Hi, welcome to my first ever story. This story is based in the UK. Be warned, there is no sex in this episode. Please enjoy, but be kind.
Episode 1
Letting out a grown as the bright morning sunshine blinds me through my bedroom window. It's Saturday morning, and like most other Saturdays my morning is taken up with my dad working. Now I have finished college, I will work a couple more days in the week as well. The dream is to start University after the summer. Working for dad is a way for me to earn my spending money.
My dad has his own building business. I think my dad wants me to follow in his footsteps. He has always encouraged me to make things, and fix things ever since I helped renovate the attic to make my bedroom. My dream is to become an Architect, or Structural Engineer.
I turn my head and squint at the clock, it's only 7:30 am. Moaning at myself for not closing my curtains the night before, and the fact there is only 30 minutes before my alarm clock goes off. I lay there thinking of where my life is at the moment.
Let me introduce myself. My name is James Stokes. I have just turned 18 years old. I have finished college, and today is the start of my summer break before university. It should be an exciting time, but I just can't seem to feel it.
Normally this would be a good time for me to hang out with my best friend Samantha. Sam had been there all my life, and all of a sudden she was gone. I have never been romantic with Sam. I never have seen her like that, she is my best friend, and sister all rolled into one.
Her parents had split up, and they had to sell the house next door. I feel lonely without her here. I don't remember a time when she wasn't there every day. Sure we can phone, or see each other on Facebook, but it wasn't the same.
She has moved to Exeter, around 45 miles away, so when your 18, and don't drive. Then she may as well be on the other side of the country. So we are stuck with the occasional visit, or sleep over.
I hide my head wondering what I was going to do for the next couple of months.
Isabel is sitting in the back of her parents' SUV, she has her earbuds in and is listening to her playlist on random. She's not in the best mood, and hates her parents for dragging her away from where she grew up. Not ever been really popular, and many people think she is overbearing. She has totally focused of her education, and not had much time for friends, male, or female.
Her only glimmer of light is that she will be going to University in the Autumn.
Isabel's mother thinks she is either A-sexual, or a lesbian. The truth is that she is an intellectual, not many people are on her wavelength. She has hated nearly every male she has met. The two exceptions are her father and brother.
Her dad has been transferred to a bank in the middle of nowhere.
"Barnstaple, where the hell is Barnstaple," was all she could say when her parents had told her the news.
So here she sits slowly going mad on their four-hour drive to the new house. Sat next to her is her 10-year-old brother Zak. Up front is Heather and Harry Richards, Isabel's parents.
My alarm clock jumps to life unlike me. Must have dozed off again. I switched off the alarm, and climbed out of bed.
Being early July the house is warm as I sit on the side of my bed trying to wake up. I grab a clean t-shirt, jeans, and a clean pair of socks. Thinking, I will get my shower when I get home after work.
Let me describe myself a little. I stand at about 6ft 1 inches tall. Being 18 years old I have just about stopped growing. I have light brown hair, and hazel eyes. Keeping myself very fit by cycle everywhere, and working out in the home gym, also I have been doing Kendo for the last 10 years as well.
Unlike my brother Bradly who is my twin brother, not identical. He is 5ft 11 inches tall, blonde with blue eyes. He is also stocky, and very muscular.
I look at myself as toned and more athletic, not that you could tell due to the baggy clothes I always wear. With me trying to pull off the surf look with cut-offs, and a baggy t-shirt most of the time. Today for work jeans are the order of the day. Before you ask, yes I do surf.
Making my way downstairs to get breakfast. My dad Thomas, and mum Heather are already up.
To my surprise my brother Bradly is up as well. The only member of the family missing was my little sister Sarah. At 9 years old she can be a bit of a handful, but for now she is still in bed. My dad turns to Bradly.
"So why do we have the pleasure of your company this morning?"
"Today next door is moving in, and I hear they have an 18-year-old daughter."
"You're like a dog on heat!" My dad says
My brother just grins as he bites in to his toast.
I just shakes my head and thinking what a dick my brother is. In my mind I often wonder if one of us is adopted.
Bradly and I had never really got on, we are total opposites. I have always felt second behind him. In my mind my parents tend to favor him, because of the football. If I am totally honest, being in the background suits me better. I don't like the sport, and hate going to matches. I used to stay home babysitting my little sister Sarah, but she has started going as well now.
Although, the news that the people that have bought next door have someone my own age does spike my interest! The problem is she is a female. I am very shy around girls. Always feeling awkward, and can't talk to any female I find attractive. Oh, if you're wondering, I don't count Sam as a girl. As I said before, best mate/sister.
Breakfast done, me and my father head out to work.
"We're here," Harry Richards shouts.
"About time!"
Isabel gets out and looks around. In front of her are four houses sat spaced about 50 meters apart. They are staggered either side of what Isabel can only describe as a country lane.
Isabel turns to her mum. "Where are we?"
Looking around with a face like thunder, and a growing look of horror.
"This is our new home. We are in a village called Georgeham about 7 miles outside a town call Barnstaple. Welcome to sunny Devon." Mrs Richards says quite flatly, and very matter-o-fact.
Isabel's father opens the five bar metal gate to gain access to the house. The removal truck hadn't quite arrived, so all they had to do was unload the car, and have a look around the house.
Isabel is close to tears and just didn't want to be there. She had her life set back home, and was meant to be starting life at Uni in September.
There was a knock at the open back door. Stood in the open door is my mother Heather, Bradly and Sarah. My mother introduces herself, and welcomes her new neighbors to the area. She then introduces Bradly, and Sarah.
Seeing her new neighbors stuck with nothing inside their home yet. My mother invites them to come next door, and wait for the removal truck.
Isabel looks up from her phone to see Bradly coming toward her. She rolls her eyes and tuts.
Bradly is walking over with a big grin on his face.
"Hi I'm Bradly, looks like your coming next door with us."
Isabel looks at him with no expression and replies, "I know, I'm not deaf."