Wanting Her Back

IT was a rainy, chilly day with slow cold wind that left shivers on those who were exposed to it. People walking down the street some in rainy coats while most wielding just umbrellas were startled by the rumbling thunder.

The lighting streak running across the sky seconds before the rumbling thunder. The pavement ground was soaked with water and so were the surrounding plants.

This has been Jennifer Aniston's worst day. The persistent downpour of rain was almost like it emulated her tearful eyes. She was on her knees crying bitterly in agony with only one wish on her mind, that all this was a dream or a bad mirage, she wished their would be no tombstones in front of her, she wished that her parents were alive to hug, pamper and console her. Her persistent and oblivious cry crushed everyone who came along to witness the funeral of her parents.

"Jennifer, sugar plum please, That's enough you are completely soaked if you stay out here much longer your going to catch a cold. Come inside and we will take you to your new home". A lady with a sweet and soft voice gently caressed her shoulder. She raised her head to reveal a fairly aged lady in her mid 40s with a nice, sympathetic look on her face. The woman softly smiled at Jennifer as she used her silk handkerchief to wipe the tears off her eyes and cheeks, she cried even harder when she felt the warmth and comfort from the woman as though it was her own mother. The woman looked perplexed and gave her a consoling hug. They both remained in that state for a while until Jennifer had stopped crying and broke the silence asking;

"Who are you?" She asked looking beyond the woman a man fairly older than her had approached them to stand beside her.

The couple looked at each other and kindly smiled.

"We are a friend of yours mother's, my name is Mrs Mirabel Griffin and this is my husband Donald" . She continued " from now on you will be living with us. We will be your new family". Jenn was shocked even some worth a bit offended.

"But what about my parents if your going to be my new family", jenn said. "Honey am sorry about your loss but your parents are gone and their not coming back, it's unfair yes but thats just the way life is".

Mrs Mirabel took in a deep cold breath and tilted her head in pity and continued.

"I know you miss them but in as much as they are gone they will always be a part of your family", she said this pointing to Jenn's chest.

"But for the time being you will be staying with us and we will take good care of you so that your parents can rest in peace". Mirabel explained carefully and softly as not to trigger Jenn to anger. Jenn looked up and took a gaze at the woman and embraced the woman, she quickly found comfort in her words as she was convinced the woman was telling the truth. Jenn turned and gazed at her parents tombstones one more time .

She turned and followed the couple, she didn't have a choice but to follow this couple, she really didn't know what to do after loosing her parents at a very young age. Just 15 years of age and as naive as they come, there's not much a girl at that age can do for her self.

Totally clueless and afraid Jenn taught ,"from now on I'll have to face this world on my own" the taught of going through life on her own frightened her. Within herself she was certain going with the couple was the way to go. As they all Departed Jenn smiled bitterly, it was not supposed to end this way.

It was supposed to be one of those family bonding that her family always look forward to ever weekend. They originally planned to stay at home but she insisted on going to her favorite theme park. She really begged her father to take her there. Her Dad later agreed; It was raining that day, and there was a busy traffic. Her dad liked to crack jokes while he drives so they always laughed and teased each other, when suddenly, the car flung into the main way from the right at an amazing speed. It all happened so fast and swift within a blink of an eye. Just like that her ordinary life was over.

Her family was gone, she often blames herself for thier death because they might just have been alive if she didn't persuade her Dad to take them outting. She sighed.

On the route to her new family life, the couple mentioned that they had a son who's presently enrolled in school. Mr. Donald claimed that his kid is attractive but can be nasty and unpleasant sometimes. Jenn found it interesting that they had an offspring as she wouldn't be alone after all. She's always wished for a sibling, an elder brother in this case. She even remembered crying to her father expressing her desire for a brother. Her father would always laugh at her remark. She was saddened once more when she remembered her parents.

It was still pouring but not as heavily as previous and there was no thunder and lightning streaks across the sky.

After a long drive they pulled up on a driveway to a lonely home. The house was three stories tall and had a large yard. Jennifer took a good look out of the car window at the house.

Mrs Mirabel smiled and said, " That will be your new home, Jennifer". "Yes this would be my new home but I would always prefer a home where I can be with my parents " Jennifer whispered to herself.

"Don't worry we already assigned a care taker to your house, you can visit whenever you like too, we cannot let you live on your own. You are too young, sugar plum. We are worried about your safety." Mrs Mirabel said, concern evident in her eyes.

Jennifer acknowledged the woman was caring and she could see the sincerity in her voice and actions. "Thank you? Mrs. Griffin I do not really know what to do after my parents died. We don't have much relatives and I am not that close with them. Jenn said truthfully. Her mother was the only child while her father's relatives lived abroad. She was basically on her own if not for the intervention of he Griffins .

"We are here!" Mr. Donald Griffin exclaimed.

"Welcome to your new home Jennifer !" Mrs Mirabel exclaimed.

" I hope you'll love it here and you'll be comfortable here" she continued giving Jen a huge hug. Simply hiding the tears on her face Jen hugged her back, she was thankful and grateful they had found her.

