"Trust is hard to come by." –Unknown

FLASHBACK

Papers and pens were sprawled all over the dinner table as the newly 14 year old Bethany Voight did her homework. To describe her mood as grumpy would be an understatement, seeing that it was a Saturday night and she was cooped up in her home. Her younger brother, Justin, was fast asleep in his bedroom.

The front door opened then slammed shut. Beth knew her father was home. "Hey, Bee." Hank Voight greeted her accompanied with a kiss on the top of her head. "Happy Birthday, Sweets." A small box of cupcakes was placed in front of her.

Beth's face immediately lit up as she threw her arms around her dad and squealed with delight, her mood earlier dissipating. "Thank you, Dad. But you didn't have to."

Hank winked at her. "Just think of it as your reward for doing your homework."

She saw another figure behind her dad. It was a boy about her age. He was a little skinny and his hair told her he had stayed in bed the whole day. But his eyes told a different story. When those ocean blue eyes connected with her onyx brown ones, Beth immediately knew that those eyes had seen so much, too much. "Who's that?" She asked her dad.

Hank brought the kid in front of him and placed his hand on his shoulder. "This is Connor Rhodes. He's going to be staying with us for the night."

"Hi."

"And where is he sleeping?"

Her father wore a smug smirk. "In the guest room. Connor, why don't you get ready for bed then my daughter can give you some blankets." The boy just nodded, carried his duffle bag, and made his way upstairs.

"You know," Beth said as she gathered her things. "Most fourteen year-olds ask for a Polaroid camera or the newly released book of Dan Brown not a boy."

Hank frowned. His daughter had been giving him spunk after Camille died. "What did you find him doing this time?" She asked.

"He was doing drugs in a neighborhood he didn't belong in. His 'friends' ran away and he was left. The surprising thing was he didn't resist. It seemed like he wanted to get arrested." Hank answered his daughter, then his brown eyes showed sympathy for his daughter. She was like a sponge. Beth absorbed the problems around her and never did he hear her complain about them. He felt like he was putting more weight on her shoulders.

"I know this may seem too much for you but Connor's been through so much."

"Like what?" His daughter asked. Rhodes, Rhodes, Rhodes. That name seemed so familiar.

"That's not my secret to tell."

Beth huffed and nodded. She knew her dad was right. Gathering up some blankets and an extra pillow, she made her way towards the guest room. Without knocking, she opened the door quietly and found Connor sitting with his back towards the door. He had heard the door creak open and quickly scrambled to place his shirt on.

But she had seen it. Beth had seen the bloody scars that roamed his back, scars that were mostly the result of abuse. She quickly cleared her throat and announced her presence. "Hey, I brought you some blankets and a pillow. It gets pretty cold at night in this part of town."

Connor nodded. "Thank you, Bethany."

"It's just Beth." She corrected, "Or what my Dad likes to call me: Bee."

He nodded again and looked out the window. Beth tilted her head to the side, wondering what the boy found so intriguing out the window. She boldly sat down beside him, their shoulders almost touching. "I recognize you." She blurted out.

Connor gulped down and fiddled nervously with his hands. "Yeah, we own that department store."

"No," She said, her voice almost a whisper. "Are you related to Elisabeth Rhodes?"

Yep, she knew about that. Connor thought. "Yes. I'm her son."

"Oh." Was all she could say. What would you tell someone who has experienced such tragedy in their lives at a young age? "Uhm, well, I lost my mom when I was 11."

"That's a first." Connor remarked, "Usually when people know what happened to my mom, they always say how sorry they are or how it's going to be okay. No one has ever told me they lost their mom after they find out who I am."

Beth shrugged. She had a feeling she misread the boy when he first walked in. Beneath the scars and pain, there was still a bit of childishness and humor Connor had. Maybe she could hold onto that. "I think its best people who would I would like to stay in my life know my story."

"I'm staying in your life?" Connor asked her, a playful smile gracing his lips.

"Of course you are." Beth said, "Who else would bring you pillows and blankets at 11 in the evening?"

AN: so, I'm doing this thing where on chapter is the present then next is the past to explain the history behind Beth and Connor. Also, I'm a little new to this site, still navigating through it, so bear with me haha. Also, reviews are much appreciated. Thank youuuu.