ᴛʜᴇ ʏᴏᴜɴɢᴇꜱᴛ ɢʀᴀᴍʙꜱ| The Inheritance Games

CHAPTER 1

As my senses gradually emerged from the clutches of sleep, I found myself nestled uncomfortably in the backseat of Avery's car. The distinct click of the car door announced Avery's arrival, and her silhouette materialized in the subdued light. A subtle smile graced her lips as she registered my groggy awakening.

"Morning," I croaked, endeavoring to sit up. Avery's response came in the form of an enthusiastic "Morning!" Accompanying her greeting was a plate of vanilla pancakes – a delightful morning surprise – and a cup of iced coffee, a thoughtful gesture crafted while I was still ensconced in the realm of dreams.

Savoring the harmonious combination of the creamy pancakes and the invigorating iced coffee, I found solace in the familiar tastes. Amidst this tranquil morning ritual, my phone buzzed incessantly with notifications from Libby, my older sister. Her messages comprised a symphony of apologies, pleas, and declarations of love, imploring us to return home.

With a sigh, I laid the phone down, meeting Avery's gaze. Tentatively, I suggested, "We should forgive Libby..." A tinge of sadness colored her raspy voice as she responded with unwavering resolve, "Nope, he's toxic, and we told her not to give him another chance. And guess what she did... she gave him another chance."

FLASH BACK : 

As I stepped into Libby's house (well, plus kinda) after a rigorous dance practice, exhaustion clung to my every step. The demanding nature of ballet left my muscles sore, and with a weary sigh, I collapsed onto the couch. The groans escaping me were a testament to the toll the art form took on my body.

"Rough day?" Libby inquired, glancing over from her seat. Libby, my half-sister, held a six-year seniority, while Avery, precisely a year older than me, completed our trio. The unique connection we shared was through the blood of our absent father, who had left us a year ago.

"Yup," I replied, a mix of fatigue and apprehension in my voice. "I'm scared for Friday night. What if I mess up?" The imminent performance of the "Black Swan" dance loomed, a culmination of countless hours of practice. The fear of failure gnawed at me, and I couldn't shake the doubt.

"You're not gonna mess up. You're one of the best dancers I know," Libby reassured me, her words offering a momentary respite from my own anxieties.

"She's not wrong, you know," Avery chimed in, appearing by the door. Avery, exactly a year older than me, shared my birthday, yet exuded a distinct sense of maturity.

The impending performance held immense significance for me, a culmination of years of dedication. The pressure, however, weighed heavily on my shoulders. Avery's encouragement provided a momentary respite from my own self-doubt.

Our conversation shifted abruptly as Avery's gaze widened, a hint of disbelief or concern in her eyes. Her attention was drawn towards Libby, prompting me to follow suit. What I saw on the table was a beautifully arranged plate of cupcakes – a familiar sight. Libby, it seemed, had resorted to her guilt cupcake strategy, a plate of chocolate cupcakes crafted meticulously to appease any grievances.

Avery cut to the chase, voicing the concern that lingered in the room. "So he's not gonna move back... Right?" I asked softly, hope for a negative answer evident in my tone.

"It's gonna be different this time," Libby promised, her voice carrying a mixture of hope and uncertainty. She turned to me, addressing my sweet tooth, "And the cupcakes are chocolate and extra sweet because I know you love chocolate, and also because you love sweet stuff." Chocolate, being Avery's favorite, was a classic choice. The unspoken acknowledgment of Avery's favoritism loomed in the air.

However, my disappointment was seeable . The cupcakes, though a gesture of kindness, couldn't erase the history and complexities surrounding Libby and Drake. Painful memories resurfaced, and I couldn't help but shake my head in disapproval.