A Chance For Change

Chapter 1

Chance Carpenter sauntered into the dining room, whistling to himself as he placed his breakfast on the table. He was surprised to see his uptight parental figures, often so busy with their many stores, already sitting at the table. He decided to ignore them as he sat down and reached for the milk and sugar.

Morning, Dad, he chose to sound polite. Shelley. He nodded coldly at his stepmother.

Good morning, Chance. They said back in unison.

His suspicions grew upon noting their nervous expressions and that left him uneasy. They were up to no good, of that he had no doubt. He knew for certain that whatever they said next would change his life and not in a good way. His heart sank at the fake smiles they plastered on their faces.

Tell me what's happening. Why are you looking at me like that? Chance demanded. His father's uncertain face was enough to drain his good mood away.

Honey, Shelley started but stopped when Chance's ugly glare fell on her. We have great news but also bad news as well. Shelley took a deep breath and forced her smug grin into a concerned expression

And? Chance snapped.

I'm sorry but most of it’s bad news for you. She told him

She watched him with secret glee, preparing for his reaction. His face fell as he wondered what it could be this time. Chance knew this was the end to what had started as a happy morning. He braced himself for what was to come.

Tell me what it is already Chance ground out

He wished they would put him out of his misery. With the pair of them, everything was good or bad, no in-betweens and no second chances. He was tired of it; if he even set one foot out of place, they treated him as the worst scum of the earth. He glared at Shelley and waited for an answer.

The fact is we have.... Shelley looked to her husband John, hoping he could explain it better to this rebellious boy.

John never removed his eyes from his son. He still hadn’t decided the best way to explain that they were adopting him out to another family. That it maybe for the rest of his time as a teenager and in a foreign country. The words didn't want to come out. His guilt threatened to overwhelm him but he knew it was the best outcome.

Son, we have been given the opportunity of a lifetime. One of our businesses is about to open in France and we need to oversee the project from there. It’s going to take a while to complete. John explained in his precise manner.

So you're taking me to France? Chance looked at his father with wide excited eyes. That's kind of cool. He saw his father wince and Chance knew that the worst was yet to come.

No, we can't take you with us. Shelley answered unable to hide her smirk and Chance’s loathing of her expanded.

Chance, it would be impossible. We have made alternative arrangements with an old friend of mine for you to live with his family in Australia. Before you argue, it's either that or boarding school. John insisted.

Shelley excused herself and beat a hasty retreat. She grinned with malicious glee, knowing that at last she had won against her pest of a stepson. There was no way he could escape from this one.

Chance sat in shock at the table with his breakfast untouched. Around him, his life spun out of his control. What about his friends, his schooling, his life? Did that mean nothing to his father? He spared his father a glance and noticed that he seemed upset. He knew this wasn't his dad's fault. It never was.

You are kidding me about Australia, aren't you, Dad? Chance whispered.

This could be a great experience for you.

They are supposed to have the deadliest animals and you’re happy to send me there.

Stop being overdramatic. I lived there for years and nonfarm came to me. You have to go, Chance.

No, there has got to be a better option than this, Chance pleaded as his warm brown eyes turned angry. I can't believe you planned this all behind my back.

We didn't mean to, but it all happened so fast, John looked to his son who seemed confused, hurt, and angry. In his mind, he planned his last words. I'm sorry, Son, but you don't have a choice in what is happening. John stated. Chance recognised his father's tone. Final, no other choices allowed.

Fine.

Chance stormed from the room, his anger flaring bright. Defiantly, he slammed the front door. He hoped they got his message at how furious he was about the situation they had pushed onto him. John looked after Chance's retreating figure and sighed.

He didn't take that quite as well as I had hoped. John admitted

No, he didn't, did he? Shelley couldn’t contain her huge smirk from where she listened and relished everything from behind the door.

Many thousands of miles away, Samantha Thompson looked at her father, an incredulous expression on her face. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She swished her long mahogany hair back from her face and looked her father in the eye.

Dad, why didn't you consult with me on this? she asked, as with agitated steps she began pacing the floor of her father's den.

The truth is Ginger, it all happened so fast. I couldn't refuse to help John, he was desperate. Jim explained to his irate daughter

So what? You could have sad no. Sam argued.

There was no way that I could reject him. We’ve been good mates for years. He has helped us out on numerous occasions when we needed it, so it's my turn to return the favour.

Sam's pacing grew edgier at her father's gentle but honest words, Dad, you're going to have to ring them back and say no, favour or no favour. I can't handle any extra stress this year, what with the news when I turn eighteen. She ran her hand through her thick hair in frustration as she glared at him with her bright aqua eyes.

