtaking, maybe it wouldn't be in Florida but in New York or Paris, the city of love, everything would be so perfect, my husband would be well off and I? Well, I don't really know what I want to be, my passion or my dreams, but it still doesn't matter. All that I cared about was that I was also going to be super rich, maybe famous, I guess, but that's not the case here. I imagined it was about having a beautiful marriage.

"Your uncle visited us while you were away he asked about you and we told him you had gone on a holiday, and he said you just make time to visit and stay with them for a while since you enjoyed " Again my father drew out from my imagination, I looked at him not sure if I had heard anything he had said to me

My father looked a little pissed, not surprised. "Where does your mind always run off to?" He asked not to look at me as he concentrated on the road. I sighed and told myself the answer "Somewhere I felt like I belonged other than my reality you could say".........

Chapter 3

As I sat in the car, all I could think about was the stories I was going to tell my sisters, especially my immediate elder sister, since she loved hearing stories a lot. I couldn't wait especially when I knew it was going to be a long drive. "Do you need anything?" He asked, since we were driving through the Mandarin market, a popular market in Jacksonville known for its amazing local boutiques. I want a sweater from my grandmother when she was going to buy a few clothes for me I was like a tradition for us there is no way my grandma would send me back home without new clothes and shoes These were some of the things I gladly looked forward to whenever I went to visit her and sometimes she doesn't let me pick what I want. After all, she just wants to be the one who gives me something out of her own choice, and even though I really don't like the clothes you gave me, I never turn them down because I always see how happy she is whenever I say thank you, and I accept whatever she gives me.

"Thanks, Dad, but I don't need anything right now. Maybe we can stop at the next restaurant to eat. I'm starting to get hungry," I said. "No Problem," he replied to me.

My dad was kind of a different person whenever it's just the two of us not that he doesn't care but you know he kind of never gives you so much attention to want to stop by at the market to get you something except he planned for it but why on a drive to somewhere it doesn't really do that but Whenever is just us he tests to pay a little more attention to me or maybe because he missed me since I've been away for over two weeks I don't know but I kind of do enjoy it

Citing the next restaurant he gently pulled over, "So what do you want to eat?" He asked as he opened the door and got down, likewise me, "Anything?" I said as we both walked into the restaurant.

We found an empty table and sat down. I looked around the restaurant, though it was not that big, but it was sure comfortable and warm. I smiled to myself wondering what it would feel like running a beautiful place like this. I was just about to drift into my World imagination when I was interrupted by my father's voice.

"Anna, I think we should order fried fish and shrimp," he said, looking at the menu and then looking up at me, waiting for my answer. "No problem," I said as he gently waved his hand, and the waiter approached us with a smile on her face.

"Good day sir, you are welcome. What can I get for you both? She asked my father to place the order while I was satisfying my eyes scanning every corner of the place "That will be all, thank you" my dad said and she thanked him and walked away shortly after she returned placing the meals on the table she turned and said to me "I hope you enjoy your Meal dear" I smile and thanked her.

I began devouring the food, and honestly, it was amazing. "Do you like it?" my dad asked with a mouthful of ffood"YeYess so delicdeliciousaid and h,e smiled as I could see this satisfaction in his eyes.

"Well you better already be up here you know we still have a long way to go" as he said that I nodded my head

The less than 20 minutes we were done and headed outside he got into the car and the journey began again, You know that feeling when you are looking outside the window of a car, you tend to think about your life, your dreams and some people think about their love life, you know just getting yourself out of reality once in her while imagining what your life could have been if things turned out differently.

But I was just imagining myself, being the queen of England's daughter, what it would be like to be a British person, and maybe I would have a different name and personality but then I figured it means I wouldn't be able to know my grandma even my family "No I'm kinda happy with my reality" I said to myself.

"Did you say something?" My father asked, unbeknownst to me, that I might have said it a bit aloud, I knew if I said no, he would think I'm starting to talk to myself, which is weird. "Yeah, I was singing," I said, and he didn't say anything else. It seems like he bought the lie. I reached for the car stereo and connected my phone to the car's audio system via Bluetooth and started playing my favorite tunes. "Now that's why to enjoy a long ride," My dad said excitedly, and we laughed it off.

He was right, music is more than just a beat and lyrics are like a sound the soul recognizes. When you listen to good music, even your spirit and your soul dance to the beat while your mind enjoys the lyrics.

