Welcome to Gaia! ::

Since we are doing a roleplay based on my book, here is a little taste of what the book is actually like. Notice that the begining of chapter one will be almost exactly like the first post in the roleplay, maybe a tad different. Enjoy! biggrin

Chapter One

“Kate! Come inside, it’s time for dinner!” my grandmother called from the porch steps. I sighed and stood up, the dock that I was sitting on wobbling beneath me. The lake that my grandmother’s house was near was still, no waves upsetting it. I wasn’t used to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of Whitevale. I had only been in the small town a few times, and I had just recently arrived again only moments ago. After my father was murdered less than a week ago, the police decided it would be better for me to leave the huge city of Pointtree and find somewhere quiet where the murderer wouldn’t find me. So I was sent to live with my grandmother.
Stella Clawfield was an old, kind, and well off woman. In her late seventies, she had beautiful gray-silver hair and deep green eyes which I had inherited through my mother. I had gotten my father’s thick brown hair.
Stella had lots of money and a big house with quite the view. She owned a very successful craft business throughout the entire country. She had huge shops all over the continent, bringing in a lot of money for her. She also owned a few shops selling things for horses such as feed and saddles. Thousands of people went to her shops each day. Without all of the money she would never be able to afford her beautiful home. She always used to tell me when I would visit that the house wasn’t worth anything if it didn’t have the view. I would beg to differ.
The giant farmhouse was beautiful. The inside of the house was almost entirely made of wood; wood flooring, wood stairs, wood cabinets, basically everything. The farmhouse sat in the middle of her estate with a couple of barns a short walk away from the main house. Behind the barns was where the forest began, and if you followed the edge it would take you to the lake. Past the lake ended grandma’s estate, cut off by a large brick wall that, if I jumped, I could hoist myself onto. There was a huge wrought iron gate at the front of the estate, the only way in unless you came through the forest or out of the lake.
The farmhouse, unlike a regular one, was enormous, big enough to be a small mansion. It had three stories, the first floor having the library, kitchen, dining hall and my grandmother’s study, along with a bunch of other small rooms. The second floor had my grandmother’s bedroom, a large bathroom, and lots of guest bedrooms and spare rooms filled with air and dust. The final floor had three bedrooms as well, one for the housemaid, one for the cook and one for another guest. I had chosen that bedroom, preferring the view rather than grandma’s snores. There were also a few empty rooms on the third floor as well, which I had yet to explore.
I trudged back into the beautiful home and wiped off my sneakers. This house was much nicer than the drafty, stinky apartments my father and I had lived in. When my mother had left us when I was six, my dad didn’t see the point in keeping a house, especially with his writing career just taking off. My mother had left because she didn’t like my dad’s career path. She thought he should do something more practical with his life, become a successful businessman or something. When my dad refused, she decided to take me and leave. My dad would not let his only good thing in life go, so he convinced my mother that I would be safer and well taken care of in his care rather than hers. She was outraged, but still left. I hated her for leaving us because of such a stupid reason even if I loved dad with my entire heart. But now he was gone. So I only had grandma.
I quickly ducked into the bathroom on the bottom floor and washed my hands. When I exited the bathroom, the maid, Miss Jolie was waiting outside the door. I frowned and shut off the bathroom light.
“Did you knock?” I asked, confused. I hadn’t heard anything.
“Your grandmother has informed me that you are to be in the dining room. I was sent to fetch you,” she said with a cold voice.
Fetch me? I thought. Odd term. My grandmother was very laid back, why did she keep such an uptight maid? “Alright then,” I mumbled, following her silently to the dining room.
“Katie! My little Katie, all grown up! Darling it has been much too long. I am truly, incredibly sorry about the loss of your wonderful, talented father, God rest his soul!” she exclaimed, leaping to her feet the second she saw me. She hadn’t been here to meet me when I had arrived, so lovely Miss Jolie had given me a stiff and quick tour. I was going to have to ask grandma about all of the secret hiding spots I had played in as a five year old.
