A Genuine Infatuation and A Theorem for Love

Chapter 1

  I walked home once I had descended the bus, for our house was located further along the twisting lanes, covered by a thicket shrubbery of trees. With my bag slung over my shoulder, I made my way slowly along the winding path. Today had been quite stressful at school, in addition to the lack of sleep by staying awake till dawn - revising for the science monthly test. My eyes were almost shut, only my feet carried me home through daily routine.

 Having almost stumbled on a rock, I opened my eyes to see the doorway of our home slightly open. Had it been an ordinary day free of stress, my mind would have been filled with keen curiosity. Yet all that I could think of was skipping lunch for a light snack. Then I could seek the solitary bliss of my room to prepare for tomorrow's test. 

 Engrossed in my own world, I was oblivious to the stranger in deep conversation with my mother. I ignored their voices and dragged myself to the frig. Snowy, our cat, came hurdling out of the back yard to greet me in the kitchen where she'd be fed. Mother knew nothing of my lunchtime escapades in which I shared much of my lunch with Snowy. When I was fourteen years old, I found her at the top of the lane during one of my walks. Against the wishes of my three brothers but the consent of my father, for I was always his darling, Snowy has been part of my family for two years now. And yet she had the same effect on me. Although I knew that I was being carried away in thought, her almost twinkling eyes showed wisdom

 I headed out to Snowy's hut, a well-build shelter that dad and I built good enough to withstand rain or cold. She leaped with excitement as I laid down my share of lunch into her bowl.

  After stroking her fur, I headed towards my room on the upper floor, only this time to catch a slight glimpse of the stranger who was yet in deep conversation with my mom. Her hair showed signs of aging oldness, but she had a look of detemined courage. Shrugging the slightest curiosity as to whomsoever she may be, I went to my room with a bag of chips and peanuts in my hand, and my school-bag yet slung upon my other shoulder. My room was always tidy, for I made cleanliness my priority before another task. Discarding my white sneakers and socks at the shoe-rack outside my room, I ate my fill and began my revision. 

The sudden banging on the door made me awaken with a start, rubbing at my eyes and confused by my surroundings. "Urgh!" I was frustrated at myself for having dozed off at my study table. A second round of banging did not aid my frustration and I unlocked the door, ready to yell at whoever was causing all the commotion. 

A sudden banging on my door woke me with a start. After rubbing my eyes, I was still confused. Dozing off at my study table was frustrating. A second round of banging didn't help. Ready to yell at whoever was causing the commotion, I unlocked the door.

“Bill, how many times do I have to make it clear? Don't bang on my door!” My younger brother stood in the hallway, a football under his arm and a careless smirk on his lips.”

“And what makes you think You're so important?” His last three mocking words were typical of his intent to walk away feeling he wins something.

“Seriously, I don't have time for this. Cough up, bro. What do you want?” Clearly in no mood for our usual scuffles—that could mean smacking each other with pillows and broomsticks—I gave in

"Alright, nerdy-nerd. Mom and Dad sent for you. Dinner is ready," he huffed, dissapointed that I hadn't argued back. I considered asking him to leave as I would not attend dinner. Yet, Dad had also sent for me and that spiked my interest. 

"Fine dimwit, I'll be down. Now scram!" I shooed him away, and closed the door after he left off giggling mischievously. 

Bill and I were ten years apart and the only pair in the family that fought endlessly like kids. Henry, my oldest brother, aged twenty-two, worked as an accountant and we rarely saw him, he only showed up for dinner and thereafter was confined to his room. I had a sneaky suspicion that he possessed a girlfriend. Paul, my other elder brother, was older to me by a merely a year. I was second closest to him, as we shared the same passion for studying and scoring good grades, unlike my other siblings, who teased me endlessly over it. However, the only exception was that Paul accomplished it with lesser effort while I was content only until I had raked my brains and spent each possible minute over a subject. Extra-ordinary and strange as that seemed, it was my personality and 'Old habits die hard'.

Paul and I attended the same school, while Bill was yet in its junior section. Henry had already graduated, unbelievably, and obtained a degree. He had an around-the-clock job that kept him busy and during leisure, took up classes in Finance to aid his promotion. We were a small family, happy in its own way. With curiosity bubbling within, I sped downstairs.

P.S. : Presenting to you, Linda - picture onto the right :)