Spero

I stared at the pile of boxes situated at the corner of the living room, separated from the rest of the cluster. In clear bold letters written in permanent marker, the words “mum’s belongings” stared back at me. The familiar ache of longing wrapped itself around my chest bringing me back to the day I lost the most important person in my life. My mother.

Tears gathered in my eyes but I willed them to stay. Dad might barge in any minute and I don’t think I could give him an answer if he starts asking questions.

Like he care. A bitter voice in my head pointed out.

As sad as the thought was, I wasn’t completely sure he did anymore. Mum’s death took a toll on both of us but, we had different ways of dealing. Apparently his best solution was to fetch a new wife.

I was coming home from school one day and saw my father at home which was quite the surprise. It was a rarity he showed up I was astonished he still remembered the address to our house. Unfortunately that wasn’t the only surprised waiting for me. He introduced me to a woman name Emma. A little money grabbing witch who smiled at me with the most plastic sincerity that puts barbie to shame. Then of-course there was her daughter Kaylee who couldn’t make it any clearer that she hated me. If only I cared.

Until that moment, I’ve never felt such a strong hatred towards my father. I hated how quickly he got over mum’s death. I hated him for neglecting the daughter waiting for him back home.

He wasn’t the same person I grew up calling dad after mum passed away. He became an addict to his work. I rarely saw him, barely getting a glimpse of his back —if I was lucky, before heading out the door and driving to work. When I did see him, i’d get a nod as a greeting or farewell which ever one fits the occasion. Then like a harry potter movie, he went abracadabra— minus the dying part. Thinking back to it, I realized he didn’t come home not because he was busy with work but, because he was too wrapped up with his ‘new family’. The words left a bitter tang in my mouth. I was twelve when I lost my mum to breast cancer. That year was the hardest of all. I didn’t only lost my mum but, whether he realized it, I lost my dad as well.

I shook the thoughts away, picked up the boxes and dragged my feet up the stairs to my new bedroom. Up until now, it never really occurred to me that we would ever move from New York. It was my home. It was the only place that made me feel closer to my mum. And now he took that away from me too.

“A change of scenery” was his explanation to our big move. From the big apple to a small town of Rincon. With a population of about thirty thousand, I guess the town wasn’t as small as I was making it out to be. However, when coming from a big city such as New York, this place was definitely a change.

I dumped my stuff on the floor and looked around. The size of the room was huge with a walk-in-closet and an adjoining bathroom. Rich cream coloured paint covered the walls along with a built in fireplace. It wasn’t a secret my father had wealth on his name. Especially if you lived with Emma and Kaylee who made it their mission to flaunt my fathers money. But, if I could choose between having all this money and getting my dad back, it wasn’t a particularly hard choice.

Turning my head, I noticed there was a balcony. Walking towards it, I opened my window and walked to the edge. Taking a big gulp of air, I closed my eyes and reminisced the peaceful air of the late afternoon.

I opened my eyes again and saw a window across it. Two shadows came into view. I leaned in more over the edge to get a better view of what was happening because sticking myself in people’s business was apparently my new hobby. It seems that they’re.....oh. I quickly turned around, closed the door to my balcony and for extra measure, closed the blinds as well. I wasn’t a prude by any means but whatever they were doing, was the equivalent of eating each others faces. As if breathing the same air wasn’t enough. I made a face and shook my head. Not a good way to start an evening.

I was about to start on the boxes on the ground when my name was called downstairs.

“Katy, honey come downstairs” the shrill voice of Emma called out.

Rolling my eyes at her term of endearment that always seem to sound like an insult, I let out a defeated sigh and walked downstairs. Slowly. I was fine taking my time.

Finally on my last step, hoping she had to wait longer than necessary, I dragged myself towards the voices. They were standing in the kitchen talking and laughing along with my step-sister Kaylee looking like the happy family they were. Hurt and anger shot through me upon seeing the picture. He looked as happy when mum was still alive. I felt sick and betrayed.