“Hello grandma Clawfield,” I said, hugging her tight. I hadn’t had a hug in over a week, and I was seriously in need of one. Her hug was tight and warm, and she smelt like vanilla. I sighed and reluctantly let go.
“Now, now dear, must we go over this? I insist that you call me either grandma or Stella. Grandma Clawfield just sounds like I am twenty years older than I really am, and we can’t have that!” she said, smiling at me. I smiled back and nodded.
“Yes grandma,” I said. Stella sighed and shook her head, obviously wanting me to call her by her first name. She gestured towards a seat near hers. I sat.
“Raised you with incredibly fine manners that man did,” Stella said, rolling her eyes. I laughed slightly, finding it comical how she thought manners weren’t important.
“I hope you don’t take offense, but your manners may slip out the window within the next few weeks. The kids in this town are not the best influence as they once were,” she said. I nodded.
“Will I be attending the high school?” I asked, sitting on the edge of my seat. I was eager to get back to school and homework. It would take my mind off of everything that had happened.
“Yes. I have already enrolled you so you may start tomorrow if you wish. Just say the word and I’ll have Louise call the school,” Stella said, using Miss Jolie’s first name. Miss Jolie looked up from what she had been doing at the sound of her name.
“I would like to start school right away please,” I said, nodding. Stella smiled and nodded.
“Louise, please telephone the high school and tell them that Kate is prepared to go to school tomorrow. Have the principal wait out in the front courtyard for her tomorrow morning so that she can give Kate a tour quickly and then take her to her first class. It isn’t easy starting school in the middle of October,” Stella said, winking at me. Miss Jolie nodded and left us alone in the dining room.
“So Kate! How have you been up until last week? What have you been doing?” Stella asked, folding her hands together over her stomach and leaning back in her chair.
“Well I’ve been taking extra dance lessons. Dad got me a private instructor so my lyrical dancing may improve enough for me to go onto one of those big dancing shows. I love dancing so much, but I think dad was pushing me too hard in it. He didn’t know it, but I love all types of art, not just dance, but drawing and writing and music too,” I said. Stella nodded, listening intently.
“Will you still take private lessons here? I could afford to keep them going,” she suggested. I shook my head quickly.
“No grandma. If there is a dance class being taught here, I will join, but I don’t want you wasting good money on something I don’t really need,” I admitted. She stared at me for a minute and then nodded.
“Alright, I’ll respect your wishes. So, what are your plans for the evening?” she asked me, taking a spoonful of soup and slurping it down.
“I was thinking I would take a walk, get used to the town again. Do you know of anything that is going on in town tonight?” I asked, beginning to eat as well.
“I heard that the schools senior boy’s hockey team is playing their third game of the season tonight at the stadium. Doesn’t cost anything and it should be starting around seven,” Stella said. I nodded, spooning more soup into my mouth.
“They make the hockey games free?” I asked curiously. Stella smiled and shook her head.
“The first six games are free, and then they start costing. I’m not sure how much, I haven’t been to one of those things in a very long time,” she said. I nodded again and quickly finished off my soup, seeing that it was quarter to seven. As I pushed back my chair, Stella motioned for me to wait.
“The cook washes the dishes with Louise, no need for you to wash them, as I know you would have,” she said, making me laugh and nod. “And I don’t know how long these things last, but I turn the alarms on at ten thirty before I go to bed. Make sure you are home by then. We will discuss the matter of a car for you after school tomorrow,” she said. My eyes bulged.
“Grandma, I can’t let you get me a car!” I exclaimed. She laughed and stood up.
“Too late now. I already put in an order for one. Tomorrow I will drive you to school myself, we will leave here at approximately seven o’clock, and I will pick you up again when school has ended. Now, I must retire to my study. See you tomorrow morning, seven o’clock, outside by the gate,” she said, her green eyes sparkling. I nodded and watched her leave.
