chapter one - a winter's tale

Instructions

Chapter One: Nora's POV “Caleb, Onyx, Nora? Are you ready?” Mom calls from downstairs. I’m in the room I share with Onyx, saying goodbye to our home. Caleb is, too. I’m assuming Evan is doing what Evan always does, playing video games on his PC. Or well, his laptop, being we packed his whole PC setup. All three of us scamper out of our rooms and trample like a herd of elephants down the stairs as we head to the car. You’re probably thinking Evan, Caleb, Onyx, and I are siblings. Biological siblings? Nope. Adopted siblings? Yep. Our mothers; Catherine, who we call Mama, and Beatrice, who we call mom. We may only know each other due to adoption, but we love each other like biological sibling would. We all pile in the blue minivan.Evan’s already in there, gaming on his laptop. In the front seat. Ugh, I really wanted the front seat for the long drive to Greenville. I’m stuck sitting directly behind him, and all I can see from where I am is the fluffy brown hair on his head. I sit up take a peek at his computer, and watch him playing minecraft with his online friends. He opens the chat, and I can’t help but read what he types. 'It’s so poggers we’re friends, bros' “Aw, The all-exclusive robot, Evan 2000, actually has feelings!” I laugh sarcastically, flicking his head. He doesn’t treat us the best, so we don’t treat him the best. What can I say? It’s mutual. “Shove it, Nora.” He growls, slamming his laptop shut. I can see the blush of embarrassment creeping up his face. I smile, feeling accomplished, and lean back in my leathery seat. For this car being so expensive, it could at least be comfortable “Evan, chill. Same for you, Nora.” Mom scolds from the driver’s seat. “Hold on. Where’s Mama?” I question, noticing Mom is the only adult in the car. She gestures out the window, and I see Mama running out to the car with the last few bags. I look at our nice house, and it starts to hurt at how we have to move. I’m going to miss this town, with its crappy summer carnivals and small candy shops. And I will miss my friends, most of all, even though I only have a few. It hurts to think Iris, Jaxx, and I will never get to have another sleepover. Or another summer of ice cream and bike rides. Never another trip to the mall, posing with the mannequins in windows. My eyes start to well up with salty tears at the thought. We’re leaving this place, our home. For what? A random town three hours away known for it’s Christmas festivities. I pull out my phone, shooting a text to my friends. 'I’m gonna miss you guys,' I type, with a random gif of someone crying. I immediately see that Iris is online and typing, and she replies: 'Don’t worry, we’ll be fine without you.' Well, at least she didn’t say she wouldn’t miss me. Even though she basically said that. Don’t cry, don’t cry. “Sorry kids, had to say my last goodbyes. I still don’t know if I can manage to part with this city.” Mama says, plugging in the aux cord to play some Hamilton. She’s a theater geek, and somehow managed to reel Onyx into her little cult. The van pulls out of the driveway as I stuff my earplugs into my ears. There is no way I am listening to musical soundtracks the rest of the drive. It’s a decent music genre, but definitely not for me. Tapping my phone lightly, I play Mother Mother while watching the snow lightly fall outside my window. Two more days until Christmas.