Love is in the present

Chapter one: Titch

Fifteen years ago:

"Mattie, where are you?" I called up the stairs. I knew he was somewhere but that somewhere was unknown to me entirely.

I waited for a few seconds for a reply that never came, before stomping up the stairs and huffing in annoyance.

I barged into his room without a moment of thought, not realising he already had company.

"Mum said we have to set the table for tea now as..." I trailed off finally clocking the figure who sat down on his bed before him. 

"Who's this?" I asked out loud, gaining both boys' attention and causing them to turn and face me. 

"It's none of your business nosy, plus can't you do to the table yourself or are you too much of a baby?" he turned to snigger at the strange boy beside him.

"I'm not a baby, I'm almost eight. Plus It's not fair if I do it myself, Mum said we both have to do it together."

"Fine I'll be down in a few minutes." he snapped before turning around and ignoring me completely.
It didn't bother me how my brother treated me as I was used to it. However, I was more intrigued to learn more about the boy beside him.

"Is that all then?" he questioned without even turning around.
Damn it I forgot I was still in the doorway of his bedroom, gawking at the pair.

I simply shrugged and left without saying a word, running to the living room to set the table.

"I'm gonna go grab the cutlery, you can go back upstairs if you want."

I turned around to face a grumpy Matthew. I scanned his face briefly to see any hidden agenda and simply nodded when I was happy with my brief scanning.

"Okay, thanks, Mattie." 

"Yeah, whatever squirt" he mimicked before turning around and leaving the room before I could protest about the awful nickname.

"Squirt!" I muttered under my breath with disgust.
Matthew and I had never gotten on well, ever since i could remember. He was always there to poke fun at me and quite literally make my life a living hell. I guess two can play that game though.

I waited until I heard the cutlery drawer open before running upstairs as fast i could, once again without pausing to knock on Matthew's door.

"Hello again." I said slightly breathless yet with a grin plastered to my face.

The strange boy looked up, alarmed for a second before replacing the look with a dazzling smile.

"Oh hello little one, had enough of Matt already huh?" he smugly replied and not once breaking eye contact.
"Pffff as if he bothers me that much."  I scoffed before adding, "I wanted to talk to you."
"Oh is that so?"

"Yes, i wanted to introduce myself. My name is Olive Louise Tate, but my friends call me Liv or Ollie."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Olive, I'm..."

"Leave Rafael alone Ollie, he has better stuff to do rather than talk to a squirt." Matt said whilst cutting off Rafael.
" Aw don't be so rude Matt, she's sweet."

I beamed a smile up at Rafael. He was like a knight in shining armor coming straight to my defence.
"It's alright titch I don't mind you joining us, definitely beats alone time with smelly Matt" his smile caused me to feel warm and gooey inside.

He patted the space on the bed beside him and once I was seated, he ruffled the top of my head causing me to squeal. I knew instantly that Rafael Santiago was gonna steal my heart regardless. I also knew his messy head of brown curls and hazelnut, toffee colour eyes would be the one thing that stopped my heart from beating for another.
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Author's note~ Hey everyone it's Jess, I hope you enjoyed it so far. There's not a specific date for updates but I'll try my hardest to do a few a week. This is also my first novel so please be kind. Let me know what you think of the story so far, I'd love to know how you're all finding it. Oh and I hope you enjoy and please vote!
See you next time xx