"Seph!"

I whipped around and see my best friend, my only friend, since 2nd grade. Yeah, in a small town, being ethnic, alternative, and really into music and songwriting doesn't exactly allow me to fit in with the popular kids, rendering me, and Tanya, 'losers.' Ugh. Tanya ran up to me and enveloped me in a big hug after I set down one of the last boxes into the giant van my dad rented out. I buried my face in her blonde hair and felt the tears threatened to emerge.

"Don't get swallowed by those crazy fake rich people, okay?" she joked. "And if you see Ricky Martin there, you get his autograph for me or else."

I laughed. "Of course. I know how much you love him." I squeezed her tight. "I'm going to miss you so much... I don't know what I'm going to do without you."

Tanya smiled, pulling away. "Don't even worry. Those kids in LA are going to fucking worship you."

I grinned. "I hope so, Tanya. I hope so."

Los Angeles was even better than I ever imagined. The heavy, warm air, the palm trees, the summery, warm sunlight, the constant smell of the beach- it was amazing. The whole ride to my Aunts house I had my head out the open window, breathing in the salty air. There was nothing like it in the world.

Finally we got to Anastasia's place. The guy my parents hired to drive me and my stuff to their place was ready to unload the boxes, but wanted me to knock on the door so he could set them down directly into the house. I walked up to the huge, bright orange door. Never in my life have I even seen a door this color. I knock, suddenly feeling very nervous. This is it. I'm about to meet crazy aunt Anastasia. I can't believe this.

The door opens, and I almost gasp. The woman standing before me is definitely her alright- because besides the colorful, baggy outfit and all the tattoos, this woman resembles me so much, its almost shocking. She has the same long, dark hair, olive skin, and we're just about the same height. We even have our nose rings on the same side. She must see it, too, because her hazel eyes widen. Hazel eyes, just like mine... now I know why I don't have dark eyes like my mom or dad.

Anastasia grins and squeals like a teenager. "PERSEPHONE!" She almost screams as she throws her arms around me and starts to jump up and down. Now, if theres one thing for sure, I definitely didn't inherit this woman's energy level...

"H-Hi, Anastasia," I say between a laugh. "I can't believe I'm finally meeting you."

"Me neither!" She says, pulling back. "Let's celebrate! I'll pop the champagne. Wait, how old are you again? You're almost 18, right? That's the drinking age, yeah? Oh, who cares, I'll just pour you some anyway. Woo! Party! Oh, how fuckin' rude of me, come inside! Take off your shoes, make yourself at home, girl! You need to meet Alex! Oh, I just love your outfit."

Woah. This woman was all over the place. But I just couldn't help but grin- she was even cooler than I expected her to be. I walked in and took off my lace up boots, the van driver guy coming in with the first box. As he left, Anastasia's jaw dropped as her eyes followed him out the door.

"Damn, he was sexy, wasn't he? God I could just eat him alive. Did you see those muscles? How old do you think he was? Whew! Somebody get me a fan, I think I'm overheating. ALEX! COME DOWNSTAIRS RIGHT NOW! PERSEPHONE IS HERE! Oh, let me get the champagne!"

I burst into a fit of laughter. This woman really was crazy- but in the absolute best way possible. I was in love with her already. She ran over to the kitchen and got the champagne from the refrigerator and three glasses, popping the cork loudly and yelping as she did, messily pouring the pale liquid into the tall glasses. She hands one to me when I walk over, giving me a once-over again.

"Well, aren't your just gor-geous!" she says. "My brother must've married someone smokin' hot to have a kid looking as good as you! I don't think your father got as lucky as you in the looks department, if ya know what I mean..." she says, giggling.

Wow, this woman knew how to spew words like rapid fire. I could barely keep up with what she was saying. "Yeah," I laugh, not sure how to respond. "Also we look a lot a like, too."

Anastasia puts a hand to her chest. "Well, isn't that sweet! I take that as a very nice compliment, coming from such a pretty girl! ALEX! Damnit, come downstairs! Don't leave you're cousin waiting on you! Oh, by the way, you don't need to call me Auntie or whatever the hell kids call their aunts these days, just call me Ana! Simple as that! Ah, Alex, you finally decide to join us, you lazy little teenager. Why are you in your pajamas?"

