Time has passed for the small Parker Family, that slowly bloomed into a happy, loving one. Which was an eye opening for the young girl, Nova. The Parkers were a lot different then her previous one, even though it was just her mostly alone while father was away. But this one, never once made her feel like she was alone-ever. They all sat at the table, like a real family would and talked about their day; which was strange for Nova at the beginning, but she soon adjusted to the costume. Peter was the most talkish one; mainly about science and things Nova didn't understand beyond her six-year-old mind. Peter acts so much older even if they were the same age. Ben would crack up jokes and May would gossip about the media and anything her ears hear that she was desperate for others to hear from the grape vine, which none of them seem amused.
After dinner, they played a family game until it was time to go to bed. Mainly the little ones. Once they were tucked in, May and Ben would take turns with each child separately, taking care of each child's own needs.
With Peter, he would want a National Geographic that they would get in the mail once a month. Ben was fine reading to him until the boy or, occasionally, he himself would fall asleep.
Nova, on the other hand, would ask May to sing her a lullaby or tell her a fairy tale. Surprisingly, May could hold a tune and would sing a song that Nova would request, while being tucked in bed and softly have her hair crested. There were times Nova would sing along with the tone before sleep would take her away.
Life was great! Well, almost… School on the other hand was dreadful for the little Parkers, mainly for Peter because of two other boys in their class. Eugene Thompson and Kenny McFarlane. Nobody understands why they love to pick on little Peter, for it happened out of nowhere for no good reason. Possibly the boys felt inferior or something on the line. But things changed when she came along.
Out of the blue, during recess, Thompson tries to start something with Peter (like always) and his large friend, Kenny, would egg along or raily up a crowd for a fight. But instead of being Peter, it was Nova. She was highly protective of her cousin-who was more docile.
"Back off!" Thompson warned her, "Or else!" He gave Nova an intimidating approach.
Nova huffed as she stood her ground before her cousin, "Mess with him, you mess with me!" She glared back.
"Nova…" Peter pleaded, "Don't, it's not worth it…"
But she ignored him. She could not bat an eye to know her family was being a mess like that. Especially when he didn't do anything but mind his business, reading.
"Ooooh, bookworm Parker got himself a girlfriend!" Kenny taunted Nova and Peter with disgust.
The circle of kids also oohed.
"We are cousins," Nova corrected.
"Sure, only girls that would stand up for him are related to him," laughed Thompson.
Nova was getting aggravated, but she tried not to show any weakness to these bullies.
"Whatever," she rolled her eyes, "Say what you like, but I will not watch you two bully him as if you have a crush on him," She quipped.
The oooh's increased as all eyes were on Thompson, expecting him to come back with a punchline. Nothing…
"Oh snap," Kenny chuckled, "She got you good!"
Soon everyone was laughing at him.
"Peter and Eugene sitting in a tree!" One kid chanted until the others followed, "K I S S I N G!"
Peter was sinking low to the ground as Nova realized what she said only worsened it for him. Ah, shoot…
"Wait… that's not what I mea-"
Suddenly, Thompson charged at her and knocked her off the ground and landed onto her back. Soon enough, he was already on top of her. Nova could see the rage in his eyes as he drew his arm back with a fist.
Nova gave out a high pitch scream before the impact rushed at her. But something stopped it midway.
"Whoa there!" The voice called out, "A teacher is on their way!"
Once that was called out, all the kids scattered. Except the remaining five.
Thompson ripped his arm from the stranger and got off Nova before spitting at her, "This is not over, Parker," before leaving. Kenny, his buddy, followed behind him.
When things started to clear up, Nova looked up at her savior to find out it was a kid like her, but a bit older by a year or two.
"Hey there, are you okay?" He asked as he offered his hand to her.
She kindly accepted it, "Yeah, thanks for the save there," she shyly smiled, feeling a strange leap in her chest.
The boy had the most striking smile that she has ever seen. "No problem," he laughed, which could make Nova laugh along automatically.
Peter rushed to his cousin's side, "Why you have to do that!" He scolded her a bit before pulling her into an awkward hug.
"Hey! It's okay!" She wedged herself from Peter, "I am fine!" She repeated before looking at the boy.
He was tall, taller than her by a few inches. He even wore the latest dinosaur movie that was released. Possibly a fan, maybe? And his sneakers were shiny and new. Way better looking than any of the Parkers could afford. And his hair…
Nova could feel her face getting flustered. "Uhm… again, thank you…. Uh…"
"Harry," he smiled.
"Harry," she repeated his name with a smile as well.
Peter looked at the two and gave a sly smirk as he was seeing what they were not seeing.
"Well thank you, you are a lifesaver!" Peter intervenes the two to snap back into reality.
"Oh i was just passing by," he said courtesy, "Anyway, I want to know if you two like to play basketball?" He offered.
"Heck yeah!" Nova jumped in, "But I gotta warn you, my cousin sucks at it."
"No I'm not!" Peter cried.
The two laughed as they rushed to play at the blacktop. Unknowing a possibility of fate up ahead.