New Surroudings Chaper Three

We pulled up in front of the farm house on the edge of town. All I could see was fields of grass. It seemed so stupid and vain that people would spend tons of money on grass. I guess if you had that kind of money then it wouldn't really matter. I reluctantly got out and followed Jeff across the wide expanse of lawn. I set my bag on the porch as he rang the bell and waited for someone to anwser.

" Hi guys. Come on in. You must be Melanie." she said looking at me with a smile. My guard immediately went up. In my experience it was very rare that people were nice to you without some alternative motive.

" My name is Linda. I was just about to call the boys in for lunch. Why don't I show you where you'll be staying and then you can help me round them up."

" Okay" I mumbled. I looked at Jeff and he gave me a reassuring smile and waved me off. I followed Linda up a staircase to a long hallway.

" That's Jared and Jordan's room, this one belongs to Marc and Eric and this is my husband and I. Your room is the last on the left and the bathroom is directly across from your room. Go ahead and put your bag away and freshen up.

" Yeah I'll be right down." I mumbled

I went into the room that she had pointed out and opened the door. It was a typical guest room and you could tell that it had been decorated by a women. The room was decorated in flowers and it looked like someone had vomited pepto bismol everywhere it was so pink. I groaned and set my bag on the bed. I thought about washing my face but I didn't really care what kind of impression that I made. I trudged my way down the stairs and I made my way towards what sounded like a herd of elephants. I walked into what apparently was the kitchen and I was met by several pairs of male eyes starring at me. I couldn't help but blush as I was appraised like a heifer at a four-h fair. I steeled myself and returned each gaze without looking away. Finally an older man stood up from the large table and came over to where I was still standing.

" I'm Henry and these people who are rudely starring at you are my son's Marc, Jordan, Jared and Eric."

I said hello and stood there since I wasn't sure where I was suppose to go.

" There is an extra chair between Eric and Jordan." Henry pointed out. I made my way over to the chair and found that it was wedged so tightly between the two boys that I had to wait until Eric got up before I could slip between the two of them. They were both so big that I barely had any room to move. Everyone seemed to ignore me at first. I sat and nibbled at a sandwich as I listened to the conversations going on around me. You could tell that the boys were very competitive with each other and the talk centered mostly around hockey even though it was the beginning of july. They were loud and boisterous and frankly it was a little disconcerting for someone who didn't grow up with any siblings. I glanced out of the corner of my eye and took in the boy who was sitting to my right, the one who was introduced as Jordan. I took in his profile and had to admit that he was nice to look at, at least from the side. He was blond and had a strong jaw line. Before I could examine him any further I was brought out of my thoughts by a voice.

" Um I'm sorry I didn't hear what you said?" I said trying to sound nonchalant

" I asked you what is your deal? Aren't you the girl who is always getting into trouble?"

Before I had a chance to say anything Linda reached around and slapped Marc in the back of the head.

" You'll have to excuse them. They sometimes forget their manners." Linda said

Marc muttered an apology while he rubbed the back of his head. His brothers started laughing and I couldn't help but let out a little smile which I tried to immediately hide. I was getting overwhelmed and I really just wanted to get out and go to my room. I managed to wiggle out of the chair and I made my way up to my room. I flopped on the bed and grabbed a book out of my bag. A little while later I heard footsteps coming down the hallway and a light knock on my door.

" Come in." I yelled through the door.

A blond head popped through the door. It was Jordan.

" Mom and Dad asked me to come get you. They want to talk to you quick."

" Fine. I'll be right down." I said with a sigh. I knew that it would be to much to ask that I be left alone for even a little while. I made my way down the stairs. They were all sitting in the living room waiting for me.

" We just wanted to go over the rules real quick before we have the boys show you the farm."

I sat in the open spot, where again I was squished between two solid big bodies. I was told that curfew was at ten, that there was to be no drinking or drugs and that they expected me to help out on the farm just like the boys do. Jordan or Eric would drive me to the youth center when I needed to go and also pick me up. I hated rules but I did promise Jeff that I would try to straighten up and stay out of trouble.