When Worlds Collide

"Welcome to your new home for the next however long" Ellie said as she helped Lois get her suitcase out of the boot of the car. "Your boxes are being delivered here tomorrow, I'm guessing that you have all you need in there. But if you do need something just come grab it from my room" Her cousin continued.

Lois took a look at the house that stood in front of her. Brick red, standing proudly in the centre of the street. From what Lois could see, the end of the street led onto the beach where families played together enjoying the bright California sun. The house itself was nearly twice the size of Lois's own home. A decent size, not a mansion but big enough to house about 15 people comfortably. The porch was white, covered in all different types of flowers while little trinkets hung from the railings. Wind chimes played delicate notes in the soft breeze which came rolling up from the beach, reminding Lois of her childhood playing with the different wind chimes in the various garden centres she had visited.

"Before you go in, I need to warn you, mom was all emotional this morning about you coming so brace yourself" Ellie warned as they climbed the stairs leading to the front door. No sooner than the door opened, a yellow ball of fluff came barrelling down the stairs and flew into Lois's legs almost knocking her over.

"Jasper! Get down!" Ellie cried trying to wrestle the hyperactive puppy off her cousin.

"No no it's fine honestly!" Lois reassured as she finally managed to get the little puppy under control and lying on his back. "Hey there little guy, you're gonna be trouble aren't you?" Lois said to the puppy as he started barking almost as if he was responding to her.

"Lois, is that you?" Ellie's mom called from a room off from the hall.

"Yeah aunty, it's me!" Lois called back.

No more than 5 seconds later, Alison came round the corner looking for her niece. When she saw her the older woman stopped in her tracks. She couldn't believe that her shy little niece was now practically a lady and was going to be staying with them for a while. Growing up, Alison and Linda had been inseparable as children, which had passed onto both of their daughters. Living out in California had done her aunt well. She now had a light tan and her hair was lighter and had more volume than it did in England.

"Lois, look at how grown up you look!" Her aunt cooed while bringing her into a tight hug.

"I said that too" Ellie chimed in from somewhere behind her mother.

"William and Chris are just at the beach but they'll be back before dinner. I have so many questions to ask but I suspect that you’re tired so I'll let you go and rest, give you a chance to get rid of your jet lag better"

"Thank you aunt, it's great to see you. California has done you well."

With a small smile and a wave, Lois was led upstairs to her new bedroom. When she walked in, her jaw nearly hit the floor from how beautiful it all was. She would never be able to thank her aunt and uncle for setting everything up for her like they had read her mind. Her room was at the back of the house, next door to Ellie's with a view of the stunning blue Atlantic ocean as the main view. The room itself had white walls with red and black flowers intertwined. Below the window was the double bed full of pillows and soft blankets. It was very spacious and had plenty of room for Lois to practice her dancing without the risk of falling over or knocking something off There was also an en suite that linked Ellie's and Lois's rooms together, which didn't bother either of them because it meant that they would be able to save money as they only had to but one of anything so that they could both use it. It was just what Lois had always wanted.

"I take it that you like your room then?" Ellie asked leaning in the doorway.

"It's perfect, how can I ever say thank you for this?"

"Don't worry about it, we wanted it to be how you wanted. Besides dad got loads of favours cause of his company taking off. I'll leave you to freshen up and have a rest" And with that the red haired girl closed the door and headed off to her own room, closing the bathroom door allowing Lois more privacy. After having a quick shower and getting dressed, Lois started to unpack the her suitcase and sorted everything into the right place. Just as she was getting comfortable in bed, the sound of a guitar pierced the silence. After 5 minutes, Lois heard her cousin shouting to the person that was presumably playing, even though they were very good, it wasn't what Lois needed right now.

"Brian! Will you shut the hell up! My cousin is here and would appreciate you not playing this so loud after a 9 hour plane journey!" Ellie shouted making Lois giggle to herself. Ellie had always said what was on her mind and didn't care what the other person thought. Lois decided to get in on the conversation because being the curious person she was, she wanted to see what this guitarist looked like. The man she saw made her breath catch in her throat. He was tall, with practically black hair that was shorter on the sides than on top. His arms were covered in tattoos and his sunglasses took up most of his face. Lois had to admit to herself that he really was very good looking and kept himself in great shape judging by his muscular arms. Deciding to man up she stuck her head out of the window and waved to the stranger. To her surprise he waved back.

"Lois, this is Brian, Brian this is Lois. Brian this is my cousin and the one I told you about, Lois, this is who I told you about as well."

So this is the sarcastic one that Lois was meant to get along with. She could see herself becoming attracted to him, but being friends would was another thing.

"So you're the infamous Lois that that one has been talking our ears off about then" His voice was mostly smooth but with a hint of a croak that was possibly because of smoking.

"That would be me, I'm afraid I haven't heard much about you all though, sorry"

Lois gave a pointed look to Ellie who simply laughed. Brian feigned offence and stuck his tongue out at Ellie. Maybe Lois could see herself becoming friends with him after all.

"No, I wanted you to see them in person and see them for yourself."

"Just a heads up, Jimmy will love you straight away, now if you've had your moan, I'll leave you two in peace as you so wish" And without a second glance he walked into his house and shut the door. Lois couldn't help but wish that he had taken off his glasses so she could have seen him better.

"Girls! Dinner's ready!" Came Alison's words floating up the stairs.

"Come on, William and dad are back now, and you can get the questions over and done quicker." Ellie said, still with her head and most of her upper body hanging out the window.

But all Lois could focus on was this Brian character that lived next door.