One Shots ; D.H

The Boy in the Garden (1)

WARNING: cliff hanger

The Wintry Gardens. Your favorite place and only getaway from the burden of life.

Something about being surrounded by nature gives you this feeling of hope that things will get better for you.

After your dad had passed away a year ago, things have been rough for the whole town. Being the daughter of the mayor has its moments.

Having to go to every event, speak at every meeting, say hi to every interviewer or magazine editor gets exhausting and isn't fun.

Your new step dad is a total ass too and doesn't respect you what-so-ever.

Whenever you want to be away from him, you find yourself in the gardens down the street.

No one comes here anymore but you.

Today though, you got into a huge fight with Jacob, your step dad. A flashback to what happened floods your brain.

"Why can't you just cooperate with me?! You're selfish and a brat!" He yells at you. "I don't have to listen to anything you say, you aren't my father!" He looks at you with so much fury it sort of scared you. "Your father must have been glad he died so he wouldn't have to deal with you anymore." With that he disappears down the hall.

Tears sting your eyes but you quickly gain your composure and make your way to the bench you always sit on within the garden.

You round the corner passed some roses that have finally started to bloom. As you admire them, you almost don't notice the man sitting on your bench a few feet away.

Confusion strikes you as the tall figure glances your way.

You hesitate to move forward but decide that it would be for the best.

His brown eyes connect with yours in a way that leaves you speechless.

Something about his overall persona catches your attention. His all black clothing and brown fringe is different compared to all the suites and fresh cuts you see around your neighborhood all the time.

Who is he and why have you never seen him before?

"Hello." You approach him.

His body is hunched over, elbows resting on his knees. But he looks up at you as you speak.

"Hey."

His voice is deep and mysterious, you like it.

"Is this seat taken?" You ask politely.

He shakes his head no and scoots over a bit. You sit.

Silence falls over you but for some reason it isn't awkward. It just makes you wonder more.

"What's your name?"

He sits upright and stretches his legs out. You now notice his impressive height. He's probably over 6ft.

"Daniel. But you can call me Dan."

Formal yet not at the same time; that's very intriguing.

"And yours is..?"

His knee touches yours and it takes everything in you to ignore it.

"(Y/N)."

Dan nods his head.

"Right, you're Mayor Henry's daughter, or should I say Mayor Jacob."

Normally it would surprise you that he knew who you were but after what happened, it's hard to find someone who doesn't.

"Yeah, that's me. But I am curious, how did you find this garden? I come here almost everyday and I've never noticed you before."

You stare at the side of his face, admiring his jawline and long eye lashes.

Is it possible for someone to look so beautiful? You don't even know.

"I kind of just stumbled upon it after-"

Your phone cuts him off. You put out a finger as you check the caller ID.

"Sorry it's my mom, give me one second."

You bring the phone up to your ear and answer.

You: "Hey mom, what's up?"

Mom: "Hi sweetheart, I just wanted to remind you that for the ball tomorrow, we need to find you some heels."

You: "I don't want to wear heels mom. They hurt my feet."

Mom: "I know but it looks more proper. Also, I think Mary found a date."

You: "Really? Great, now I have no one to hang out with there."

Mom: "You'll be fine sweetie. But I have to go do some paper work, love you."

You: "Bye."

You hang up and stare at your phone for a minute before you remember that Dan is beside you.

"Are you going to that dance thing?" He asks.

You're surprised that he actually knows what you're talking about.

"Uh yeah," You sigh, "I don't even want to go but now my moms forcing me to find a date."

You stare at the gravel beneath your feet.

Silence takes over both of you making you feel extremely uncomfortable and awkward.

Suddenly Dan jumps to his feet and you look up at him confusedly.

"Meet me here tomorrow at 6:30, no later. We'll go together."

With that he disappears into the dense green bushes leaving you confused and slightly excited.

To be continued...