I can't, Ginger, he would already be on the plane by now, Sam opened her mouth to speak but Jim raised a finger. No, listen to me; he is arriving tomorrow, so let's give the kid the benefit of the doubt. Jim said, ceasing all argument.

Sam crossed her arms with a huff, scowled and plopped down into the nearest chair defeated. She wasn't used to having situations out of her control like this. It made her think back to those dreadful days where her life had no meaning and she didn't like it one bit.

It doesn't look like I have much choice. Sam grunted.

The thunder rumbled and lightning flashed across the sparse land as Chance looked out of the grimy window of the prehistoric truck. Glancing around him, he grimaced as the truck pulled up under a lopsided shed.

He grabbed his luggage out of the back as he tried to adjust to the stifling heat, with his jet lag not helping. Chance cursed to himself, aiming it at his father who had dumped him in this dusty nowhere. This place seemed to contain nothing more than mountains, severe storms, and heat.

Welcome to your new home, mate, Jim said in a friendly voice, snapping Chance from his musings. Let's get all your gear inside.

Chance studied the man who had awaited him at the dilapidated train station as Jim hauled out more bags. He was stocky but solid with silvery grey hair and a tanned face, wrinkled from years of working in the hot sun. His smile had a kind welcome and he had treated Chance in a fatherly manner from the moment they met.

Chance picked up his last suitcase that Jim couldn't carry and followed him out into the roasting sunshine. The house stood magnificent against the surrounding gum trees. At least three stories tall with verandas circling the first floor and huge windows that let light in from all angles.

Chance was surprised that such a sophisticated house sat in the middle of the rugged bushland. The front door stood large but welcoming. Exhaustion almost overwhelmed him as he walked into the cooler air-conditioned foyer.

Come on in and make yourself at home, Jim grinned as he started walking up the stairs with Chance following behind. This will be your room and there's an adjoining bathroom too. Now I'm guessing you'll need a rest from the jet lag, so I'll leave you be.

Chance stood looking at the large room with his luggage surrounding him. It was bigger than his room at home with a huge picture window that looked out at the starkly beautiful landscape.

The bed was huge and looked so inviting, while the rest of the room remained sparse. There was a built in wardrobe and a desk complete with a modern computer. He had wondered about internet access because he hoped to keep up to date with his friends.

Chance sat down on the edge of the bed and took stock of what his new life resembled, which made him sigh. He lay down and fell asleep within seconds.

A knock at the door startled him awake. He looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. His heart beat wildly in his chest until he remembered where he was.

Chance, mate, are you alright? Jim's words sounded muffled through the door but Chance managed to push himself upright and open the door.

Sorry, jet lag got me. He mumbled.

Quite okay. Give it a day or so and you'll be right as rain. I thought you might like to come down and meet the family. They are, uh, looking forward to meeting you. Jim winced thinking of what Sam's reaction might be.

Yeah, sure. Chance murmured

Walking into a bright kitchen, Chance followed Jim before he stopped short. Looking across the room, he saw a beautiful but arrogant face. Her short, styled blonde hair and the way she flaunted her svelte body reminded him of his last girlfriend. The girl smiled at him and he forced a grin.

Chance, meet my niece, Brandy, she lives here with us. Jim waved to the girl.

Hi, Chance. Her voice turned flirty and he wondered what it would be like living with this girl.

Hi, it's nice to meet you, he decided that politeness was the way to go. Who knew how long he had to live with these people.

Ahem! Sorry to interrupt, Jim said as he looked between the two of them. I thought you might like to meet my wife. This is Lydia. Chance's eye caught Lydia's as she entered the kitchen.

Lydia’s red hair flamed around her face in soft curls and when she smiled, Chance relaxed. This woman welcomed him with a broad smile and her beauty shone through at that simple gesture.

Hello, Chance. It's nice to see you. Lydia reached over and gave him a warm motherly hug, which surprised him.

Hi, um, should I call you Lydia? he couldn’t keep his voice from shaking but she patted his shoulder.

Of course. I do hope you enjoy staying with us. Brandy, I think you should give Chance a tour of the house, she finished by swishing her hands at them both so they walked off together. Oh, and one more thing. Lydia called out.

Yes? Chance turned back to see her face turn serious.

We will go over the house rules tonight after dinner.

Okay. Chance gulped. House rules sounded worrying.

You're on your own now, Son. Watch out for her. Jim said pointing to his niece with a grin.

