The drive through California was completely unlike anything I'd ever seen. It just screamed rich for miles. I didn't even consider myself wealthy, even though I was. My father was a hotshot lawyer who worked for the stars. He was the go to if you ever found yourself in a spot. He put on the perfect front for his clients, completely different with them than he is with us.

"Alright girls. This is the start of everything we talked about. Your schooling is of the upmost importance and I won't have you messing it up. We have an image to uphold." I rolled my eyes once my dad looked to my mom with a understanding seeming to pass between them. My little sister Ava was completely out of tune with the whole conversation, as was I.

"So that means absolutely no distractions you two. Only things that will benefit your future and ours. No trouble." He looked to me with his piercing eyes and grimace, knowing how much I loved to defy him. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad girl or anything of the sort. I'm just.... eccentric.

"Yes daddy dearest. We know. School good. Trouble bad." I mocked the best Frankenstein impression I could muster, seeing my mom cracking a slight smile out of view from my dad. But before he could say anything else on the matter, we arrived at our new home, pulling into the long driveway with Ava seeming to gawk at everything in sight. I couldn't help myself either. We have never lived in a house near as nice as this one. It was completely massive, completed with a pool, tennis court and guesthouse. The pictures we were shown beforehand did not do it justice.

"Come on Ana!" My sister's five-year-old enthusiasm finally came out for the first time since we arrived in California, seeming pleased with the final destination. We moved from Florida to be here, leaving behind so much. But maybe with this house, I could actually have some alone time without my parents to bug me about how I was dressed or what I was doing. And on that lovely note, i was dragged into the house with a laugh escaping me from Ava and how happy she was.

"Woooow! This is all ours?!" The entryway lead to a massive staircase, leaving out of view the rooms that occupied it. The kitchen was further down the hall on the right of the stairs, the family room in view from where I was standing on the right as well. My fathers study was on the left of the staircase with a workout room further down the hall. I just couldn't keep up. How can a house be this big?

"Go explore sweetheart. Your father and I have some things to sort out." I nodded with a smile, noticing Ava was already gone with the wind and no telling what part of the world she was in right now. I'll be lucky if I ever find her again. I decided to finally walk up the stairs and was met with a long hallway once I made it up, smiling a little at the beautiful wood finished walls. The house was absolutely gorgeous. And a family home as well. It's been in ours for generations, having recently been renovated for our arrival.

"Holy cow! This bathroom is as big as my room." I laughed from the sound of Ava's sudden scream from somewhere I couldn't figure out, finally finding my room and once I entered through the door, I stopped dead in the center to just admire the view. It was unlike what I expected. Lavender walls to liven up the room. Bookcases for my studies and writing that I do. A beautiful desk with a vase full of roses and a picture frame with Ava and I in it from our trip to Hawaii last year. A massive canopy bed. And a balcony. I have a balcony!

"Ava! Come check this out. We've got a balcony!" I softly opened the doors with a big grin on my face, seeing a couple of chairs, a table and plants perfectly placed out here. The beautiful California weather struck me like the warmest feeling imaginable, the slight wind ruffling my curly, long brown hair. I had a perfect view into the neighbors yard. And could see someone playing tennis, clearly knowing what they were doing. They were completely focused, hitting the balls with each throw that came their way.

"It's so beautiful Ana! We can spy on the neighbors." I chuckled with a ruffle to her hair, before she took off again just as quick as she appeared. I placed my hands softly on the balcony railing and closed my eyes to soak in the sun and wind, smiling so widely from the high I was feeling. But when I opened my eyes, I was met with the ones of the boy I saw before, noticing he wasn't playing anymore nor was he focused on anything on the court. He was focused on me. I practically froze from the sudden attention, wondering just how long I had been standing here. I finally waved at the curly haired boy with a smile, receiving a smile and wave right back. From what I could see, he seemed cute. And maybe my age.

"Ana! Are you in your room?" I looked behind me to notice my dad walking into my room, examining everything in sight. My clothes and everything were already put up and everything was set. We didn't have to do a thing.

"Hey dad. I was just.... looking at this amazing view." My eyes landed back to next door, noticing the boy grinning as he walked away with someone else that appeared to be maybe his brother from the looks of it, wiping his face with a towel.

"Well I'm glad you found it. I hope it's just what you wanted. Now remember what we discussed. This move should be what we needed. I just need you to listen to me. Understood?" He twirled me around to look up at him with his tense eyes lingering on me like usual, knowing just how intimidating he truly was. His grip on my shoulders was rough and hard, sending a little gasp from my lips.

"Yes.... I understand dad." He nodded, before releasing me. My dad has never been the nicest person in the world. Especially to his family.

"Now tonight we're going over to the Menendez's for a nice dinner. Jose and I go way back and I expect you to make a good first impression. Dress nice." He finally left the room, leaving me with my thoughts. I had only heard of them in passing. But I had no idea they had sons. Then again, I never was interested in listening to my dads rambling on his past. Until now that is. Let the games begin.
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Hey guys! I hope you will enjoy this story. Now I know stories like these can attract people who don't agree on this method of writing. Especially since it's based on true crime. And where I do understand that, I don't want any hate on this story please. I don't condone murder of any sort and don't ever mean to come off disrespectful by writing this kind of story. That's not what this story is about. I support Erik and Lyle wholeheartedly and always will. And with that being said, I appreciate everyone who reads. Be nice. Much love. 🥰