If I Fall In Love

Chapter One

"Have a good day at school" Marley raised her brow at the young, brown tradie she always walked past on her way to school. Staring at her appearance once more just to be clear she was indeed in her school uniform, and he knew well enough she was still in school. 

"Thank you" She smiled back before continuing her walk to school. 

Weird. 

Nearing the bus stop across from school she met up with her best friend Bianca. Bianca and Marley had one final term left of high school. How exciting before she entered the new world.  She was ready to leave school and start a new chapter of her life.

Marley's phone buzzed a message from her cousin Nia.

Suga come with me to a party tonight x

Marley sighed, putting her phone away. Nia was an infamous teenage girl she claimed as her sister, although the party animal would only come out if Marley accompanied her to these places. Marley was never hesitant to say yes because she was the only one that would ensure Nia was safe and never got herself into too much trouble. 

By the time school rolled out, Nia was out front eagerly waiting for Marley to go shopping for outfits for tonight. Nia was always boy crazy whereas Marley found no particular interest in boys. It wasn't like Marley was swinging for the other team but she could do things all on her own. She never met a guy who was serious enough to match her goals and match her energy. And until she found him, she would proceed on being independent. 

An hour later and after about six stores, Nia was finally satisfied with a proper outfit. Marley had picked out her out within the first 15 minutes. She settled for making the simple outfits look amazing, she never needed herself to be over the top and be the talk of the party or have the spotlight on her. 

As the sun set, the girls arrived at the house. Marley noticed some of the islander boys from school and the neighbouring schools nearby. Nia had no trouble fitting in and adjusting to the flow of the party. Marley praised, seeing Bianca nearby grabbing another drink. Bianca would be her company until Nia's party lights shot out.

"Mar... meet my cousin Irene. Rene this is my friend Marley" Biana smiled introducing the tall brunette beside her. 

Marley fit into the party scene well. Staying with Bianca and Irene, not wanting to gain the attention of any boys.  Bianca disappeared during the night,  leaving Irene with Marley. Marley followed her outside to get some fresh air, which did wonders to Marleys head which started pounding.

"There she is" Irene raised a brow finding Bianca giggling outside with the boys.

"Bro, I think B should come back inside with us" Irene smiled wrapping her arm around Bianca. 

"Don't be so snobby around me, sis." - Brian

"Yeah... this is Marley" Irene pointed around, Marley lifted her eyes off the ground to greet Irene's brother. He was just another pretty face without a brain to her. 

"Hey Mar... come sit with me" Marley noticed Nia sitting beside where Bianca once sat. 

"No thanks, Nia-"

"Mar sit now!!" She giggled pulling Marley closer to take a seat. Reluctant to her cousins request, she continued to get comfortable in the environment and avoid any and all awkwardness that could radiate from her body.

"So your Nia's cousin?" Brian attempted to spark up a conversation with Marley. He was definitely trying to spark up a conversation. Nia was too busy laughing with some of the other boys sitting nearby, leaving Marley alone. 

"Yes I am" she smiled back gripping onto her bottle of water. 

"I've never seen you before" Brian had the apparent "bad boy" look. A traditional tattoo on his forearm, eyebrow slit, and that devious smirk she recognised from the movies. 

"Your point exactly?" Marley raised a brow

"We should hang out more often" He smiled back.  Marley wasn't falling for this. She knew well enough boys wanted one thing at this age, and rather desired to settle down once they hit their 30s. Boys never wanted anything serious. And Marley wasn't set on letting her heart get broken by a guy who wasn't worth it. 

Suprisingly, throughout the night, Marley stayed beside Brian. The two clicked, and held conversations until the early hours of the morning. Marley lost track of time and was amazed at the fact that it was almost 3am. 

"I should be getting back home with Nia. Thanks for keeping me company" Marley blushed excusing her self to find Nia. By now, the party had died down with only the strong remaining. 

"Are you okay to drive?" Brian stopped Marley from walking out the front door.

"Yes I promise I'm fine" Marley smiled. She wasn't lying. Marley was all about safe driving and knew everytime she was behind the wheel, she put her life, everyone in her car and the surrounding cars at danger. Nia fell asleep in the backseat giving Marley a quiet ride back home. She loved living whilst the world was still asleep, feeling most comfortable at this time. 

But Brian remained on her mind. She had her share of guys approaching her but Brian was the only one who broke down her first wall and could actually hold a conversation with her. He was a few yeas older than her which probably explained it. Brian had definitely daughter her eye and slowly opened up a possibility in her heart. 

Half an hour later and Nia was snoring away in bed as Marley changed into comfortable clothes. Her phone buzzed as she climbed into bed.

"Have a good night princess" Marley smiled admiring the text before crawling into bed.