Making myself known, I cleared my throat and three heads snapped towards my direction in creepy synchronization. Dad looked at me for less than a second before looking away as if being in the same room as me was too much. Emma beamed at me with that little twinkle in her eyes that always make you feel like strangling yourself. Kaylee doesn’t even look in my direction. The perfect family.

“You rang?” I sarcastically asked

“Ah yes, Katy dear, would it be such a bother for you to get us all dinner? It’ll give you a chance to look around honey.” Emma asked oh-too-sweetly.

I bit back a snarky response that was two words and ended with a you. Why couldn’t Kaylee go? Or any of them?

Right, because having me under the same roof was ruining their gracious bonding time. Because knowing dad, he’ll probably leave for work again. Since he hasn’t quit his job back in New York, he’ll have to fly there back and forth staying there for weeks or months end. Life with Emma and Kaylee will result to be absolute hell. Joy.

I nodded numbly and ran back up to my bedroom to get my keys. I don’t bother asking what they want and storm out towards the garage. I got in my car and drove towards what I hope was the main part of town basing my directions from memory when we passed it on the way.

With a few more turns I finally found the diner I saw. ‘Bo’s Dinner’ it was called. Whoever Bo was, I hoped they’re food was good. Dealing with Cruella and her pet wastes a heck of a lot of energy.

I opened the door and the sound of laughter mixed with multiple of conversations was heard. Looking around, the place seemed pretty packed. I walked up to the counter and sat on a bar stool as I picked up a menu. Too caught up on looking at the delicious options before me, I hadn’t noticed a shadow looming over.

“The burgers on special sounds pretty good” a deep velvety voice spoke behind me.

I turned around to see who it was but, ended up face to chest with someone. Well, personal space clearly wasn’t an issue for him. I looked up and I think I might of salivated just a little or with my luck probably drooled the size of Angel falls. Because, holy mother of Abercrombie models, he was gorgeous. He was definitely above 6’foot. Dark coloured hair that swept off to side, long thick lashes that made girls envious and the lips. Oh god, those lips. They seem so soft that the urge to poke them was too strong.

Poke them? What drugs was Emma putting on our food?

Although what drew me in the most was those forest green eyes. A colour so intense making it incredibly difficult to look away. It was so green and brilliant that if you were to paint it, no amount of shading and mixing will get it right. Was he wearing contacts? If not, he would have beautiful green eyed babies...

I looked down and flushed at the thought. What has gotten into me? Here I am mentally thinking about his children and those oh-so soft lips when all he did was talk about the burgers on special.

Get a grip on yourself Sam!

I went to look at him again but he was no longer in front of me but, rather beside me. How did he move so fast? Maybe I was just too busy thinking about every little perfect thing about him that I didn’t notice him move. Someone need to shake me before my brain keeps malfunctioning at this level.

He raised a perfect brow at me probably waiting for some sort of reply. Good god, someone please strangle me now.

I cleared my throat and extended my hand out.

“M-my name’s Sam. I’m new in town”. Since when did I develop a stutter problem?

He nodded and looked away not even bothering to shake my outstretched hand. Ooh-Kay then.

Embarrassed, I pulled my hand back and picked up my menu again, trying to cover as much of my face. A couple of silent minutes passed between us before he spoke again.

“Are you sure you’re here to order?” Full kissable lips turned in annoyance.

“Excuse me?” I asked without looking up. It was extremely hard to look away. Trust me i'm trying.

“Your menu’s upside down” he said gesturing to the laminated paper in front of my face.

I finally looked away, his statement slapping my teenage hormones to reality before glancing down on the menu only to see that he was unfortunately right. A wave of embarrassment heated my face. I quickly turned it to the right way and looked away focusing on the spot of stain on some random guy’s apron.

Wow, that’s a pretty big stain. What is that? Gravy? Chocolate? Wait is he shirtle—

“Look ham, if you’re not going to order please move out of the way so other citizens in this place can” he prodded.

