Don't Get Too Attached

Don't Get Too Attached. ~Chapter 1~

Chapter 1

“Need a hand?”

I looked up, to see where the offer had come from. Leaning against the open door of the van, arms crossed, was a boy. His eyes shone with confidence as he looked at me, awaiting an answer.

“No thanks, I can handle it.” I answered, and proceeded with picking up the box marked “HEAVY”

Despite my reply, he began walking towards me, hands in his pockets. “I’m Sam, I live next door.” He introduced himself, stretching his hand out towards me.

I looked at his hand but didn’t shake it, giving him a slight nod instead, “I said I didn’t need your help.” I stated and without waiting for a reply started walking towards the open front door of our new house.  I didn’t realise someone was behind me until I turned to go back to the van. Sam was carrying two boxes, one in each hand. He set them down next to my box, and followed me back to the van.

 “So, you’re new to the neighbourhood.” He stated; as if I wasn’t already aware of that. I didn’t reply, instead picking up a box marked “TROPHIES”. He picked up a box with the same label and followed me to where we were starting a pile. We carried on moving the boxes in silence until the van was almost empty- only my boxing equipment left.

He looked at me curiously as I began lifting my 5ft punch bag. I stumbled slightly under the weight, as I began making my way out of the van. His eyes shone with arrogance as he bent down to pick up the other one, his face going red as he heaved.

 “Goodness, how much does this thing weigh?” He huffed after three feeble attempts.

I chuckled, “Last time I checked, 140 pounds.” I said as I cautiously made my way towards the house. As I was setting it down beside the boxes, Sam approached, dragging the punch bag, his brow beading with sweat from the effort. “Don’t drag it! You’ll ruin it!” I snapped, taking it from him and setting it down beside the other one.  

Straightening up again, I saw my dad stood in the doorway, looking from me to Sam curiously. “Samuel Clarks,” he introduced himself, holding his hand out to my dad who shook it way to eagerly. “I saw the moving van and thought your daughter might need some help.” He flashed my dad a smile.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Sean Roberts,” My dad said, grinning widely. Probably thinking that I’d already made a friend, which wasn’t the case at all. He didn’t even know my name! I didn’t even want to be in this stupid city, let alone make friends with people here, and even if I did, there was no point, because in the end, they’d hurt me. I was too caught up in my thoughts to pay attention to the conversation going on in front of me, when suddenly my dad said my name. “Tatiana… Tatiana!”

“Ye- yeah?” I stuttered slightly, trying to figure out what he was saying to me beforehand.

He sighed, “Is this everything from the van?”

Before I could answer, Sam spoke up, “Yes, that’s everything.”

My dad gave him an apologetic smile as if I’d done something wrong, “She must be tired from the long drive, right Sweet?” He looked at me for confirmation and I just groaned in response. “Don’t worry, we’re almost done. Take your equipment and trophies up to the empty room, once that’s done, you can go and rest.” I did as I was told, eager to collapse onto my bed.

 Ascending the stairs with my hand full of boxes, I realised I was being followed. I turned around, an eyebrow raised, to see Sam stumble as he almost bumped into me.

“Umm, your dad said I should help?” He made it sound like a question.

I grunted in response as I carried on up the stairs, and across the landing, looking into the rooms. We passed three open doors before reaching the end of the hall. The door was closed and I had to set my boxes down to open it…