Just Remember

Chapter 1

~~Mara~~

'We're here, sweetheart' My mom shakes me awake from the back of the car, and I open my eyes to see our new home in front of us.

I step out of the car, and take in the surroundings. There's not any other house for miles, and there are acres and acres of fields.

'So, what do you think? Or is that huge grin on your face answer enough'? My dad comes and wraps his arm around my shoulder.

I playfully nudge his shoulder, and grab some boxes and start taking them inside.

'Listen pumpkin. I know moving in your senior year wasn't easy for you. But, your momma and I are both so grateful that you didn't make this any harder. You know how she struggles with Cameron being deployed. So, thank you' My dad says as we walk into the house.

I simply smile up at him. He's right, it wasn't easy packing up and leaving the family home, my friends and everything I'd ever known, but I know we didn't have any other choice.

After the church in our hometown burnt down, my dad was out of a job. They tried to hide it from me but I saw how hard both him and my mom struggled, so when he found this place, I knew I had to support them.

'Let me show you your room' my momma smiles as my dad and I enter the room.

'Don't worry! I'll get the rest of the bags' my dad laughs sarcastically, and my mom rolls her eyes and continues pulling me up the stairs.

We stop outside a closed door, and she turns her back to it smiling at me, 'Your dad and I spent a lot of time getting this just right. You're gonna love it' She smiles, and I can't help but get excited, purely because she is.

I hear the door open, and she guides me in, 'Okay. Open your eyes'!

I open them, and beam at my new room. It's got a double bed and fairy lights, as well as a window seat, and en-suite bathroom.

'Momma. Are you sure you guys can afford this'? I ask, my eyes welling up, and I can tell hers are too.

'Come here' she sits on the edge of the bed and taps it, I follow suite and take a seat next to her.

'Listen. The past few months haven't been easy for this family. Your dad losing his job, Cameron being deployed, and having to pack up and move in your senior year. And you have been amazing, Mara. Your father and I are both so, so lucky to have you as our daughter. So, if we want to treat you, then we will. Because you deserve it' she smiles, placing her hands on my face, and I lean forward and she plants a kiss on my forehead.

'Honey! The neighbours are here' My dad shouts up the stairs, and my mom quickly wipes her tears away, before standing up and heading towards the door.

'How on earth do we have neighbours? The nearest house isn't for miles' I laugh.

'Come on. Let's meet go meet them. And! Who knows, maybe one of them have a son around your age' she laughs.

'Don't even think about it' I laugh back, and chase her down the stairs.

As we get down the stairs, a couple around my parents age are stood at the door, with a fruit basket in hand.

'Here we are'! My dad beams as my mom and I make it downstairs.

'Mara, Rebecca, these our new neighbours. This is Carol and John Brown. They live just up the street' My dad introduces us, and I put my hand out to shake, but they pull me in abruptly for a hug.