Falling

Prologue

I can feel my head spinning, my heart thumping viciously against my chest. His hot breath fanned across my cheeks because of how close we were to each other. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that this was all happening.

His eyes sparkled under the moonlight as he stared intently into mine, almost not blinking. Before I knew what was happening, he began leaning down closing the space between us-

"Victoria!" I shot up from my bed, startled by the voice who hollered out my name. Confusion instantly took over my expression as I tried to recover from the near-death experience. A loud grunt escaped my lips after realizing I had been woken up rather rudely but was also relieved that it was all just a dream.

I could hear loud steps making their way up the stairs which signaled me to get out of bed. A small head peaked inside my bedroom a cheerful look plastered on her face. "Good morning" Cheryl chirped cheerfully while opening the door wider revealing her small frame.

I lazily smiled up at the little girl, finding happiness and joy in her presence. "Good morning you little monster!" I exclaimed before grabbing her and tickling her violently. Cheryl's laughter and giggles filled the room as I continued to tickle her. "Stop, stop! I can't breath" she begged. I let go of her the both of us falling down to the ground gasping for air.

"Mum told me to come to wake you up" Cheryl stated seeming to sense my confusion. I slowly nodded my head but was still slightly confused. "For the picnic" she once again stated. Remembering today's plans, I got up, messing up Cheryl's nicely made hair in the process before making my way to get ready.

***

I helped Cheryl to bring the basket filled with food into the car while Jared carried the cooler. Once everything had been settled my dad sped off towards the park.

"Everyone excited?" asked my dad earning a whoop and loud cheers from Cheryl and Jared. Minutes have passed before we finally made it to the park. We all unpacked the car and settling at a spot underneath a tree.

The five of us chatted and ate the delicious food my mum had prepared. I looked over at my parents in awe, admiring the type of love that radiated off of them. All my life they have always shown my siblings and I what real love is. Someday I hope to find love as strong as theirs.

"So how is school, kiddos?" Dad focuses his attention towards the three of us, seeming to be interested. "It's been great." I answered with a sly smile. Jared and Cheryl both answered, with Cheryl explaining every little detail.

All of a sudden, Jared stands up from his spot beside Cheryl and walks over to someone I couldn't quite see. Once they were close I enough I recognized the familiar mop of curls and trousers that almost sagged walking beside my brother.

"Harry!" exclaimed Cheryl standing up to embrace the tall boy. My parents gave the same enthusiasm, inviting him to sit and join our picnic.

My heart began beating fast as soon as he sat down. I felt his gaze stuck on me and I couldn't help but look away attempting to focus on anything else but him.

I stayed silent most of the time as my parents conversed with Harry. "Tori, come play with me" I excused myself and quickly following Cheryl, thankful that she had pulled me away from the awkward situation.

Cheryl and I threw disc back and forth to each other, enjoying ourselves in the process. I decided to take a glance over to where my parents and brother were only to find Harry already intently staring at me.

I quickly looked away when all of a sudden, I felt the disc colliding with my nose. The contact surprised me, causing me to fall onto the ground quite dramatically might I add.

My head spun due to the impact on the ground as I held my throbbing nose. "Tori, are you alright?" Cheryl asked worry laced in her tone.

I could hear Jared's laughter booming from a few feet away making me flush in embarrassment as I continued to lay on the ground.

A hand was held in front my face. It took a second before I realized who they belonged to, hesitantly taking his hand.

"That was quite a fall" I felt even more embarrassed by his words. I stood up and dusted off myself as soon as I did. "Shut up" I muttered. Harry chuckled lightly before leading me towards our spot in the shade.

My mum handed me a bag filled with ice and I held it against my nose. I'm the type of person that usually never cared if I embarrassed myself but this time was different because of him.

***