Brandy had given him an excellent look around, perhaps touching him a bit more than he liked. The jet lag set in, so he could excuse himself. He spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping. A large grumble of thunder snapped him awake and he pushed himself up groggily to stare out of the window.

Ominous clouds threatened as more jagged lightning flashed across the sky, reflecting his mood. A downpour of epic proportions began hammering against his window. He continued to ponder where this living in another country thing was going to lead him.

His anger towards his father increased and he couldn’t vent his frustrations with him being on the other side of the world. Chance wished sometimes that his mother was still alive, but he knew that was a dream he could never attain.

This family seemed welcoming but he missed his own room and his friends. He still hadn't decided if Brandy would turn into a problem or not. He was going to have to live with the girl for a whole year so he was going to have to deal with the situation.

Excuse me, Chance? Brandy's voice sounded through the door. Dinners served and Lydia doesn't like anyone late. Are you okay?

Yeah, fine thanks. Chance murmured as he opened the door.

Hey, there, you know everything will be alright. Remember that I will always be here for you. She purred in his ear as she reached out and pushed his hair back. He stepped away from her intimate touch with an awkward shuffle.

C'mon guy's, dinner is served. Lydia called.

Coming.

As Chance walked down the stairs behind Brandy, who was trying to do a sexy saunter, he sighed. It seemed that living with a girl would be more complicated than he thought. He trudged into the dining room ill at ease and uncertain.

He entered the well-lit spacious dining room. The large antique table set in the middle of the room was an impressive feature. A delicious roast meal sat on platters and smelt scrumptious. Chance’s hunger began to gnaw at him as he recalled the last meal he had was on the train. He glanced up from the food and met Lydia's smile.

Chance, you can sit here next to Brandy. Have as much as you want, I made plenty.

He took his seat and nodded his thanks to Lydia. He piled his plate high with beef roast and as many roasted vegetables as his plate could handle and his stomach rumbled in anticipation.

Is that enough? Lydia asked seeming anxious to please him.

Yes, thanks. I haven't eaten since the train.

I'm sorry I didn't offer anything earlier. Please say so next time. I keep plenty of things to snack on in the fridge so make yourself at home and eat whatever you like. Lydia offered.

It's okay I've been sleeping off the jet lag for most of the day. He answered.

The family meal started with gusto. Everyone began eating and talking almost at once. The families light banter with each other kept Chance amused. He was starting to wish that his family were more like this.

Chance prepared to enjoy his last potato when the back door, which attached to the dining room, sprung open. It was so unexpected that his potato nearly landed in Brandy's lap. Standing in the doorway was one wet individual. Water dripped off their long coat and broad brimmed hat that prevented Chance from seeing their face.

Geez, it's nice to see the rain but you wouldn't believe the storm out there. The figure spoke, the voice light and sweet, betraying the threatening figure that stood before them.

Glad to see you're okay, Sam. Jim said as he helped himself to extra roast meat.

I'm fine, Dad, just a little damp.

Yes, I can see that. Go and change. You'll catch your death of cold and close the back door. Lydia ordered her daughter. Sam grinned and nodded her head while she continued to talk with her father while shutting the door.

Sam, go now! You look disgusting and I bet you smell it. You're such a boy sometimes. Brandy sneered, as an intense dislike flashed in her eyes.

Oh, bug off, Brand. Sam growled.

She glowered at her cousin before her eyes swivelled to the person next to her and her whole attitude changed. She glared at her father, turned and marched up the stairs dripping on the floor the whole way.

Sam. Lydia muttered to herself

Chance watched the exchange and it surprised him to notice that even here at least one person didn't welcome him. Bitterness filled him. Judgment was on him before this person even knew him!

Sam, what about dinner? Lydia called.

I'll have some later. Came the muffled reply.

That was our daughter Samantha. Jim waved an arm towards the stairs and Chance found it hard to hide his shock.

The threatening stance of the figure known as Sam had seemed more masculine to him. With a sinking sensation, he realised he had to live with two girls. He didn’t know which one was more problematic.

Chance claimed that his jet lag had kicked in and he headed back to his newly acquired room. He needed to think about everything he had seen. He walked into the sizeable ensuite and decided to clear his head with a shower.

The warm water enveloped him, helping him to think. Brandy seemed to hate Sam for reasons unknown. While Sam didn’t seem impressed that he was here either. His thoughts chased themselves around in his exhausted brain until a knock resounded on the door.

Chance, are you in here? he heard Brandy ask.

Yeah, be out in a minute. He called back as he dressed.

Lydia wanted to know if you're feeling better and if you're ready to discuss the house rules yet.

