Capture 18+

Chapter 1

Everyone's journey is unique, some journeys are hard, filled with violence and heartbreak but then a spark of light appears and our whole world is turned upside down. Life is fleeting, and it shouldn't be marred by regrets. Every experience and every person we encounter shapes our lives and influences our personalities in their own way. Not all stories start happily, but when the end comes make sure that all you can think about are the happy memories.

Life can transform in just a few seconds, and the decisions we make can lead us down different paths. The memories are all that we have, my life has been filled with challenges, but I hold onto the hope that the turbulence will eventually guide me to a beautiful destination.

This is my life, my story.

The car came to a halt in front of a stunning two-story house, the neighbourhood seems quiet yet inviting. Various emotions swirled inside me—sadness, fear, but above all, hope, a hope for a new beginning. This is my opportunity for a fresh start, a chance at a new life, a chance to leave my past behind, kind of like rebranding myself I chuckled at the thought.

"What do you think, kid?" I jumped, momentarily forgetting that I was still in the car with my dad. He smiled, his eyes reflecting a tinge of sadness that sent a pang of hurt straight to my heart. "It's beautiful, Dad. Mom would have loved it," I replied, clutching the gold necklace that lay against my chest. He sighed and nodded as he looked up at the house.

"Kid, listen. I know things haven't been easy for you, especially after your mother's passing. But this is your new beginning. I'm giving you an opportunity, Isabella. Take it. I don't want you to lose your way again. Forget your past and start anew."

I lowered my head at his words, the thought of disappointing him yet again brought tears to my eyes. My mother died two years ago from a rare form of breast cancer, before her death we used to be joined at the hip, not just me and her all three of us. Before having me, dad used to run around with the worst crowds so granted when him and my mom started dating her parents, my grandparents made her choose either them or him, she chose him.

"Promise me Isabella, you'll make this count" he pleaded, desperation evident in his voice my heart broke a bit more at his words. "I promise, Dad. I'm not the same Isabella I used to be. I've learned from my mistakes," I assured him. Relief washed over his face, and he released his tight grip on the steering wheel, exhaling deeply.

"Why don't you go check out your room? I'll bring everything inside," he suggested. Before he could finish his sentence, I bolted out of the car and ran straight towards the front door, his laughter rang from behind me bringing my own smile to my face.

The exterior of the house didn't do any justice to its interior. Once inside, I found a modern space that exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I sprinted up the marble staircase, heading straight for my new room. My jaw dropped as I swung open the door—it was enormous. In the middle of the room sat a double bed with a flat-screen TV sitting right across from it, a walk-in wardrobe on the right wall, and a small bathroom. But the best part was the balcony.

I opened the French-style balcony doors and stepped out into the cool air. The sun was beginning to set, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. I surveyed my new neighbourhood—a far cry from the bustling neighbourhood I had grown up in. It's quiet here, there's no laughter echoing from the evening basketball games or kids riding bicycles down the street. Just tranquillity and peace. My daydream was interrupted by loud music coming from down the street. I turned my head toward the source, realizing that peace and quiet might be short-lived.

A shiny black Camaro came down the street parking right next door, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of it. After a moment, the music quieted down, and three guys stepped out of the car. All three men wore leather jackets along with a pair of dark wash jeans, and their striking looks were undeniable. Yet, it was the one leaning against the car who immediately captured my interest. He had tousled black hair and a smirk that could charm anyone—anyone except me.

Before I could divert my gaze, our eyes met. A rush of blood coloured my face when his lips curled into yet another smirk. I turned away from his view and hurried inside, closing the doors behind me I leaned against them with a sigh. Those were precisely the kind of guys I needed to steer clear of.

I walk over to my suitcase to start unpacking only to find a picture frame on top of my clothes, I forgot I even put that there. Tears well up in my eyes as I gaze at the picture. "I miss you, Mom," I whisper softly, hugging the picture to my chest.

"Isabella, can you come down here for a second?"

Sighing, I place the picture frame on the nightstand and glance at myself in the vanity mirror, wiping away any traces of tears. "Coming," I call out.

I step out of my room closing the door softly behind me and rush down the stairs where my dad stood at the door. A woman stood just right outside of our house, her smile reminded me of my mom's warm and loving, I smiled at her, joining my father's side.

"Isabella, this is Mrs. Franco, our new neighbour," he introduces, gesturing toward the woman. "Oh no, please, call me Michelle. Mrs Franco makes me sound so old" she spoke politely, a wide grin adorning her face. She extended her hand for me to shake, which I gladly accepted, not wanting to appear impolite to our new neighbour.

"We just wanted to come say hello to our new neighbours," she explains glancing behind her, a look of confusion graced her face before she sighed "Zach, come on," she called out, waving for 'Zach' to join us at the door. "Sorry about that," she said, her smile unwavering.

The dark-haired boy from earlier walks up the driveway, holding a cake that he promptly hands to his mother as soon as he stood beside her. "I made this for you guys, consider it a housewarming gift," she said, passing the cake to my dad.

"Thank you. Please come in" My father spoke, he steps aside gesturing for them to come inside, he led them to our living room, and I followed suit. This was bound to be an awkward and embarrassing encounter.

"Would you like something to drink?" he offers, gesturing for them to take a seat. "Some water, please," Michelle replied on behalf of both of them. My dad nodded excusing himself to the kitchen. "So, Isabella, how old are you, sweetheart?" Michelle asked sweetly, her greenish-blue eyes mirroring those of her son. "I'm seventeen, ma'am," I replied, attempting to be as polite as can be.

"Just like my little Zachy here," she exclaims, her voice filled with glee as she squeezes her son's cheeks. I chuckled, trying to disguise it as a cough when Zach shot a glare at me.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Michelle spoke up again. "What school will you be attending?" she inquired curiously. "Central Valley High School," my dad answered from behind me as he returned with the drinks, placing them on the coffee table.

"That's great! Zach goes there too. Maybe he can show you around," Michelle suggested enthusiastically, looking at her son with a wide smile. My eyes widened at her statement. I suppose my plan to avoid him and his little crew had gone completely awry.

Zach glanced at his mother and smiled warmly. "Sure, Mom," he said. I smiled, witnessing their heartfelt exchange. It was nice to see such a good relationship between a mother and her son. "Thank you," I murmured, making sure not to come across as rude. He nodded in my direction and then returned his attention to his phone.

After bidding farewell to our guests, my dad and I began preparing dinner. "How about we order pizza and call it a day?" he suggested, looking down at me. "Best dad ever, I swear," I laughed. "Go change into your pajamas, and I'll order," he instructed. I nodded and dashed up the stairs to my room. I felt a genuine excitement about starting school. Perhaps this could be my chance at a fresh beginning. "Don't forget the garlic bread, Dad!" I yelled as I hurried up the stairs.