Parallax

Return to Redland

Avery sighed, annoyed. Her mother never told her anything about having to move. She wasn't surprised that she sprung the return to Ohio on her like that, the move to California was just as abrupt.

Avery was snapped out of her reverie when a cheery voice chimed out on the intercom, "Flight 9998 with nonstop service to Columbus will begin boarding..."

Avery followed her mother to the line to board the plane. She turned the volume on her music up as she filed onto the plane. The sticky summer heat seeped into the cabin, Avery pulled her mess of ginger curls into a ponytail atop her head. Olivia looked at Avery's choice of hairstyle and sighed.

"Really, Avery, I really wish you would do something more with your hair. We could get one of those straightening treatments," Olivia raised her eyebrows, pulling on a strand of Avery's hair.

Avery shook off her mother's comment, "I like it this way."

"It's unkempt," a look of disgust flashed on Olivia's face before she turned her attention back to her phone.

Avery was drained, between being around her mother and traveling, she was ready for a nap. She settled in her seat, eventually drifting off. She woke to her mother clearing her throat.

"Avery, we're about to land. Try to look a bit more presentable. Your father is picking us up."

Avery sat up groggily and let her hair out of its ponytail and smoothed it as much as she could. After landing, she almost had to run to keep up with her mother's long stride. They got down to baggage claim and collected their things. Avery spotted a familiar face near the exit of the airport.

"Jack!" Avery smiled.

"Hello, Miss Avery, Mrs. Alexander," their driver Jack smiled back.

"Jack. I thought Harold was getting us?" Olivia asked, clearly annoyed.

"Uh, no, ma'am. Mr. Alexander had a..." he cleared his throat, uncomfortable, "meeting with Headmistress Waters."

"Of course. Well, let's just go," Olivia began walking out of the airport.

Avery followed suit, though she was filled with dread when she thought of heading back to her childhood home.

She looked out the window at the scenery passing by. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow on the landscape. The scene was foreign to her, she had forgotten the rolls of the earth and the trees lining the road. She had forgotten the sight of the city lights fading into a halo around Columbus. She had grown accustomed to the heavy smog and fog that hung in the air around San Francisco. She loved her home, despite how dirty the city could get.

They finally passed into Redland, the sight bringing on a feeling of nostalgia. They drove past the town center and up to Redland Creek, the affluent neighborhood nestled in the hills of Redland. Nearly all of the students at the Academy lived in Redland Creek.

The car rolled past an ornate iron gate and down a long driveway. Avery had forgotten how grand her house was. It had been so long, she had almost forgotten the grandiose entryway, full ballroom, and massive marble staircase. It was very dark inside, only a few lights were on in the whole house.

Avery lugged her bags behind her into the entryway of the house. The moment she stepped past the threshold, she was nearly knocked over.

"Avery!" Jeremy shouted, grabbing his sister and twirling her around.

He had gotten tall, he now towered over Avery. His red locks were slicked back and he had a huge dimpled smile on his face.

"Jeremy!" Avery was still trying to catch her breath.