Chance opened the door and prepared himself to face the worst.

Chapter 2

The day dawned bright and sunny, as every day seemed to here. Chance glanced out of the window and thought about his first week in this new time zone. His jet lag left after a few days and now he found himself enjoying his time here. He still missed his friends and the freedom to do whatever he wanted but this quiet was a welcome change.

Chance had started running. He found it freeing to run a different route around the farm every day. It gave him the opportunity to think through these life changes that had become his.

Brandy continued her flirty behaviour, which had a tendency towards possessive. With difficulty, he tried to keep his distance from her. She could be much too intimate towards him. When she was around she made him uncomfortable.

Jim and Lydia were wonderful guardians to him. He had to laugh about their house rules in comparison to the demands on him at home. He knew that his luck had changed for the better, at least where parental figures were concerned.

Chance only had one other problem that existed and that was Sam. No matter how much he tried, Sam avoided him like the plague. She never came to meals or even acknowledged that Chance existed and he couldn't understand why. Today he intended to work it out by talking to Jim to see if he knew what was happening.

He hurried down to breakfast after finishing his run. The waft of bacon giving his stomach a reason to complain. Sliding down the banister, Chance smiled, life was starting to treat him good. Shelley may have thought she was sending him to his doom, but she had been wrong.

Chance, is that you? he heard Lydia call.

Yup. He answered as he walked into the dining room. The table was as crowded with food as it was with people.

In a week, he had yet to see Sam remove her hat, so he didn’t know what she looked like beyond a vague shadow. The clothes she wore always seemed old and grimy. She never looked his way or even gave him a moment to greet her, leaving him uncomfortable whenever she was nearby.

Sam frowned at Chance with a scowl and pulled her hat lower. Why did he always have to be where she was? She picked up her toast, mumbled something about chores, and left the room.

Sam caught her father's glare and returned it just as fiercely as she left without another word. Chance glanced after her, curious about the exchange; it was obvious Jim didn't approve of the way Sam acted.

Chance, do you want to go riding after breakfast? Brandy asked interrupting his train of thought. He sucked back a groan, wanting to refuse but knowing he had to agree.

Uh… sure. Yeah, where are we going? he tried to hide his reluctance.

Oh, I thought we would go up the mountain a bit; there are some great views to see... Chance half listened as Brandy babbled. It seemed that his talk to Jim would have to wait.

After a gruelling ride up the mountain, Chance had to agree that the views were spectacular. In all directions, he could see the mountain range spread out before him. Large eagles flew above him, soaring gracefully with the wind. He could breathe in the fresh, clean air that he never had in the city.

After a while, his legs ached and his backside turned numb. It had been a long time since he rode a horse. He needed rest as well as that quiet word to Jim. Most of all, he needed to be with someone who didn't chatter so much.

The horses trotted into the stable. Sam looked up from where she was cleaning the tack as Brandy and Chance entered the stable.

They both dismounted and she glared at them. She couldn't help but notice how good looking Chance was, which lessened her glare. She had tried to avoid looking in his direction since he first arrived.

Now though, he astounded her. His brown hair appeared windswept and tousled in an inviting way. The way his eyes seemed to ooze chocolate brown warmth that sucked her in without her realising. He was so tall and broad shouldered with a handsome face that she found it hard not to stare at him.

Brandy haughtily handed the reins of her horse to Sam, which snapped her from her fascinating look at Chance. She was glad her hat covered her blushing face. Sam ignored Brandy's insistence and continued her cleaning.

Sam, you need to take these horses now! Brandy demanded.

You had them so you put them away. Do it right, Brandy. Rub them down well and feed them. Brandy glared at her cousin. How easily could Sam make her look like an idiot in front of Chance! It infuriated her no end.

Don’t embarrass me! Brandy hissed her thoughts.

What am I doing to embarrass you? Sam laughed at her.

Put these animals away now. Brandy screeched

You take them out then they are your responsibility to look after. Sam waved her hand to the horses.

Give me the reins, Brandy. She's right, Chance interrupted. Come on, girl. He spoke to the horse and clicked his tongue to encourage the animal.

Sam stepped back in shock and watched him in amazement. Maybe she had misjudged this city boy. Guilt overwhelmed her at how she had treated him. With that thought, Sam whistled and walked out of the stable to greet her own horse.

Chance walked back towards the house hoping to see Jim around. He searched the house, and found him in the den. Self-consciously, Chance stood in the doorway unsure of what to say now that he stood here. Jim looked up from the farm's budget to see Chance shuffling his feet in the doorway.

