Huntington Avenue | ✓ [PV REWRITE]

Part I: Chapter 1

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Chapter 1 | ❝ Aha! I didn't hit the wall this time! ❞

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 - 8:22 a.m.

❝ARE YOU SURE you don't want any help?" a familiar, high-pitched voice asked from the back seat of the vehicle.

A small sigh passed through Zach's lips at the inquiry. He knew his little sister, Hayleigh, was always willing to help him out when he needed it, but to be perfectly honest, it made him feel as if he was unable to do normal things by himself sometimes.

In fact, all of his family was of that particular nature. Every chance they received, the offers for someone to carry things for him, tell him where everything was, or even to help him up the stairs on occasion would stand. Zach believed he was able to do those things without assistance even though his parents and young sister said otherwise.

Zach turned to place his backpack upon his back as his sightless eyes landed upon his sister. The petite girl was practically bouncing up and down in her seat with anticipation. Her brother could tell she was in a helpful mood.

"I'm fine, Hayleigh," he assured her with a gentle smile. "Thank you, though."

Hayleigh and her bouncy brown curls were still anticipatory. "Are you positively positive? I can help you get to your classrooms and stuff! I remember you saying yesterday that you were having a little trouble."

"Hayleigh, you're only eight years old," a laugh from the driver's seat cut into the siblings' conversation. "You don't go to high school for another six years."

The small brunette began giggling at her mother with an energy that made the whole environment around her light up. Both Zach and his mom found smiles appearing on their faces while Hayleigh simply appeared confused. Then again, she was quite intelligent for a third grader.

"You mean to tell me that everybody there is old and boring like you, Zach?" Hayleigh whined in disbelief.

Zach's jaw dropped in a feigned manner to show offense. "Hayleigh! I give you guitar lessons every single week and I'm still boring to you?"

"Yes, you are!" Hayleigh giggled like a maniac before her older brother put her into a gentle headlock. When his fist gently rubbed the top of her head, she retorted in between bouts of laughter, "Zach, stop! You're messing up my hair!"

At once, Zach released his grip, expecting his little sister to squirm away. The opposite occurred, and the teenager found out by Hayleigh barreling into him for a hug. When her arms were wrapped around him tightly, Zach was unable to help his smile, returning the gesture with care. He always was impressed by the child's kind heart.

"Behave yourself now, alright?" he playfully scolded while Hayleigh pouted. "I've got to go or I'll be late—and it's only my second day."

Hayleigh let out a loud sigh in response. "Okay, but when you get home, you'll play stuffed animals with me, right?"