"Honey That's enough Jennifer needs to rest" Donald said taping Mirabel on the shoulder to break up the hug. "Am sure she's exhausted from all the things that happened today".

"Am sorry dear I just feel so sad for her" Mirabel sadly replied.

" Jennifer come let me show your room ". She anchored her husband's arm and both of them went upstairs. The house screamed luxury . The stunning Chandler, to the beautiful paintings hanging on the wall .

"I'm glad I found you Jennifer. I have been looking for your mother, but to no avail. You know, we both went to the same university. We were best of friends. " Mrs Mirabel told her smiling.

"Ah, those days were the best, we had all the time in the world studying, working and sleeping. You know your mom and I, we used to do part time jobs, to keep ourselves afloat in college..... Ahhhh the good old days " she said smiling. "We wanted to be independent we literally asked our parents to let us work for our tuition fee. We shared the same dorm rooms to save money. At first it was so damn hard to live without the assistant of our maids.

We didn't know how to cook, we are burnt pancakes every morning! We almost set the whole building on fire! Imagine that!? ". She happily recalled.

"Oh how I miss those moments from time to time, I'd do anything to go back and relive it. I missed how Sarah your mom would cry over her burnt bacon . Ahh, does precious moments." Mrs Mirabel dreamily smiled. Somehow Jennifer was pleased to have someone relate to how amazing her mother is. It comforted to know that someone else knew some things about her mother that made her special.

"I'm sure y'all love your room. I designed it myself to make it comfortable for. I've wanted to always have a daughter I can go shopping with. But you see, I can't bear another child my doctor said it would be too risky for me and my hypothetical baby. That's why I am so very much thrilled to have you in my house!. I can finally have a daughter. " She happily exclaimed. No wonder she and Jennifer's mon were best friends. They were both loud and funny.

"Here it is, your room". The room was on the second floor at the far end, they travelled through a number of rooms before arriving at her room. They both stood at the entrance.

"This will be your room, by the way the room across your is my son's, he's probably sleeping right now but I'll make sure to introduce you to at dinner. For now rest, I know it's been a tough week for you". She said giving Jennifer a rub on the chin.

"Your a very brave girl, your parents must be very proud of you. Feel free to call me Auntie, okay. Auntie is always... And I mean always here for you. " She smiled while she stuck some strands of Jennifer's hair behind her ears.

"Thank you auntie" Jennifer bluntly replied. She roamed her eyes across her new room, this would be her room now.

"Mom and dad if your watching me, I am fine. Your death still pains me , but I will be fine. I am in good hands, you don't have to worry about me anymore. Rest in peace" she whispered this soft prayer to herself as she took a couple steps to her new room. To explore her new life, no turning back now, no need dwelling on the past. She climbed up into the really big bed that lay close to the window. With a tear on her chick she dozed off.

Jennifer was jolted awake by a loud knock on the door of her room. She got up and opened the door in a gaze. Yawning she reflection on the person that was knocking, her blurred vision due to her interrupted sleep made it a little difficult to make out the person face.

"Auntie". No response, she wiped her eyes with her elbow several times so she could visibly make out who was standing in front of her.

She eventually had a clear view of the person standing in front of her, she was in awe after seeing his beautiful clear blue eyes, her mouth was hanging wide and dry.

"Your eyes they have the same color as the ocean". She pointed out.

" They are beautiful where did you get that, can I have one too?" She asked smiled.

" Hmmm, wierdo" he said just standing there. Jennifer stomach crunched. He's rude, I was just admiring his blue eyes. She thought.

"Your attitude doesn't seem to be as nice as your eyes, I was just admiring them you don't have to be rude". Jenn told him while crossing her hands.

"And you are too noisy girl, my mum said I should wake you up. She said dinner is ready. "

Then he just turned his back and left . He was rude.

"Her who are you anyway, " Jenn yelled softly. She started to wonder if she might have seen him at all at the funeral or on entering the house or on her way up the stairs to her room with Auntie Mirabel. She acknowledged that he had the same eye color as uncle Donald, so she put two pieces in a pot and came to a conclusion that he was the Griffin's son uncle Donald was talking about on their way to the house.

"Ohh there you are, it's time for dinner, come let's eat your gonna enjoy what I cooked". Auntie Mirabel popped out of nowhere. Jenn greeted her back.

"So did you two introduce yourself to each other?". Auntie Mirabel said giving the guy with the blue eyes a smile.

"Unfortunately no, he's rude enough to not answer my questions, auntie. " Jenn replied. The boy seemed to somewhat annoyed by Jenn's reply, he rolled his eyes. Auntie Mirabel looked at both of them and let a little chuckle.

"Really, I think he's rude too." Auntie Mirabel agreed. Jenn smiled triumphantly.

"Mom!" Yelled the guy with the blue eyes. That stopped auntie Mirabel from chuckling.

Jenn had guessed right, he was their son. The boy uncle Donald was talking about. The one she taught would be thrilling to have as an elder brother.

"Okay, sorry son. It was just so funny to see your face like that." She chuckled some more and grab his right cheek with her left hand.

