POIGNANT

*ISLA*

In the 17 years I've been alive, never did I think life would go in the direction it did. At least not this early on. Here we are, Reece and I, driving half way across the country. Three days after our mum's funeral, to go live with our aunt and uncle. I don't think Reece really understands the full extent of what happened to our mom. She's only 12 and thinks that what happened was an accident. I don't have the heart to explain it to her that it wasn't. A lot of people despise our mother and wanted her dead. And they got what they wanted, I guess.

ISLA: Reece? You gotta wake up. We're almost at Aunt Jolene's.

REECE: How long was I asleep?

ISLA: About 6 hours.

REECE: Oh gosh. I thought it was only like 2 hours. How far away are we?

ISLA: 10 minutes.

(Stops at a grocery shop)

REECE: What are we doing here?

ISLA: Aunt Jolene asked me to grab some milk. Do you want me to grab you anything while I'm in there?

REECE: No, I'm okay

ISLA: Alright, I'll be right back.

(Walks in to the shop)

CADENCE: Next!

*ISLA*

As I stepped towards the cashier all of a sudden I felt something - no SOMEONE charge into me causing me to fall to the floor. HARD!

SAWYER: Sorry darlin', I didn't see ya there.

ISLA: Yeah, no...it's okay...

SAWYER: I really am sorry.

CADENCE: Are you alright? That was a pretty nasty fall.

ISLA: I'm okay thanks. I want milk.

CADENCE: Just the milk?

ISLA: Yes

CADENCE: It will be $2.39.

ISLA pays*

CADENCE: There ya go. Real smooth Sawyer.

SAWYER: I swear I didn't know she was standing there.

REECE: Was the milk expired or something?

ISLA: No. Some idiot mad me fall. Like how can you not see when someone is standing right in front of you? What's wrong with your face?

REECE: There's a very hot and tall guy standing next to the car.

SAWYER: I was comin' over to apologize again, but since I'm an idiot, I won't be doin' that. Have a nice day darlin'.

REECE: Is he the one who knocked you over?

ISLA: Yep.

REECE: He's sexy.

* * *

HOLDEN (Uncle): I though you said they'd be here by now.

JOLENE (Aunt): They should've been. Aww here they are!

HOLDEN: Well that was weird timing.

*ISLA*

As Reece and I got out of the car and gave our uncle and aunt hugs, I couldn't help but take in our new home. My uncle and aunt had a quaint little house on 2 and a half acres of land outside of town. It was quiet here compared to the city.

JOLENE: How was the drive?

ISLA: Long.

JOLENE: Sorry about that. Are you girls hungry?

REECE: Is that even a question?

HOLDEN: Luckily for you, I just finished making some dinner.

REECE: Wow this looks delicious!

ISLA: I can't wait to dig in.

HOLDEN: Yes. But first grace.

ISLA (thinking): Ah yes grace. I always forget that Aunt Jolene and Uncle Holden are religious. So different from Mom.

ISLA: Of course! that would be nice.

HOLDEN: Thank you Lord, that even in these sad times that we are able to provide comfort for Isla and Reece. Amen.

*ISLA*

I sat there for a moment, again pondering how much my world had changed so quickly for us. If it wasn't for Aunt Jolene and Uncle Holden, I don't know what Reece and I would've...

REECE: Hello! Earth to Isla, can I have the mashed potatoes please?

ISLA: Oh of course!

JOLENE: So your uncle and I were thinking that maybe after dinner we could go do a little shopping.

REECE: I love shopping!

JOLENE: I know you do, sugar.

HOLDEN: After everything you two have gone through we want to make sure you two will be comfortable here. Plus we didn't know what you girls were into so we thought you might have fun decorating your room. You'd have your choice of room of course.

JOLENE: Plus I'm sure we could spruce up your wardrobe a bit too.

REECE: ZOMG! Isla can you just imagine how cute we could look?

*ISLA*

Imagine how much fun I could have starting at a new school as a bangin' bad girl with this new room and wardrobe or with these outfits and room I could get anyone's attention as the new girl in town gorgeous good girl! Plus I'm sure that Reece would really enjoy a new outfit too.

REECE: These new rooms and clothes are such an incredible gift. This is the nicest thing anyone's done for us since mom died...

ISLA: That's kind of you but we really don't want to burden you Aunt Jolene and Uncle Holden.

JOLENE: Oh. Ok. We understand. I guess you two can share the room under the stairs if that's what you really want...

REECE: Under the stairs?

JOLENE: Are you sure that's what you want? You don't mind the smell?

ISLA: Yes we will be fine underneath the stairs.

HOLDEN: Of course. Whatever you need. We love you girls.

*** Isla enter the room with Jolene ***

JOLENE: I know this room isn't as fancy as you're used to. I apologize if you don't like it.

ISLA: Actually okay.

JOLENE: Good. I thought you were going to hate it.

ISLA: You and Holden were nice enough to let us live with you. So I'm not too concerned with what my bedroom looks like.

JOLENE: How have you been holding up, honey?

ISLA: Honestly, I've been better. But I guess she was bound to die at some point, I just wish it was later rather than sooner.

JOLENE: I'm so sorry you have to go through this, sweetheart. Just know Holden and I are always here for you and your sister.

ISLA: Thank you. I really appreciate you guys taking us in on such a short notice.

JOLENE: You're family. Of course we'd take you in.

ISLA: Still. You didn't have to. So thank you.

JOLENE: You don't need to thank me. We would do anything for you girls.

ISLA: That really means a lot.

JOLENE: Well I'll let you settle in. Let me know if you need help getting settled in.

To be continued...