Bronte was the beloved girl of everyone, always smiling and full of life. Her popularity made her an essential person in everyone's eyes. Yet, there was one exception: Blake. This arrogant bad boy, with his messy hair and piercing gaze, didn't even seem to notice her. But that was before her parents went to Africa. Forced to leave for several weeks, they entrusted Bronte to Blake. Upon her arrival, Bronte felt like an intruder in his world. Their first interactions were cold, marked by endless pranks and arguments that never seemed to end. Yet, behind Blake's attitude, Bronte sensed something deeper, a secret he hid carefully. Over the days, their relationship slowly began to change. Despite the provocations and tensions, an attraction started to form between them. Blake couldn't admit it, but it was clear that Bronte was no longer just the neighbor.
Chapter 1 01
01
« Are you sure you'll be okay without us? » Mom asks unsurely. She helps me fish my two suitcases out of the car before dropping them onto the pavement.
I smile reassuringly and nod my head, « Yeah, I'll be alright. It's just a couple weeks, » I prop one of the suitcases onto its wheels and follow dad up the brick pathway towards the Parkers' house. Mom trails behind me with my other suitcase towed behind her.
« Before we leave for the airport tonight, we'll drop off your third suitcase. That should be enough for you to last a while until you need to get more stuff from home, » she informs me.
« Okay, » I agree, turning my head to glance up at my new home for the next 5 weeks.
The Parkers' house is quite sweet, surprisingly. It's a one-story, bungalow-styled home with wide bay windows and a small porch. The house has clearly undergone some renovation given its slightly modern appearance and the fresh-looking coat of light grey paint on the walls' weatherboard planks. It's hard to believe that Blake actually lives here given that he's so tough, rebellious, and dangerous. I don't know what I was expecting – maybe a beaten-down caravan, a cardboard box, or even a jail cell? I'm not sure, but I definitely wasn't expecting this.
Everything about the house looks welcoming and peaceful, like something you'd see on the cover of a home and garden magazine. Even the little porch swing, creaking slightly in the breeze, adds a certain kind of charm. I can almost imagine sitting there with a book and a glass of lemonade. It's such a stark contrast to the version of Blake that I have in my mind.
Once reaching their front step, dad presses the doorbell and we wait at their front door in silence. No more than a second later, I hear the distant sound of footsteps and my breath hitches in my throat at the possibility that it may be Blake. The front door swings open, revealing none other than a grinning Marisa Parker. I exhale a breath I don't realise I'm holding.
« Hey guys. Welcome, » she greets, striding up to us and hugging each of us individually. Once reaching me, she smiles warmly. Her smile is kind and comforting, and I manage to relax a little, « Hey Bronte, it's nice to see you again. Welcome to our home. »
« Thank you for agreeing to letting me stay! » I beam at her.
She embraces me in a hug and then pulls away. Waving her hand nonchalantly, she replies, « Oh, it's fine, no big deal. I'll enjoy having a girl in the house for once. It can be tiring living with two males. »
I smile in response and watch as the parents begin to catch up on old times with each other. It's nice seeing my parents with their friends. I know that sounds odd, but most of the time they're either hung up on work or taking care of me. Leading a social life definitely isn't a priority of theirs.
As the time passes by, I find my eyes wandering around the property and taking in the beautiful landscape again; all the bright, blooming flowers, and the cute little fountain sitting in front of the house. Marisa is apparently really into her gardening, mom had informed me when we first arrived. You could tell - there isn't a single wilted flower in sight. The garden is a vibrant masterpiece, with pops of purple, yellow, and red coloring the view like paint splashes on a blank canvas.
The conversation between the adults continues to buzz softly in the background. Dad laughs heartily at something Marisa says, and mom looks more relaxed than I've seen her in weeks. It's kind of nice to just stand here, soaking it all in - the sun warming my skin, the faint chirp of birds in the trees, and the fresh, crisp scent of the flowers around me.
« Blake's not home yet, » Marisa suddenly says, almost reading my mind. She smiles at me, sensing my slight tension. « He's out at the shop, but he should be back later tonight. You'll probably be asleep by then, though. »
I nod, trying to hide the relief I feel. Meeting Blake straight away would be... a little intense. I need time to settle in first, to breathe, to prepare myself mentally. There's something about Blake Parker that's always managed to unnerve me, even back when we were just kids.
« Why don't we bring your things inside? I'll show you to your room, » Marisa offers brightly.
Dad and I each grab a suitcase, while mom picks up the lighter one. We follow Marisa inside, stepping into a spacious, cozy living room. The interior is just as welcoming as the outside - lots of warm, earthy tones, plush cushions, and framed photographs lining the walls. Family memories, captured in still moments. It feels lived-in, loved.
We move down a hallway to a room at the very end. Marisa pushes open the door to reveal a guest room decorated in soft pastels. There's a full-sized bed covered in a fluffy white duvet, a desk by the window, and a small wardrobe pushed up against the wall. A few decorative plants are tucked into the corners, adding a little life to the space.
« I hope this is okay, » Marisa says, watching me closely.
« It's perfect, » I assure her sincerely, setting my suitcase down near the wardrobe.
Mom steps into the room and looks around, nodding in approval. « It's really lovely. »
« If you need anything, just shout, » Marisa adds. « Bathroom's two doors down to your right, kitchen's through the living room, and you're welcome to anything you find in the fridge. Make yourself at home, sweetheart. »
I grin and thank her again, feeling the last of my nerves slowly easing.
The parents linger for a while longer, chatting about their trip and making sure I'm truly settled. I can tell mom's having a hard time leaving - her eyes keep darting back to me, like she's trying to memorize everything about me in case she needs to replay it in her head a thousand miles away.
Finally, dad claps his hands together and announces, « Well, we better get going if we want to make our flight. »
Mom hugs me tightly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. « Call us if you need anything. Seriously, anything. Even just to talk. »
« I will, » I promise.
Dad gives me a bear hug too, and then they're heading back down the hall, Marisa leading them to the door. I hear the front door close a few moments later, and a heavy silence fills the house.
I sit down on the edge of the bed, glancing around the room again. It's strange, this feeling - not quite sadness, but not exactly excitement either. Maybe it's just the uncertainty of it all. A new place, a new routine, living under the same roof as Blake Parker.
I lie back against the pillows and close my eyes for a moment, trying to shake off the anxiety gnawing at my stomach. It'll be fine. It's only five weeks. I can handle this.
I have to.
Chapter 1 01
28/04/2025
Chapter 2 02
28/04/2025
Chapter 3 03
28/04/2025
Chapter 4 04
28/04/2025
Chapter 5 05
28/04/2025
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