Chapter One

In life, there are many ways you can obtain fame, wealth, or success. You could work hard to earn every last penny like J.K. Rowling or Oprah Winfrey. Others obtain their success from marrying into the fame and being recognized that way. However, the majority of fame, wealth, and success is all inherited by birth. Many families very much like my own did not have to endure the struggle of working their way up to the top. Magically, we were born to a life where everyone knows what scandalous endeavors we are involved in and what our next steps are. That’s why we must consider everything we do because at some point it will wind up in the spotlight.

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    The desert seemed endless as I sat in the backseat of the limousine with my mother and father. My brothers were invited to join us for the trip, but they had decided not to halt their lives for a petty movie. My mother, the great Maura Halliwell, is a thirteen time Academy Award winning actress and fashion designer for the hottest trends in the United States. As for my father, he is also a prestigious actor, but he owns the three most renowned restaurants in California. Together, they also own many five-star hotels and spas throughout the United States and Europe. Coming from the “perfect” family, I was always supposed to be the superstar and America’s sweetheart, but I wanted my life to be a little more personal. What’s so special about being in magazines anyway?

    “Adaline, you can at least look a little more enthusiastic about this trip. You always liked to travel and meet new people. How cool is it to finally go somewhere new besides all of the cities and beaches? You have never been somewhere like this and been exposed to this type of environment. I know just how excited all of the other actors and actresses are about this trip.” my mother told me as she hung up her phone.

    I didn’t divert my attention from the window I had been staring out of the whole way here. “I am not an actor or actress. While you spend your days filming for this movie, I will be having to find ways to entertain myself in the desert. Six months in this hell will definitely have the isolating effect on someone. Don’t you think? When I said I wanted to go another trip, I meant as a family without you working. Even the boys didn’t want to come here. That should have been clue to how terrible this experience is really going to be.”

    My father gave me his famous look of disappointment. “Adaline Halliwell, do not speak to us in that tone. You’re only seventeen years old and therefore you are still a child. You will obey us whether you like it or not. Until the end of June, we will be living here, and you will either find a way to enjoy it or fake it. Besides, you have college to worry about in the fall. Have you made any decisions? You know, your mother and I would love it if you attended-.”

    “Dad, I have told you repeatedly I don’t want to attend Juilliard. I know we are a family of entertainers, but I want to do something more meaningful with my life. I don’t want to own businesses or be a character on a TV show. I don’t know what I want to do, but I know it doesn’t involve doing what this family does.” I replied, diverting my attention to them now.

    “The boys don’t all work for the entertainment business. Eric is a lawyer in New York and owns several condos. Maxon is the CEO of Halliwell Industries and helps manage all of our hotels, restaurants, and stores. Alec is a college student at Stanford and is looking into becoming a state legislator. Maddox is the only one in the family who decided to pursue acting, and he is quite successful. Ten of the twelve movies he has starred in have been critically acclaimed, and his TV show is number one in the country. We all have various specialties, but we are all very successful with whatever we choose. I know you will find your calling soon, but in the meantime I would really like it if you focused on music here.” my mother told me. It was the same lecture over and over.

    The car pulled up to a collection of cabins a little outside of the downtown area. I stepped out to find that the cool temperature in Los Angeles was nothing compared to the chilly environment here. My shorts and tank tops with a light jacket was not going to cut it here.

“The cabin on the far right is for you. We will be in the middle cabin if you need anything. Two doors down from you will be the hair and makeup crew, so if we are ever attending an event get dressed and then have them fix you up. Right next door will be Leila Jade. She is the new cook we hired last week. It is a pretty sad story actually. Your father and I were walking downtown, and we watched her get fired from this burger restaurant for trying to take some food home. You know how we love to help charity cases. Anyway, if you are ever hungry, she will make you something. Go get dressed. We have a dinner tonight. You must look presentable. Your father and I will meet you there a little bit later. We have some things to tend to.” my mother instructed. Of course, she wouldn’t stick around for long.