"By the way, Jenn this is my son Tyler, Tyler - Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Aniston, meet Tyler Griffin. " Auntie Mirabel introduced them.

There was a bit of silence and cringe awkwardness. Auntie continued.

"Tyler, Jennifer will be living with us from here on moving forward. Jenn, you can call him your older brother".

"It's definitely not nice to meet you" Tyler said before walking out.

Aunt Mirabel shrugged her shoulders in disapproval to her son actions and inhospitality, she even seemed rather surprised than disappointed.

"I told you, he's got something going on inside his head. I guess it's because I dropped him when he was a new born and he had truama and wounded his head in the process." Auntie Mirabel jokingly said while laughing. Jenn nodded in agreement with a huge grin on her face.

"I heard that mom" Tyler yelled half way to the other end of the hall.

Auntie Mirabel and Jenn chuckled even louder.

When they got to the dinner table Tyler and uncle Donald were already there engaged in a serious conversation. They had this solemn and stoic expression that reminded Jenn of her father business talks.

Jenn sat down opposite Tyler and next to Aunt Mirabel. She tried to initiate eye contact with him but her didn't respond. She just wanted to be friends with him, but he didn't seem to comply. She started to wonder if her mere presence irritated him to the extent of not even making eye contact.

She wanted to have a positive relationship with them, particularly with Tyler, her "elder brother". She gave it a taught a little while ago and realized that she would have to be staying with them for quite some time. Her parents were already gone. She was an orphan from now on. The Griffins were her new family.

Never mind I've got plenty of time to win his affection, am sure he's just as kind heart and sweet like he's parents. Jenn thought.

"Now what level of education are you currently in Jenn?" Uncle Donald asked.

"Ohh, good evening uncle Donald" Jenn sad realizing she hadn't greeted him.

"Uncle? I like that!. We can work with that" uncle Donald said delightfully.

"I'm in my 9th grade" Jenn answered his question.

Auntie Mirabel smiled. "Tyler here is in his senior year of high and his pursuing the biggest or greatest I might add award". She proudly stated. Anytime she discusses her son, Jenn would notice a glint in her eyes, this made her smile.

"Ohh really, wow that awesome. I wasn't expecting him to be the type to perform well in class. He's not only attractive, his intelligent". Jenn said.

Uncle Donald laughed, " you seem so amazed Jenn. What he said made her blush.

"Your fantastic! I wanna be like you" Jenn exclaimed. With a mischievous smile she offered him a thumbs up.

He said. "Too loud little girl". What he said made her face flush.

" A thank you will do". Jenn murmured. He was being rude again. Tyler never even smiled at her when she called him attractive and for admiring him.

Auntie Mirabel cautiously inquired, "so Jenn would it okay by you I we move you to Tyler studies? That way, he can readily supervise and guide you whenever you want or need he's help. School can be rough sometimes especially at this time of your life".

Jennifer Aniston took some time to process the question. Transferring to a new school was a big deal. This meant she was gonna say goodbye to her old friends at her school. She about to respond when Tyler interrupted her.

"Just accept it kid". He said flatly. "That way you'll be less of a bother to me".

"Tyler! Manners!" Auntie Mirabel said.

Jennifer bit her lip and nodded slowly interpreted as YES. Auntie Mirabel clapped hey hands in agreement.

"We'll speak with your Dean as soon as we can" Uncle Don said.

They finished dinner soon after with a simple talk, and Jenn returned to her room. Tyler contacted her before she could open her door. She turned to be inches away from his stunning blue eyes once more.

He said, "I don't like you," as he slammed the door in her face.

After that Jenn asked herself. "What the hell was that?".

It's Monday, Jenn had made the decision the previous night to wake up as early as possible. She had set her alarm to set off by 5am, she does this so she does not oversleep. Unlike the previous day, the sun brightly that beautiful morning. It was no longer raining and the butterflies were visible outside on Aunt Mirabel's garden from jenn's room balcony. One of the things Jenn had noticed since she had been living with the Griffin's is that Auntie Mirabel loved flowers. Jenn been living with them for about two weeks now.

During that time she discovered they were just as welcoming, warm as her parents. Uncle Don and auntie Mirabel treated her like as if she were there own child. They never forgot to inquire if she was feeling comfortable or stressed or in good health and shape.

It's only been two weeks since she lost her parents, Jenn could definitely not say she wasn't fine. Their demise had a significant impact on her, this her being in the process of trying to accept everything and move on with her life. She had dreams of her parents occasionally, but recalling the reality that she no longer had her real parents was worst than a night mare.

********

She shook her head to clear her mind of the depressing thoughts roaming her head. She was certain her parents would not be pleased seeing her devasted like this.

Uncle Don was able to pull some strings and quickly enroll her into her new school the one Tyler studies at. Auntie Mirabel was delighted that both of them were gonna attend the same school. Tyler on the other hand was irritated by Jenn's mere presence a lot of the time. Anytime Jenn approached him, he would label her nosy or a crackhead or a pigeon. Jennifer was not sure why he did like her. He had a difficult character to decipher. He always had a stern look on his. Nonetheless she was grateful to have a "brother".