Chapter 1
Athena
5 years. 5 towns. 5 schools. 5 homes. Or as I like to call them houses. Since my mum dying 5 years ago my dad hasn’t been able to keep a job, he’s either drinking or just not showing up. Before my mum died he owned his own mechanic shop, not just the owner but he was a mechanic, working in the trenches with everyone getting his hands dirty. That’s where I found my passion, from being raised in a mechanic shop I learned every trick of the trade. That’s why I’m hoping this move will stick, meaning I am in my final year of sixth form, I’ve managed to get a job my self at one of the local garages, only as the receptionist but being able to finally be back in a garage means that I will be at home.
Pulling up to the new house, my dad is passed out in the passenger seat … again. The house is simple yet homely, 2 bedroom, one bathroom. It may be simple but I’m hoping it will be home for a while at least. Dad hasn’t managed to find a job yet, but the rent is cheap so hopefully I will be able to keep up on the rent. As I pull up at the house, my dad doesn’t even stir. Guess I’m unpacking by myself again. Gosh its hot today, lugging the boxes back and forth is starting to build a sweat.
‘hey do you need a hand?’ putting the box down I look across the porch and there is a small girl who must be at least 6,
‘ ah thank you but these boxes are quite heavy honey, thank you though’ she starts to come across the separating path of our houses,
‘okay, but my brother can help … RILEYYYYYY … he should be down any minute’ she has the cheekiest grin on her face obviously liking the fact she is disturbing her brothers day,
‘ well thank you miss …’
‘Katie, my name is Katie, I'm 5 years old what’s your name’
’my name is Athena, it is a pleasure to meet you Katie.” As we finish introductions a tall, guy with ash blond hair walks out, dressed all in black and covered in tattoo’s,
‘Hey kitty-cat, where you at,’ he says with a silly grin on his face which ultimately contrasts with the look that he is portraying, which funnily enough he schools as soon as he sees me. His face goes blank and matches the image that he portrays,
‘Katie what have we told you about talking to strangers,’ he says whilst motioning her back over to him,
‘She’s not a stranger her name is Athena and she is our new neighbor’ crossing her arms with sass that only a little girl can really achieve with this level of effectiveness, I couldn’t help but smirk at her response.
After clearing my throat from the bubble of laughter that was slowly rising, ‘Hi I’m Athena, were new to the neighbourhood obviously, nice to meet you guys’
‘ hi … Katie why did you call me down here I was about to go out’ he says completely dismissing me,
‘ I was offering your help to help Athena move in as I’m too little’ a cute little pout developing on her face about being too little tilting her head to the side,
‘ ummm’ … I was about to leave and go out but I suppose …’ he awkwardly scratches his head looking around as though he wanted to be anywhere else but here,
‘ honestly don’t worry about it, wouldn’t want to stop you from going … out’