Five minutes later I had Miss Jolie open the gate for me and then I set out. Honestly, I had no idea where I was going, and I didn’t know how I had ended up at the ice rink by seven. I went inside and took a seat beside a middle aged lady. I looked up at the scoreboard and sighed. The game would be starting any minute. I decided against getting anything to eat or drink because I had always hated the food served at the concession stands.
Everyone stood for the national anthem and then was seated to welcome the hockey players. I had been to a few hockey games before in my life, but barely enough to know what half the things the announcer said meant. The home team skated out onto the ice and was introduced. They were a good-looking bunch of boys, that much you could tell even with all of their padding and helmets on. Number 15 had my attention the second he set skate on the ice. Only because the woman beside me started cheering insanely loud. I glanced at her and she blushed slightly.
“Sorry, I never get tired of seeing my son on the ice,” she said, shrugging slightly. I smiled.
“Number 15 is your son?” I asked, looking back down at him.
“You bet. He’s very good at the game and his best friend is the captain,” she said. I nodded, smiling still.
“My birthday is on the 15th,” I said, grinning slightly. Number 15’s mom smiled brightly over at me.
“Really, what month?” she asked.
“November.”
“Wow, really close then.”
“You know it. I’ve wanted to be eighteen my whole life.”
She laughed. “I think ever girl wants to be. Most of the girls James has dated were bursting with excitement about their birthdays. James himself wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks,” she said, continuing to laugh. Just then the announcer introduced number 15 as James Lockwood. I clapped as over half of the stadium cheered for him. I laughed.
“Sounds like he’s popular,” I commented.
“Seems to have some sort of reputation at the school, but I think he lets it all go to his head,” Mrs. Lockwood said as she sat down after cheering. I nodded. I wondered what type of reputation he had as the team circled the ice and the guest team started warming up. As number 15 came around our side of the rink, he waved up to his mother. She waved back and sighed.
“Such a good boy,” she murmured as James’s eyes shifted over to me. I felt my cheeks go even pinker than they already were in the cold temperature of the rink. His eyes were the deepest, darkest, most amazing shade of blue I had ever seen. He continued to stare at me, spinning around to skate backwards as he began skating away. I blinked and looked away from him quickly. When I looked back a moment later he had resumed skating, talking to whom I suspected to be his best friend and captain. The guy glanced over his shoulder, his eyes met mine, and then he shrugged, turning away.
My cheeks burned in anger. I hated it when people talked about me. And I knew they were, just because the caption had looked at me the way he did.
“What is the captain’s name?” I asked Mrs. Lockwood, leaning over to hear her as the buzzer sounded and the game began.
“Clinton Barrett,” she said. I nodded. I watched the game silently, clapping and even cheering when the home team scored. They won six to four, and I realized why everyone adored James so much. He had scored four out of the six goals. It had definitely made his night.
As the guys went into the locker rooms to change and celebrate, Mrs. Lockwood and I waited until mostly all of the others had left before we finally got up ourselves. We exited the stadium and walked down the cold cement steps to the parking lot. Lots of cars were parked there, surprising for such a small town.
“Where are you parked dear?” Mrs. Lockwood asked me.
“Oh I didn’t park anywhere. I walked,” I said. Mrs. Lockwood looked at me with surprised eyes.
“I see. Well I can’t expect you to walk home in the cold in such a thin sweater, so I’ll drive you home,” she exclaimed, plucking the thin fabric on my arm. To tell the truth, I was actually freezing.
“You don’t need to drive me anywhere Mrs. Lockwood, you probably aren’t even headed out that way,” I said.
“It’s no trouble Hun, really. I would be glad to after all the company you have given me tonight,” she said, “and call me Leslie.”
I nodded, but didn’t tell her she could drive me back to grandma’s house. Thankfully, James was hurrying over to us.
