Chapter 1

Chapter 1

\~Allison\~

"Please come pick me up" I pleaded, My phone still placed on my ear, hoping Cara would get here as soon as possible.

I stared at my arranged luggage, I needed to get as far away from this house and my parents as soon as possible.

The noise of constant dispute from the next room intensified, and I couldn't take it anymore, I stormed in on my parents, who took joy in telling me that they hated being together despite being married for years now.

"A-Allison" My mom stuttered as she stared at me.

"Sweetheart" My Dad called, I could see the frustration in his face as he brushed his fingers into his disheveled hair.

They have been married for years but yet can't stand each other, I wonder why they put up with each other, This was the Fourth time in a row they have been at each other throat.

"Just get a Divorce, Instead of putting up with each other" I yelled, slamming the door hard at their faces.

I could hear Cara pull up in the driveway, thank God, I walked into my room, picked up my luggage, and was about to storm out when my mom and Dad walked in.

"Baby girl"

I stared at both of them, my anger intensifying, "what do you guys want" I asked

"Your dad and I are just going through some issues," she said, trying to defend whatever was going on between them.

"I Am 18 Mom, you don't need to lie," I spoke, my gaze still fixated on them.

"If you guys are putting up with each other because of me, you don't have to, I will be going to college soon, so am not a child that needs you both, so do what is necessary for you both"

"Come on Allison, don't say that" My Dad finally said as he reached out to touch my arm, but I pulled away.

"No, Dad," I said sternly. "This has gone on long enough. You two deserve to be happy, even if it means being apart."

Tears welled up in my mom's eyes as she placed a hand on her mouth trying to suppress the tears. "Allison"

"This is not healthy for either of you, it not working Mom and Dad," I managed to say as tears streamed down my cheeks

I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and sadness wash over me. "I just want both of you to be happy. And if it means getting a divorce, then so be it."

Cara honked the car horn outside signaling her impatience. I glanced out the window and saw her waiting expectantly. Grabbing my luggage, I turned back to my parents.

"I'm leaving," I said firmly. "I'll stay with Cara for now, until My college application comes out. But please, promise me that you'll take care of yourselves."

I brushed past them, and with a heavy heart, I walked out of the house and towards Cara's Car. I felt horrible leaving but I needed to be far away from them.

Give them enough time to sort out their issues and feelings. It was necessary for everyone's well-being.

As Cara drove away, I looked back at the house one last time, hoping that my parents would find the happiness they deserved, even if it meant being apart.

***************

It was going to be a long one-month summer vacation. I made plans to stay with my bestie, Cara. Her family is extremely wealthy, but rarely ever home.

This means that it was just Cara and her older brother Justin, who was in college.

In the past, I had harbored a massive crush on Justin, but he hardly ever noticed my existence.

I even resorted to sneaking into his room during a sleepover at Cara's, in an attempt to seduce him.

Needless to say, my plan failed miserably, and Cara took great pleasure in teasing me about it for an entire week.

Cara and I had always been best friends since grade school, and we had a strict rule between us: "Never date any of your bestie's brothers or cousins."

Now, as I prepared for my stay at Cara's, I reminded myself of that rule. Attempting to pursue a romantic interest in Justin was off-limits.

It was crucial to maintain our friendship and respect the boundaries we had always agreed upon.

"I still can't believe your parents still haven't returned from their business trip to Japan?" I exclaimed, genuinely surprised.

Cara simply shrugged as she stepped out of the car, motioning for the staff at her family villa to come retrieve my belongings.

"Eh, it's nothing new. Justin and I are used to them being away for a month," she replied nonchalantly. "No need to be amazed."

Despite her nonchalant response, I knew Cara well enough to recognize that she was putting on an act of strength. Her family may have been wealthy, but they were far from perfect.

And while her brother, Justin, seemed to handle their parents' absence with indifference, Cara struggled with their absence more than she let on.

"All this talk about my parents has got me craving some food," Cara announced, tugging me along by the hand. "Let's go grab a bite to eat."

I smiled as she whisked me into the beautifully decorated house. I'd been here numerous times before, yet I still couldn't help but be awestruck with each visit.

