UNLOCKED GAZES

During the summer vacation, while most students were out enjoying their holidays, sixteen-year-old Tammie was stuck at home. With her tall stature, beautiful black-caramel complexion, and a charming smile that could melt any male’s heart near or far, she loved singing, dancing, and hanging out with friends. But unlike other teens who were always out, Tammie was home alone. It made her feel bored, trapped inside a comfort zone she couldn’t seem to break out of.

But things have a way of getting twisted when new things enter your life.

One quiet evening, Tammie was relaxing in her bedroom with Dana, her fluffy brown-caramel cat who had been her constant companion since she was ten. Down the hall, her brother Jayce was hanging out in his room, while her mom and dad were downstairs in the kitchen, chatting happily and sharing a sweet moment together.

Suddenly, a loud, sharpBEEPechoed from the front gate.

Instantly, the peaceful house sprang into action. Her dad hurried out to open the gate, and her mom followed closely behind to greet their unexpected guests.

“Welcome! Feel like you’re all at home!” Tammie heard her dad call out, his booming voice full of pure excitement. “Bro, I’ve missed you so much, my MAN! Hahaha!” He laughed warmly, pulling a man into a massive hug.

“Oh my god, your son has grown so much! Look at him—what a handsome man!” Tammie’s mother added playfully, greeting a woman she clearly knew incredibly well.

Upstairs, Tammie leaned toward her bedroom door, listening intently as her brother Jayce joined the lively conversation downstairs. When her mom called out her name, Tammie hopped off her bed and burst straight down the hallway.

“Here she is...” her mom announced with a happy, loving tone as Tammie stepped into the room.

The living room was alive with laughter, but Tammie’s eyes immediately drifted to the corner. Standing there was Ethan. He was tall, with a cream-coloured skin tone, a broad chest, veiny hands, and intense siren eyes that were looking straight back at her.

“Oh, Tammie, honey, these are the Cafzer family,” her dad explained, breaking the brief spell. “You guys met when you were very young—barely old enough to speak yet. Only Jayce actually remembers them.”

Her mom smiled, gesturing forward. “Come on, say hello, honey. This is Mr. Alex Cafzer and this is Mrs. Cafzer. They are the mom and dad of that young man, Ethan.”

The house was suddenly filled with so much warmth and laughter. Tammie felt a wave of happiness wash over her as she moved down the line, shaking hands with Mr. and Mrs. Cafzer, until she finally reached Ethan Cafzer.

“Good evening, Miss Tammie. Nice to meet you,” Ethan said. His voice was deep, soft, and masculine, wrapped in a lovely, striking accent that made her heart skip a beat.

“Umm... hi, Ethan Cafzer,” Tammie stammered. She could feel herself trembling, a bright blush spreading across her cheeks as she offered him an oversized, nervous smile.

Ethan let out a soft, low, deep chuckle that sent a little shiver down her spine. “Why are you not finishing your sentences? Hahaha. By the way, you can just call me Ethan. That’s better.”

“Oh... okay. Welcome, you are very welcome, Ethan,” she said, finally catching her breath and feeling a bit more comfortable.

The two families chatted happily in the living room for a while, swapping stories until Tammie’s dad cleared his throat to address the room.

“Okay guys, listen,” her dad announced. “The Cafzers just came into the country today and they barely know anything around here yet. They’re going to stay here with us for a month before moving on to their new life in town. So, what do you guys say?”

Tammie’s mom beamed with happiness—a complete ‘yes’ written all over her face. Her dad was obviously already on board, and Jayce was so busy talking to his new buddy Ethan that he completely forgot to say it out loud. Then, it was Tammie’s turn.

“Umm, Dad? I will be glad for the Cafzers to stay,” Tammie spoke up, smiling. “I want to get to know them better anyway... because I’m always bored, you know.”

Her dad grinned proudly. “That’s my girl! Okay, show them the rooms, honey. Would you like to help me with that, Tammie?”

“No problem, Dad,” she replied smoothly.

Mrs. Cafzer turned to her son, giving him a warm look. “Ethan, would you be a good boy and carry our bags up? Let Tammie show you the rooms, please.”

“Not a problem, Mom. I’ll go with Tammie right away,” Ethan said. He stepped forward, lifting the heavy bags effortlessly. As he walked toward Tammie, his eyes locked onto hers, holding her gaze until she nervously looked down at the floor.

Tammie grabbed a few lighter bags to help, and they walked side-by-side until they reached the quiet upstairs hallway.

“Aren’t you going to make up a conversation with me?” Ethan asked suddenly, his voice dripping with that hot accent of his.

“No,” Tammie teased softly. “It’s just... I’m not used to being around people, since I’m always at home. Anyway, so this will be your parents’ room. Do you like it?”

Ethan looked around the spacious bedroom. “Yes, I love it. It’s big, and definitely perfect for two,” he said, before flashing her a quick, playful wink.

Tammie stopped in her tracks, totally shocked, but she managed to calm herself as she set the bags down in the room. She let out a small chuckle, crossing her arms. “Why did you wink?”

Ethan laughed, a dimple flashing. “There was a bug in my eye, hahaha.”

Tammie laughed along with him, shaking her head. She led him further down the hall to show him the last remaining bedroom, which happened to be coincidentally right near her own.

She turned to face him fully. “Well, this will be your room. Mine is just next to yours, so whenever you need something, you can just give a knock.”

Ethan’s eyes widened slightly as he looked around the space. “Wow, it’s pretty big for a guy like me, but perfect. Thanks, Tammie, you’re the best. But... can I ask you something?”

Looking right into his face, she nodded. “Yes, tell me.”

“I stay up for a long time at night,” Ethan explained, leaning against the doorframe. “So my lights will be on. Will that be a problem?”

“Nooo, it’s not a problem at all,” Tammie replied, her lips parting into a warm, genuine smile. “I also stay up late at night.”

As she smiled, a sudden quiet fell over the hallway. It was true what people said about her: no male creature could endure the melting power of her smile. Ethan froze, looking down at her deeply while she was talking. In that exact moment, he realized she had a truly charming heart and an undeniable kindness.

By the time they got everything settled, it was nearly 10:00 PM. The long day of traveling had caught up with everyone, and the house was getting ready for sleep.

“Good night, everyone,” Mr. Cafzer called out with a yawn, heading into his room to sleep with his wife.