I can't believe I have been sitting for almost three hours. My butts was starting to hurt, and I looked up to see the signboard "Welcome to Atlanta." I smiled to myself. I'm home with loads of stories and gists and finally my butts can rest. "You seem excited?" My father asked, "Who wouldn't be? My butts hurt like hell." I said, and he chuckled.

In less than forty minutes, my father pulled over to our house, and there it was. Our house is not that big, just a simple duplex but perfect for our family. It has a cozy living room with big windows that let in lots of natural light. The kitchen is warm and inviting, where we cook meals together. The bedrooms are comfortable and just the right size for each of us. Our backyard is a lovely spot to relax and spend time together.

The house may not be fancy, but it's home. We've made many happy memories here, and it feels warm and welcoming. It's a place where we can be ourselves and enjoy each other's company. We've decorated it with our favorite things, and it feels like us........

Chapter 4

My mom was waiting outside the house, you know that part where you kinda already know what you are gonna look like when you are much older? Well, that's my mom.

People say I do look so much like her, although she's a bit chubby while I'm skinny, but when you look at me, you could possibly tell she's my mother.

Although sometimes I don't really see it, whenever I take pictures with her, I end up seeing the older version of me to be honest.....

"There she is, how was your trip?" She asked as she carefully examined me to make sure I was looking fit since I hardly eat food. "It was amazing as always," I said. I took my bag and we both went inside while my dad went to park in the garage.

Immediately I walked inside, my siblings (Two older girls and two younger boys) came out from their rooms, I figured they didn't hear the sound of the car so they had no idea I had returned

Our eldest daughter Jennifer is 17 at the moment, she is almost about to graduate from high school, you can tell from her attitude because she knows she is about to become a full grown adult, while the second daughter Monica, she is 16 years old, she is so beautiful that she was the first to have a boyfriend even before our eldest daughter, but what can I say boy likes good things don't they?

Don't even get me started on our first son, although he's just 13 years old he's so annoying, you know that one sibling that you just feel like murdering not killing you know like, they just pissed you off because of how annoying and silly they can be, that was my brother Jordan, and I know I'm not the only one who feels like killing him, my two sisters do too, although he gets along with Monica than all of us he's still annoying and doesn't know when to stop, the one thing I appreciate is how helpful he can be at times other than that please spare me the love your blood nor matter what.

Lastly is Kelvin, he's 9 years old, the baby of the house, when you talk about an angel, that's Kelvin so sweet and fun, he's my favorite and sometimes I feel like I'm his favorite as well, he gets so much love from everyone that it seems hard to him to have a favorite, even though Jennifer wouldn't let anyone into her room but not Kelvin he's always welcomed, although he can be stubborn when he wants to be but I bet you he's so sweet that you just can't see him do anything wrong.

When you talk about bonds, remember when I told you that I wasn't really anyone's favorite, while you already guessed, Jennifer and Monica kinda get along or let's say Jennifer loves Monica a lot more than all of us, while Jennifer and I we kinda don't connect so well but she's my sister, not like we hate each other but she wouldn't let me borrow any of her things but Monica can, even when I asked for permission she wouldn't give me but Monica can have it without asking.

Monica and I connect well but that's because she finds me way cooler than Jennifer, she would tell me things and ask me not to tell anyone, and she shared secrets with me more than anyone else, so she's always around me you know wanting to know what's going on with me while she shares her secrets and updates with me and personality I appreciate it, only because I feel good than she trusts me more than she trusts Jennifer even though she loves her more than all of us.

You already guessed Jordan and I don't go a day without wanting to kill each other; he's so annoying that he plays stupid and risky pranks on you. One time he touched a leaf that scratched the shit out of him, he brought it home and asked me to rub it on my body after lying to me that it brings out water, out of curiosity I did and it was brutal I was scratching myself to dead while he stood there laughing so you know why I don't really trust him, he's so mischievous, although sometimes we gist and talk you know he's your blood and all.. but boy is annoying.

"Flat ass, you are back," Jennifer teased. "Welcome home," she said and walked inside; I simply smiled and wasn't expecting anything more anyway. Monica hugged me. I could tell she had lots of secrets to share with me "Grannie's baby, how are you?" She asked; I told her I was doing great.

"Ooh, I thought you were going to live with Grandma forever?" Jordan asked, no hello or welcome but I wasn't even bothered. I mean, his being too nice was going to be weird anyway, so it's better that way. Plus, I'm already used to it.

Monica helped me carry my bag as she began asking me loads of questions about Florida and if I met any cool boys there; before I could say anything or answer her questions, she began telling me about this new guy she added on Facebook and how cool and handsome he was