“Where are all of my things? It is kind of hard to change if I don’t have all of my clothes,” I said sarcastically.

“Don’t worry. Everything was shipped a few days ago. We had the maid service unpack all of your things. If you are missing anything, I’m sure Leila Jade wouldn’t mind driving you to get whatever you need.” My father handed me my purse I had left in the car. "The car will be here in about an hour. Remember, these people hold everyone to a high standard. Dress appropriately."

"So, blue jeans and a t-shirt is fine, right?" I joked.

I saw the look of disgust in my mother's eyes. "Adaline Elizabeth Marie Halliwell! You know how I feel about you dressing in that treacherous clothing. Seriously, do you want people to treat you like a sleazy slob? If you are not in your best attire, you can expect to be sent home. Do you understand me?"

"Mom, relax. I know what this means to you and dad. I will get as close to your standards as possible. You have a lot to do. I'll be there soon." I kissed their cheeks and ran to my cabin.

Just as they had assured me, all of my things had been unpacked and put away. The cabin was much smaller than my bedroom suite at home, but my room in Los Angeles could very well accommodate a family though. The cabin had an average size living room in the front with a couch and loveseat. A bar connected the room to the small kitchen and dining room. In the back was my bedroom and bathroom.

I grabbed my favorite turquoise gown which flowed to the floor and had matching lace sleeves and slipped into it. After putting on diamond dangling earrings, I went to find a necklace. That's when I saw the box sitting on my bed. The card read:

Dear Adaline,

I have heard great things about you. I believe while you are you should leave your mark on this place. Let the necklace be a symbol of who you are.

Leila Jade

I opened the box to find a pendant. The pendant had a small cage opened with a bird flying on the chain. Putting it on and grabbing my silver shoes, I walked next door to finally meet the mysterious Leila Jade. The little lady was sitting on her rocking chair when I stepped outside. She looked to be in her early thirties and had blue and pink highlights in her blonde hair.

"I was wondering when you would show up. I have been hearing great stories about you from the rest of the crew for the past few days. You have left quite an impact on some people. Why don't you come inside and let me fix your hair for you?" she said without looking in my direction.

I considered the idea for a moment and then thought of what my mother would say. "No thank you. I don't think it is really in your job description to worry about my hair. I was just going to get one of the hairdressers to put it up for me."

"Nonsense!" she squealed, standing up. "Come with me inside."

By the time I was inside, she already had a chair waiting for me. I sat down and let her play with my hair. "I had a daughter who was your age. She had the same icy blue eyes and long brown hair. I think yours is a little longer though. I wish I had a picture to show you just how similar you two are."

"What happened to her?" I had always been the nosy type, but I probably should have known in this moment to keep my mouth shut. I did not know Leila Jade, and for all I knew she was a criminal.

She grabbed a piece of hair from both sides of my head and twisted them until they met in the back. "She went missing a few months ago. I know she was looking into something. She was always out late, meeting people, and on her computer. She was missing along with her laptop when I found the window in our house smashed.  The cops told me whatever she was into probably got her killed, but they haven't helped me find anything."

"You never knew what she was doing? She never told you what she was up to?" I pressed.

Leila Jade sighed behind me. "Child, I wish I knew what she was up to. It would make this a lot easier on me. A change of scenery was very refreshing. She did mention that she discovered some things that didn't add up and wanted to figure it out. I never knew it would have this effect. She was always independent and wanted to change the world. Whatever she was doing, she wanted to help someone. Let's get going before you are late."

"Leila Jade, why did you really give me this necklace?" I finally said.

"I believe you are just like my daughter. Lord knows you look identical. When I heard about you, I wanted to make sure you kept that special effect that everyone knows when they see it, but no one can explain it." she told me. "Get in the car. You have a dinner to attend." She opened the door to the limo outside and closed it without another word.