Elara
Shallow Glen has always been known as a quiet town, tightly woven with the thread of familiarity where everyone knew each other. It had an air of familiarity, and my parents often reminded me, "Friendly neighbours are always the best."
However, beneath the surface of those friendly smiles, there was an there was understanding that not everything was as simple as it seemed. Despite the warmth of the community, people carried their secrets, and that lingering knowledge added a layer of complexity to our interactions.
Though I appreciate the beauty of Shallow Glen, I've always felt a yearning to explore beyond its borders. The desire to experience the wider world pulls at me, but my mother reminds me of the importance of family and roots here, suggesting that I should cherish what we have rather than seek something beyond our familiar surroundings.
I grew up in a loving family that many would describe as perfect. Throughout my childhood, other parents often compared their children to me, encouraging them to emulate my good behaviour. It was a testament to the strong values and warmth my family instilled in me.
Growing up as the only girl among three older brothers had its challenges for me. While I appreciated their love and support, there were times when I longed for the company of other girls to share my feelings. Despite these moments of frustration, I always felt cherished by my family. My brothers truly adored me, and I was fortunate to have such loving parents. I understood that this closeness sometimes made other kids envious of my situation.
"Elara! What are you thinking?" I turned to see Damon standing there.
"I've been calling you for quite some time. You're thinking of me, I guess?" He smirked.
I wanted to say yes and admit it, but our relationship…
You bet I was!
"Damon, my brother, has always been the one I'm closest to compared to my other siblings."
"Why are you calling me like that? You sound hysterical."
"Mom wants to talk to you. We have some visitors."He left,
and at that moment, I realized that Damon felt more than just a brother. Our bond felt deeper and more complex, woven together in ways I couldn't fully understand. Although we shared the same blood, we were strikingly different. Every day, a part of me yearned for a different reality; I wished he weren't my brother, that our connection could be something else entirely. I loved him... No, I don't! I don't love him, I told myself, trying to silence the chaos of my emotions.
But deep down, I knew that no matter how much I tried to mask it or convince myself otherwise, the intensity of my feelings was undeniable. Damon's eyes, a striking, vibrant crimson that seemed to flicker with an alluring mystery, captivated me. And his physique—oh, his physique—was sculpted to perfection, reminiscent of a Greek god, every angle and line of his body a work of art. His hair fell in dark, enchanting waves, and the way everything about him radiated confidence and charisma stirred something deep within me.
Whenever he was near, an electric energy crackled in the air, a magnetic pull that drew me closer, igniting a storm of emotions I struggled to comprehend. I often found myself lost in daydreams, imagining the warmth of his lips against mine, grappling with the bizarre reality that it was my own brother.
But then I couldn't help but wonder—if Mama ever found out, would she ever be able to forgive me?
"Trust me, she's incredibly talented...
'Ma, did you call me?' I interjected, interrupting my mother mid-sentence as she chatted away with a friend. This friend, someone who had always been a part of our lives, came to visit occasionally, bringing her warmth and laughter into our home. Yet this was the very first time I had ever been summoned like that, and curiosity stirred within me."
"Good day, ma!" A cheerful voice rang out, and as she glanced up, my heart raced. "Look how you've grown! The rumours were true—you're a diamond." A warm blush crept across my cheeks as I stared down at my feet, feeling shy yet flattered.
"Oh, Gwen! I told you she's a beauty!" my mum chimed in, her voice filled with pride as she introduced me to Mrs Gwen Medhurst, her charming smile lighting up her face.
"Nice to meet you, ma," I managed to say, swallowing hard, overwhelmed by the unexpected attention. The air was thick with curiosity, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding around me.
"Jerad! Jerad! Can you come here, please?" Gwen called out, breaking the spell. I looked up to see his golden eyes locking onto mine. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though time stood still, and I was lost in a world where words failed me, and everything else faded into the background.
"Mom?" I was jolted back to reality by his deep, resonant voice. His gaze was fixed on me, his penetrating eyes scanning my figure in a manner that heightened my awareness of my attire—the dress I had chosen, a shade too short for comfortable lounging at home, suddenly felt like a hasty decision.
"Nice to meet you, Elara. I'm Jerad," he said, offering a charming smile that hinted at mischief and warmth.
"Dear, please show Jerad around," my mother chimed in, her tone laced with encouragement as if she knew something I didn't.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling within me.
"Is there anything in particular you'd like to see?" I ventured, turning to face him with a hopeful smile that mirrored the quickening beat of my heart.
"No, princess. I'd love for you to show me around," he said, and a flutter of excitement danced in my stomach at the endearing way he addressed me, a title that felt both sweet and exhilarating.
"Here's my favourite garden," I declared, leading him outside. As we stepped into the vibrant oasis, a tapestry of blooming flowers and verdant greenery unfolded before us. The air was perfumed with the intoxicating scent of jasmine and roses, while birds flitted through the branches, their songs weaving a cheerful melody. I felt a renewed sense of pride swell within me, enveloped by the beauty of the garden—a reflection of my own blossoming confidence.