“It’s fine Leslie, I can walk,” I said, inching away.
“Hey mom! Great game wasn’t it?” he asked cheerfully.
“Very great! Nice goals Hun!” she exclaimed, hugging him tight. I used this opportunity to turn and start walking away.
“Hey! You get back here missy! You are not walking home in the cold and dark!” Leslie called after me. I sighed and turned around.
“Please. My name is Kate. Kate Wolfe. I don’t like being called anything else other than my name,” I explained. Leslie and James stared at me blankly and then James burst into laughter.
“That’s funny!” he exclaimed. I glared at him.
“Why is that funny? Wouldn’t you hate it if someone called you something like Jamie?” I asked, resting my hand on my hip. James stopped laughing and he frowned.
“Alright, Kate then. Kate, would you please allow me to drive you home?” Leslie asked. James turned to his mother, his expression torn between anger and disbelief.
“You want to take her home?” he asked.
“Well someone has got to! Feel free to sit in the front Kate, James won’t mind,” Leslie said, strolling away. I followed, glaring at James as I passed him.
“Well James does mind. Kate can sit in the backseat,” he said, putting too much emphasis on my name. I glared at the ground as I walked, ignoring him completely. He sat in the front with his mom and I sat in the back. I could see him scowling out the passenger side window and I couldn’t help but then, why the heck would he act this angry when I had implied that someone could call him Jamie? It didn’t make sense. Maybe someone important to him used to call him that and it had historical significance to him or something.
“So Kate, where to?” Leslie asked as we pulled out of the parking space and headed for the exit of the parking lot.
“Woodsedge ranch,” I said, sitting back against the seat. Leslie looked at me through the rearview mirror.
“Are you related to Mrs. Clawfield?” she asked. James seemed to be listening now.
“Yes, she is my grandmother,” I said. Leslie nodded and continued driving.
“Lovely woman. Huge estate too. When did you get here?” she asked.
“Around six,” I said, looking out the window next to me.
“And how long do you think you’ll be staying?” she asked, turning a corner.
“Until I want to leave. I live with her now so I can stay as long as I want,” I said. Leslie nodded and glanced over at James before speaking.
“So you’ll be attending the high school? When will you start?” she asked.
“Tomorrow,” I said. James sighed heavily and I felt my cheeks burn crimson.
“That’s interesting. So, why did you decide to come live with your grandmother? Family troubles?” Leslie asked, ignoring her son.
“I guess you could say that. If I had a choice I would have stayed in the city though,” I said. James’s scowl returned and I couldn’t help but sigh.
“You’re from the city huh? That’s nice. I’ve always liked the city, but I love our little town much more,” Leslie said, smiling. We turned another corner and we neared the gate to my grandmother’s estate. As we slowed down I unbuckled my seatbelt and reached for the door handle.
“Have a good night Kate. Thank you for keeping me company at the game,” Leslie said. I smiled and nodded.
“You’re welcome. And thank you for driving me,” I said. She nodded and I got out of the car. After I closed the door, I began walking to the gate. I head the buzzing of a window opening, but I didn’t turn back.
“Kate, wait a minute,” James called. I frowned and turned to look at him.
“What?” I asked, trying not to sound too angry.
“Your family problems… what happened?” he asked.
“James! That was rude!” Leslie said. James ignored her and watched me silently, his blue eyes on mine.
“Nothing important,” I said after a minute. He frowned. “Goodnight,” I said, then turned and pushed the already opening gate out of my way. I didn’t looked back once as I walked to the farmhouse. When I got inside, Miss Jolie was waiting.
“Your grandmother has gone to her room early tonight. She told me to turn on the alarm after you got in. Goodnight,” she said. I nodded and headed upstairs.
Fifteen minutes later I was under the covers, staring out the window. I had set the alarm on my clock to ring at six o’clock and then went to get ready for bed. Now, I realized how tired I really was, and fell asleep almost right away.