Bella
I was given a gift.
Suddenly, and out of nowhere, the universe just opened up and gave me this one perfect little thing.
At least, that's how I felt.
I'd never been really close to my mom. Not really. Not at all, actually. I mean, I loved her. And I was grateful that when she was way too young, she'd fallen in love with my dad. Because during the short span of time they were together, they made me. My dad said he felt like I had been my mother's gift to him.
Well, I guess she was like Santa Claus. A couple months before, she called me at school while I was prepping for my final final exams to tell me that she and her husband, Phil, had finally finished their house. And she invited me to stay for the summer.
The whole summer.
On top of that, I'd have the entire place to myself.
I didn't really know Phil, except what I'd seen of him on ESPN. Hell, I didn't really know my mom, if I was being honest. But I was happy that she'd found her fairytale, even if her happy ending hadn't included my dad. And happier still that I got to have one glorious summer in paradise with no responsibilities before plunging into adulthood.
I grew up in Washington. The land of no sun. And I didn't mind it because I got to grow up with my dad. He always told me that I was just like my mom. Called me a free spirit, and at times, told me I was going to be the death of him. Sometimes, I wondered if my mom hadn't killed him a little bit herself. But if she had, I'd never felt any of his pain. At least, not when I was little.
As I got older, though, I started to see the cracks in his exterior. My dad was like a well-built house – sturdy, strong, and still standing after years of neglect. However, when you looked closer, you could see the way that time had torn him down. It wasn't obvious. Especially when you weren't looking closely. But I'd seen glimpses. And it killed me a little.
I didn't want to be like my mom.
I didn't want to be the kind of person who only cared about their own happiness, especially if it was at the expense of someone else.
But I didn't want to live a life of quiet, internalized regret like my dad either.
I was going to make the absolute most of my summer, take advantage of the gift that had been given to me. You only live once, right?
This summer was going to be about fun. About embracing each and every moment like it was my last. I didn't know what the universe had in store for me, and honestly, it didn't matter. I wanted to experience anything. Everything.
I wanted to sleep late, and drive fast. I wanted to feel the sun burn, and I wanted my heart to burn, as well. I wanted it all – heat and fire, and passion that sparked white hot.
I should have known I needed to be more careful with my wishes. Because the universe took my request quite literally.
I asked for everything.
And the universe… Well, the universe gave me him.
.
.
.
A/N
Thank you for reading.
Leave me some love, if you're so inclined.
As always, love to Marvar. I made changes to this chapter that she hasn't seen. If there are any mistakes, they're all on me.
Forget Taylor Swift. I have the best squad. Kourt, Laura, Jaime, and Kelly. I love y'all.