Hello, Son, is everything alright?

Yes... no… I don’t know how to say this. Chance mumbled as his skin heated with the attention focused on him.

Come in and shut the door. Now pull up a chair and tell me the problem. Jim said as Chance followed his instructions.

It's Sam. Why doesn't she want to get on with me? Do I have something wrong with me? Chance blurted out, sounding foolish to his own ears.

Ah, I see. Our Samantha girl is a lot different to most people. It will take her time to adjust...

But she is rude most of the time, Chance interrupted. Every time I even try to say hi, she runs off. It's just like at home, there always seems to be someone who can't stand me. Chance found himself blurting out things he didn't want anyone to know, so he shut his mouth with a snap. Jim’s comforting presence meant he was far too easy to talk too.

Did you have problems at home? Jim asked his brows rising in surprise.

Yeah, I could never sit with my family and talk. My step mum hates me. I know dad and I are okay but Shelley always seems to overrule him. Chance sounded sad.

Do you know why you were called Chance? Jim asked changing the subject and Chance shook his head. Because you were your mother’s only chance to have a baby. Your mother adored you from the moment she first conceived, before she even knew you.

How do you know? Chance asked with a mixture of hope and wonder. How had he never heard this from his own father?

Your father and I used to work together, before I took over the farm from my dad. We were good friends. He changed when... Jim stopped not wanting to upset Chance.

Mum died. Chance finished saying while Jim nodded.

Yes, even with her gone, I know she still loves you.

I remember after she died dad started acting weird, we stopped spending time together, and he got a nanny. Then he introduced me to Shelley and the rest is history. I wish I could have a family like yours but instead all I've got is a conniving step mother and a spineless father. Chance finished, having to snap his jaw shut again. He had blurted out far too much information.

Chance’s anger and despair overwhelmed him as all the rejections over the years built up. He had never let his insecurities get to him before. He was always able to cover it with a cocky attitude or rebellious behaviour. So why did this one man have the ability to strip all of that pretence away? Then it hit him, he trusted Jim and he knew that this man would keep his secrets.

What has this got to do with Sam? Jim asked.

I don't want to spend another year in a house with someone disliking me I guess. I've left everything behind and I miss my friends. Chance explained, fearing that he sounded childish.

Listen, mate, I'll have a chat with Sam about this and get it sorted out. Jim reassured him.

Thanks, but can you leave out the personal stuff?

Of course, it's safe with me. Jim said and a load lifted from Chance’s shoulders.

Jim gave Chance a pat on the back and a grin as he stood and left the room. It seemed Chance had more problems than Jim had thought. Jim grimaced wondering what step to take next. When he heard Sam's voice, he knew it was time to give his daughter a stern word.

Sam yawned as she walked into the house; she checked to see that guy wasn't hanging around and sighed with relief, hoping that she could keep avoiding him. She had spent the day trying to evade him by making excuses. She deliberately went to look in on the cattle, confirming how much feed they had and even examining the fences. Anything to avoid bumping into him.

Sam, come on in here a minute. Jim called out as she walked past the door to her father's den.

Sure, Dad, what's up? Sam asked as she entered the room.

Come in and shut the door, Samantha. Jim ordered.

Sam knew a closed in space and the use of her full name did not bode a good situation. She looked at him and tried to assess his mood.

What have I done? Sam asked with a sigh. She worried that it had to do with a certain someone.

You tell me. He said trying to stare her down.

Is this about that boy? Sam enquired with a wince.

Bingo! I have never known you to be so rude. I know how this must seem to you but let’s not make this into something it's not. You need to let the past go, Sam. He's here to stay. I expect you to be at dinner tonight and you need to give him a full apology. Do you understand? Jim's tone firmed, stifling her argument, as the sting of the reprimand from his words hit her.

Yes, Dad. I'm sorry, you know I don't cope well in new situations… you know how I am. Sam floundered for words as her guilt rose up to choke her.

I do know, Sam, but you need to make it right. He said and she nodded as she left the room, dragging her feet.

Chance wandered down to the kitchen smelling the aroma of baked chicken. He had never eaten so well since he had been here. With his problems sorted, his tense posture eased and he could relax.

He had managed to avoid Brandy and her clinging ways for the rest of the day. She had wanted him to meet her friends in town but he had refused. His hunger had driven him to the dinner table earlier than normal.

Hi, Lydia, Chance said with a smile as he saw her rushing around the kitchen checking on everything. Is there anything I can do to help?

"Oh, I'm glad you asked. Could you be a dear and set the table