Roommates with a Player

Chapter One: First Impressions

PART ONE

            “Wow”, was all I could say as we drove through the gates of the Stephens’ mansion. An enormous gray-stoned manor towered above us. I ogled at its size. It was probably four times the size of my old house.

            Michelle smiled. “I’m glad you like your new house.”

            I gripped the car seat, wincing at her words. You could say I was still in shock about the death. Everything was moving so fast. A day ago, I was sitting in my room, blogging. And here I was, parentless, driving up to the colossal Stephens estate. I couldn’t wait to update my Tumblr, telling everyone what was going on. And I couldn’t even imagine what my friends were going to say when I got back to school.

            We wheeled around the driveway and Michelle stopped the car. She honked the horn twice.

            “Wait, what are you doing?” I asked frantically. Sweat dewed on my forehead.

            “I’m just alerting the rest of the family that we’re home.” She grinned and hopped out of the car before I could respond. The trunk opened and I heard the noise of my suitcase being dragged out.

            “Oh shit.” I muttered. I wasn’t ready to meet them!

            But they obviously were.

            A middle-aged, attractive man opened the large front door and stepped out. He wore an elegant suit that made him look like he’d just stepped out of a fashion show. That must have been Henry, the husband. He quickly spotted me in the car and waved. I was glued to the car seat.

            Charlie peeked out from behind Henry. He looked very eager and excited. I couldn’t help but smile. He would be a great little brother. Charlie said some things I couldn’t hear to Henry and he pointed to the car. Suddenly, Charlie burst from the house, down the steps, and straight to the car. He swung the door open and plopped into the driver’s seat, a giant grin on his face.

            “Greetings, big sister!” He shouted into my ear and planted a big, wet kiss on my cheek. The hearty chuckle of Henry reached my ears and Michelle’s small giggle floated from the back of the car.

            I wiped my cheek and gave a weak smile. “Hi, Charlie.”

            “Let me help you out of the car!” He exclaimed as he crawled over my lap and jumped onto the crunchy gravel of the driveway. Charlie tugged me out and I almost fell to the ground.

            I walked to the back of the car, Charlie gripping onto my shirt. Michelle had my suitcase. Henry was beside her now. Both of them were smiling.

            “You must be Emma,” Henry said. “We’re delighted to meet you.”

            Well, they definitely weren’t evil. I wasn’t going to live like Cinderella or some other abused princess. They were kind and trying their best to accept me. I couldn’t help but be grateful.

            “Oh! I can’t wait to go shopping for clothes and furniture and tampons and everything!” Michelle squealed. I laughed weakly.

            She was nothing like my mother, who was quiet and down to earth. I got the impression that Michelle would be teaching me how to cook and put on makeup rather than help me with homework or tell me good books to read.

            “So,” A deep voice interrupted Michelle’s rambling. I looked up to see Ricky saunter over to our little cluster. “This must be my new baby sister.”

            My cheeks burst with color and a strange heat rocked through me. My nerves were on fire. My stomach was doing acrobatics. My heart was having a seizure.

            “Ricky,” Henry cleared his throat. “I want you to meet Emma Hark. She will be the new addition to our family.”

            He stepped closer and I was able to get a good look at him.

            Ricky was a good six feet. He soared above my measly 5’4 height. He had tousled auburn hair that stuck out in some places. It covered most of his forehead and reached his chocolate brown eyes. They reminded me of the eyes of a puppy. I guessed that was how he got all the girls. Ricky had a buttery tan that made his eyes pop. He wore a simple v-neck and some jeans. He still had his socks on.

            “Well, Emma,” The way my name rolled off his tongue made my toes curl. “Welcome to the family. I can’t wait to see what fun we’ll have together.” Ricky gave me a small wink.

            And that did me in. I felt my legs give out and I swung back, whacking my head on the ground. The pain swept over me and suddenly, I blacked out.