I glanced behind me and saw no one. What other citizens? And did he seriously just call me ham? My eyes narrowed into slits. A really hot guy who turned out to be an absolute douche. Go figure.

The embarrassment was fading and a surge of anger replaced it. “It’s Sam." I bit out.

And as far as I can see, no one else is waiting in line so I can take as much time as I damn will want”.

His face was still blank but, something glittered in his emerald eyes. And it wasn’t anger.

Frustrated from the hot piece of jerk next to me for multiple of reasons, I looked back at my menu again for the third time. How many times have I read Bo’s Bigger Burger Special? Now, that I think about it, I may just get that. Kaylee and Emma’s diet can go to hell.

I glanced up to ask for someone to take my order, when a long-legged petite blond wearing absolute death traps passed me and stopped in front of the guy beside me.

“What can I get you Derek” she purred.

Blondie leaned against the counter putting her hands under her boobs making it seem more bustier than it already is. More likely to draw his attention. Yet, he didn’t even seem phased by it. Unfortunately for me, I got an eyeful of something I would rather have liked to have avoided before ordering takeout. Was she offering food goods for the guy or her goods?

Without even sparing her a glance, jerkfa—Derek listed of his orders without taking his eyes of the menu. He was ordering so much food that made me wonder if he was feeding a whole alien race. If he eats the majority of the food he just ordered and still looks this fit, I’m gonna start questioning God’s intention.

After deciding that ordering almost half the menu would suffice, he finally put it down and gave her a dismissive nod before walking off to a booth at the corner of the shop. And why was my eyes still following him?

Frustrated by my own self control — or lack thereof, I turned back around hoping to finally order my food and get the hell out.

Blondie was about to ignore me once again before I called out to her.

She fixed me with a bored look as if I was a fly she merely wanted to flick away with her wrist. How come Derek gets the googly eyes yet I get the cold shoulder?

“What do you want?” Blondie said, clicking her tongue .

Were people of Rincon always this furry ball of sunshine? Unfortunately with that attitude I couldn’t help myself but, give her a sarcastic reply. “Food. That’s generally why people come to a diner.”

Her eyes narrowed into slits and I swear for a second there, her face became transparent before going back to normal again. What the hell?! Travelling must of work me out more than I thought.

She was about to extend her hand out and judging from the size of those pointy nails of hers, i’d classify that as claws. She made a motion of reaching out. What was she gonna do? Scratch me?

Before she could however,— thank the heavens above, a burly guy came forward with an apron that says “It’s burger o’clock”. I raised my brow at the statement, completely amused. Nice. I had a gut feeling this was Bo.

“Sorry ’bout that, Vivian has a hard time playing nice with customers.” He shot her a pointed look and shooed her away before turning towards me. Yikes someone’s in trouble. And I totally swear that information didn’t make me happy just a tiny bit.

Smiling he stretched his hand out, “Your a feisty one. I’m Bo, welcome to my diner. I suppose you new in town?” rich southern accent was the first thing I noticed.

“Sam” I said shaking his hand.

He let go of my hand. “Right, well what would you like to order ma’am” Bo asked.

“Can I please have four Bo’s bigger burger special”.

He raised a brow. “Damn little one, I mean, some girls do pack an appetite but, I’ve never seen this much of one”.

I blushed. “Oh no, ah, this is um, for the um.. four of us back home”.

He chuckled. “I’m just messing with you Sammy. Four Bo’s bigger burger special coming right up.” Bo said, adding in a dramatic bow before turning around and headed towards the direction, which I’m assuming is the kitchen. Before he reached the door he quickly pivoted to look at me and yelled out “Oh, and welcome to our lovely town of Rincon”. He gave me a final wink before continuing to the path of making my delectable food.

I smiled. A real genuine smile I haven’t see on myself for a while. I might just like it here.