I look over and see a teenage boy with flannel pajama pants and a black t-shirt on. He has spiky brown hair and his skin is almost as dark, but just a bit lighter, than me and Ana's. But as he gets closer to me, I can't help but notice his eyes- they are possibly the brightest color green I've ever seen in my life. I didn't even know it was possible to have such a color for your eyes.

"Mom, I was sleeping," he grumbled. "It's Sunday. You know I like to sleep in on Sunday."

Ana looked at the time. "It's almost 2pm, Alex! You crazy teen, you. Anyway! Alex, this is my brother's daughter, aka your first cousin, Persephone! She's gonna chill with us and go to Hollywood Arts until she's done with her senior year! Woohoo! Par-tay!"

Alex looks over at me and flashes a big smile. With eyes and a smile like that, and the messy hair tousled and in his face, he's clearly very attractive. Which is a super weird thought because he's my cousin. So, gross. And I'm pretty sure I'm a lesbian. Emphasis on the word pretty sure.

" 'Sup," he says, nodding to me. "I'm Alex. It's nice to finally meet you. Love the name, by the way. Your parents must love Greek Mythology."

"Yeah, my moms super into it. Speaking of my name- you guys can just call me Seph. No one really calls me Persephone, except for my grandparents..."

Ana's face falls. "Aw, why's that? Persephone is, like, the coolest name ever. Why would you shorten it? It was your dads idea, wasn't it? I'll bet you anything it was your dad!"

I shrug. "I dunno. Its just always kinda been that way."

Her hazel eyes narrow. "Yeah. Definitely your dads doing. Shortening such a pretty name- what a shame..." she was mumbling to herself now, in between sips of champagne. Alex noticed this and grabbed a glass, turning to me, ignoring his mother still muttering to herself.

"So, you're gonna go to Hollywood Arts, eh? That's awesome. You have to be insanely talented to go there. Whats your talent?" He asks.

"Oh, I write songs. I play my guitar and sing them, too, although I've never really done it for an audience or anything before."

Alex chuckles. "That is definitely gonna change once you go to Hollywood Arts."

Alex and I make small talk for a while. He goes to a public school nearby, and wants to be a novel writer. He seemed really cool and interesting and I enjoyed talking to him, although his eyes were incredibly distracting. Seriously, though. So green.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. Alex scrunches his face in confusion, but Ana's eyes widen. "Ooh! That must be our neighbor! I invited her over to meet you, Perse- Oh, sorry, I mean Seph. I'll try to get used to that..."

Alex's face goes pale, looking down at his pajamas. "Shit! Mom, you didn't tell me you invited Tori Vega over!"

Ana laughs. "Go upstairs and change, honey. Don't worry. I'll try not to show her the baby pictures while your gone."

Alex's face turns beet red. "Don't even joke about that, Mom!" He exclaims, running up the stairs.

Ana laughs loudly, walking towards the door. "That boy has the biggest crush on our neighbor, Tori. She goes to Hollywood Arts, too- that's why I invited her over! Ooh you two will love eachother, I just know it! You can have sleepovers whenever, hun!"

She opens the door wide to reveal a pretty, tall brunette with dark eyes and a warm smile. Her style is simple and she is holding a purse that if I had any taste in anything girly, I would probably find cute, but honestly I'm not really into the whole designer purse thing.

"Hi, Mrs. Demetriou!" Tori says. "Nice to see you."

Ana puts a hand on her hip. "Ugh, Tori, your gorgeousness never ceases to assault my eyes, baby! Come one in! I'm just dying for you to meet my niece! Oh, and honey, I beg you to to just call me Ana, or at least Anastasia. Mrs. Demetriou is my elderly mother- don't wanna associate myself with that crazy old bat! Ha!"

Tori laughs and walks in, her eyes settling on me and her smile warming as she walks over. "Hey, I'm Tori. Welcome to Los Angeles!"

Woah, she's kinda hot... but not really my type, I don't think. Do I even have a type? God I don't even know. The thought passes through my mind quickly and I try to answer before it seems like I'm just standing there saying nothing. "Hey, I'm Seph Demetriou. Its really nice to meet you. And I absolutely can't wait to start living here."