The Tale of a Dying Star

Enemy in the house

"Dwyn, get the door, will you?" Mr. Hawthorne's voice rang from the living room. "The Connors are here!"

"Ugh... Why do I have to greet them?" the girl internally groaned as she glanced one last time in the mirror, frowning at her appearance, before heading downstairs . It's not like she disliked her parents' best friends. No, they were very decent people. It was just their son that she couldn't stand. "That pathetic, arrogant, annoying know-it-all... Good thing he's studying abroad and only comes home during holidays." She shook her head out of thoughts and put on a pleasant smile before opening the door.

Immediately she was met by a sly smirk and a pair of steely eyes that belonged to none other than our beloved Alastar Connor. He stood alone on the doorstep, hands in the pockets of his stylish black trousers, looking as detached as ever.

"Alastar... So good to see you again." Dwyn dragged out the words, trying to sound as polite as possible. 

"Yeah, yeah. Cut out the courteousness." The young man rudely sneered. "Are you going to invite me in?"

"I guess so... But where are your parents? she inquired, finally noticing that he came by himself. "I thought Mr. and Mrs. Connor were supposed to come as well."

"Not that it's any of your business, but they are running a bit late. Last minute work stuff I guess." His voice suddenly turning polite as Dwyn's mother entered the room. "Hello Mrs. Hawthorne. Mum and Dad will be here any minute."

"Alastar dear, welcome back!" the woman greeted him excitedly. "I'm so glad you came. My, and aren't you looking more handsome than ever!"

Dwyn rolled her eyes annoyed, seeing his chest swell with pride. Yes, he had grown taller since the last time they've seen him and he was surprisingly good-looking, but that didn't make him less of a fool.

The girl subtly started to retreat towards the stairs leading to her room, careful not to draw any attention. To Dwyn's great dismay, mother caught on to her move and asked, with a knowing smile playing on her lips: "Sweetheart, why don't you show Alastar to your room and keep him entertained while I set the table?" 

Dwyn grumpily started climbing up the stairs, beckoning the boy to follow her. Alastar swiftly ran up the stairs, careful to bump into the girl, almost knocking her over. She angrily scoffed and entered the room that was supposed to be her refuge and fortress, now invaded by this audacious enemy. Young Connor shamelessly threw himself directly on the neatly folded bed covers and shot Dwyn a mischievous look. 

"So, Sweetheart," he mimicked her mother "how are you going to entertain me this serene evening?"

"Oh, let me see! Maybe by wiping that smug smile off your face with a punch."

"With those stick hands of yours... I'd like to see you try." Alastar scrunched up his nose. "You look like you barely eat anything."

"Awh... Are you concerned about my health, Al?" Dwyn said with a mocking smile. "I assure you I eat just as much as you, maybe even more."

"Me concerned about you? Never." Alastar pitifully snorted. "I just wanted to challenge you to see who can eat the most at dinner. And since you are so sure of yourself, I suppose it will be a breeze for you." "And don't you ever call me Al again!"

"Fine, Ally boy.  And the winner will choose a punishment for the loser. Let the games begin! " Dwyn started walking past the bed, towards the door, but tripped over the boy's extended leg, and fell face down.

She was just about to throw herself at him, when her father barged into the dormitory telling them that Alastar's parents had arrived and that dinner was served.

They went downstairs to meet the others, but just as the two were about to enter the living room, Dwyn stood on her toes and maliciously whispered in the boy's ear: "It's on, Connor!"

Well hello my lovelies!

I don't own the photo. In the image above is Dwyn's room as I imagined it. 

Word count: 671 (without the note)

Sorry the chapter is so short and unrefined, but this is my first book ever, so pls don't judge! I'll try to make the next chapters longer, and I'll also try to update once or twice a week.

I promise the story will get better in the next chapter.

Feel free to leave comments below about what you would like me to improve in my writing, or anything that your little hearts desire!

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