Can You Keep A Secret?

1. Serena: 30th Of August

My sleek black Audi is parked in what appears to be my new designated spot. The little red light on my device flashes, signaling my arrival after hours of relentless driving. I sit in my car, the silence lingering for what feels like an eternity, but in reality, it's only been twenty minutes.

Twenty minutes of summoning the courage to face my Aunt and Uncle, who I haven't seen in years. The incessant buzzing of my phone on my lap urges me to answer, a reminder that I am literally parked in their driveway. I reluctantly swipe to answer the call, greeted by Aunt Elsa's chipper voice, even in the dead of night. "Serena! I see your car parked outside. Why didn't you call to let us know you'd arrived? I was planning on throwing you a welcoming feast!"

"That's exactly why I didn't want to call, Aunt Elsa. I knew you would have something extravagant planned." In truth, I had no idea she would go to such lengths. But my Aunt was just as spontaneous and unpredictable as I am. I guess it runs in the family.

Lost in my thoughts, Aunt Elsa's voice snaps me back to reality. "Well, what are you waiting for? Shall I send Liam to help you with your luggage?"

I quickly decline, insisting that I can handle it on my own. I only have a sports bag filled with essentials, picture frames, a computer, and some cash, all necessary for my semester at BrookSville. The last thing I need is to face my cousin Liam, with whom I have a history of playing bad pranks on each other. Our relationship isn't the best, but I can tolerate him for a few months. This arrangement isn't permanent, after all.

With a sigh, I gather my bag and phone and step out of the warm car. The crisp air hits me, carrying the familiar scent of an impending rain. I take in my surroundings, a wealthy and quiet neighborhood in the town. It's the kind of place you would see in cheesy American movies, with houses lining up the hill. BrookSville is definitely a place for the wealthy, not that I'm envious or anything.

My steps come to a sudden halt in front of the imposing wooden door, adorned with a fierce Lion ring. I reach out to ring the bell and am met with the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the house. Finally, the door swings open and I am greeted by the excited voice of my little cousin, Becca.

"Serena, I am super happy  you're finally here!" she exclaims, throwing her arms around my leg in a warm embrace. I'm not usually one for physical displays of affection, but there's something about Becca that makes me let my guard down and return the hug.

"Look at how much you've grown since I last saw you," I remark, lifting her up in my arms. She's changed so much - her dark chocolate eyes, freckled nose, and dimpled smile make her one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen.

Focused on the beauty of my six year old cousin, I don't even notice my cousin standing in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me with a hint of amusement. His voice, much deeper now, breaks through my reverie.

"You finally decided to come to BrookeSville, I see," he says. He's changed a lot over the years too - broad shoulders, toned muscles, piercing green eyes, and a deep, masculine voice. I never would have expected this from the quiet boy I used to know.

"It seems so," I reply, not one for small talk. I follow him and Becca inside, taking in the grandeur of the house. My cousin informs me that there are still many unpacked boxes from their recent move, apparently they moved first thing in the morning and had been occupied all day unboxing things from the old house. 

As he walks away, I take a moment to really look around. This is no ordinary house - it's a full-blown mansion, fit for royalty. Becca pulls me towards the staircase, eager to show me my room. I can't help but think about how I'll be spending the next few months here, until I finally graduate and can leave for a fresh start elsewhere.