Chapter Four

Twenty minutes later we were out of the door and on the road. Regardless of circumstance, I've always been the level headed one out of us. The one who didn't make her decisions based on emotions. The one that never even let her attitude be influenced by the raging chaos that she hid so well inside.

This new development would be no different. I'll keep my head up and just make it through another day. That was the secret to life, I think. All you had to do was make it through the day. You could worry about tomorrow when it got here.

The entire trip takes approximately one entire day and fourteen hours. Of course, it didn't have to take that long but dear Dad wanted to stop and "smell the roses." And take cheesy tourist type pictures along the way.

As irritated and as tired as I was, the steady, genuine smile on his face made it all worth it. I don't even think I ever realized the smile I was accustomed to was false until this move.

It made me sad that I had never noticed his smile was fake, but it also gave me a new appreciation for his strength. My dad was the strongest person I knew and he deserved this fresh start. I could do this for him a hundred times over and still not be able to repay him for never leaving me the way my mother did.

We arrive in Torrance and I feel like a complete alien. There is nothing small and cozy about this place. None of the down home warmth I was used to. People don't smile and wave here. They don't stop to ask about your mama and daddy. They don't even acknowledge you. They keep their eyes straight ahead and cease to know of the other life forms around them.

I listen to my dad go on and on about the house he purchased. He was so proud of himself. He is completely ignorant of all things technical, yet he managed to find the "perfect" house online and purchased it "all on his own." I rolled my eyes and smiled at how excited he was. He had the giddiness of a child right now.

When we pull into a driveway I look up and just assume we're at the wrong place. But then dad keeps driving instead of backing out.

"It's even more beautiful than it was in the pictures." My mouth nearly hits the floorboard. I stare at him and then the house. Then back at him for good measure.

The place was huge. Sleek. Modern. Everything we weren't. "Dad...what....how....are you sure this is the correct address?"

He laughs at me and says, "The old man did good, huh? Go check it out, girl. It's your new home." I don't hesitate.

I keep looking over my shoulder every three seconds waiting for someone to yell at me for being here. This isn't real. There has to be some sort of mistake. My dad doesn't even splurge money on the good mayonnaise. Much less this...mansion? I don't know.

"Ah, you must be the Brinks! So wonderful to meet you both!" I nearly jump out of my skin at the way too cheerful voice and look up to see a very kind face. The only kind face I've seen here so far. "Yes ma'am, I'm Riley and that's my dad, Nicholas. Pleasure to meet you." Now her pretty face sports the look of shock and a bit of amusement.

My dad walks up and takes her hand in his for a friendly shake. "Hi, I'm Nicholas. How are you today?" Again, she looks a bit shocked. Which, she has reason to be now. My dad is a very handsome man and even though he has a teen daughter, he is still rather young at thirty three.

I watch, smiling slightly as she takes him in from head to toe. His sandy blonde hair, forest green eyes and broad shoulders. The complete opposite of me. At five foot one, with dark hair and eyes, my dad and I were polar opposites. Not having a picture to go on, I just always assumed I took after my mother physically.

"Hi- hey, hi. I'm Millie, your real estate agent. Your payment was confirmed this morning and I'm here to give you your keys and even take you on a tour of the house and property if you'd like." She's blushing so hard I have to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. "Or, of course if you'd like, you guys are welcome to just take it all in on your own. I mean, it is your home now. Signed, sealed, delivered. Paid in full."

I'm a bit stunned. Paid in full? This place was huge. My dad and I have always lived a simple life. Of course I knew we didn't have to worry about money, he has led a successful career as an author. With the plain, low key life style we had always lived though, it's just something I've never thought about.

"I'm sure we can manage on our own, Millie. Thank you so much for everything, you've been a dream." I feel sorry for her as I see the look of disappointment flash across her face.

It isn't her fault at all. And she was definitely attractive enough. My dad just never entertained women. Never. He hasn't been on a single date in the past seventeen years.

"Okay, sure of course. Well, if you need anything you have my number. Welcome to Torrance, guys." I watched as she walked to her sporty SUV and then turned and hit my dad with a "you're so mean" look.

He smirked at me and shook his head. "Well, let's check the place out, shall we?" I can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm and fall into step beside him. Something told me things were about to change. How I felt about that though, I wasn't sure just yet.

With that being said, I take the keys to our new home and unlock our new beginning.