Seated at the dining table, I gazed at the extravagant spread of food before me. "Isn't this a bit excessive, Chef Lupita?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

Chef Lupita's expression clouded with concern at my question. "You don't like it?" she inquired, worry evident in her voice.

Cara leaned closer to whisper in my ear, her tone mischievous. "You better eat it without complaining. You know how sensitive she gets if her food is rejected."

I chuckled softly, fully aware of the chef's perfectionist tendencies. I turned to Chef Lupita and expressed my gratitude for the delicious meal, prompting a warm smile to grace her face as she walked away.

We ate in silence for a while until Cara broke the stillness. "Oh, I forgot to mention, my cousin Ash will be staying here for a while," she revealed.

"Ash?" I questioned, my memory failing me momentarily.

"Race car Ash," Cara clarified, jogging my memory.

"Oh, right! Isn't he in college?" I asked, taking a bite of my burrito.

Cara nodded, her mouth too full of food to respond verbally.

Cara had previously shared with me about her cousin Ash when he had been involved in a race car accident during a competition. Thankfully, his injuries hadn't been severe, enabling him to return to racing.

"How old is he again?" I inquired.

"Twenty-three," Cara replied.

"I see. It still surprises me that his parents allow him to participate in such a dangerous sport like racing," I remarked.

"Racing is probably the least of their concerns," Cara commented, her gaze shifting from her nearly empty plate to her drink.

"What do you mean?" I prodded, curious.

"He's also into boxing, skydiving, and motorcycle racing," she divulged.

"Does he have a death wish?" I muttered, astounded.

Cara burst into laughter. "That's just Ash for you. Just try to avoid him; he has quite the temper."

I didn't need Cara to warn me about that. I had already planned to steer clear of him. I wasn't prepared to handle anyone who could easily get on my nerves.

As we finished our meal, the sound of a car engine reverberated through the Air.

"What was that?" I asked,

"He is here earlier than I expected" Cara whispered to herself.

A moment later a Figure walks Towards the dining area, The presence commands attention.

"Hey, Cous" He greeted, flashing a charming smile

"You are so early, Ash, what happened?" Cara asked but he said nothing

"Who's your friend," Ash asked pouring himself a glass of juice, his gaze fixated on me.

"This is Allison" Cara introduced me. "She is my bestie and will be staying with us for a while now."

I beamed him a forced smile. Ash nodded and took a seat beside Cara. They exchange some quick jesting and then Ash turns his attention to me.

He had a striking feature- tousled dark hair, piercing green eyes, and a confident demeanor. He wore a leather jacket and had a bandage on his hand.

"So, Allison, are you a college student?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Not yet, but for now, you could say I'm just visiting Cara," I replied, attempting to sound casual.

His eyes locked onto mine, making me feel uneasy. Finally, he stood up to leave.

"Leaving again?" Cara asked.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," he assured, playfully tousling Cara's hair. Then, his gaze turned to me. "Nice to meet you, Allison," he said with a smile, revealing his dimples.

I had promised myself no romantic feelings this summer, but he was stirring something within me that I hadn't anticipated.

Unable to sleep, I tossed and turned in bed. Deciding to get up, I quietly made my way downstairs, heading to the kitchen for a drink.

"Jesus!" I screamed, finding Ash standing in front of me shirtless.

He smiled and apologized, saying, "Sorry if I scared you."

I remained silent, walking past him to unlock the fridge and retrieve the orange juice. Placing it on the counter, I then turned my attention to finding a glass and checking each cupboard.

"Upper cupboard," Ash informed me as he continued munching on his tacos.

I looked up, realizing I was too short to reach it. Frustrated by my height, I bit my lower lip and tucked my curls behind my ears.

Stretching beyond my limits, I tried in vain to grasp the glass. I hated my height at that moment.

Suddenly, Ash appeared behind me, effortlessly opening the cupboard and retrieving a glass. I turned to look at him, and our eyes locked, his gaze holding me captive.

"You have beautiful eyes," Ash remarked, causing my heart to race as I tried to comprehend his words.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***