Page 14 of Branded Hearts

I hush them and return to my seat, attempting to calm them down.

“Miss Amelia, is he your boyfriend?” Timmy asks, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yeah, are you going to marry him?” Dahlia chimes in, her voice filled with excitement.

“Do you like him?” another voice pipes up from the back.

“Oh, no! He’s not my boyfriend,” I reply, trying to hide the blush creeping up my face. “We’re just friends.”

“Is that why you’re smiling?” Talia asks, her voice squeaky.

Dear God. This is exactly what I was just talking about.

“Guys, guys. Shhh!” I say, trying to remain calm. My heart is racing, and I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with a bunch of five-year-olds. I glance at their eager faces, and despite the embarrassment, I can’t help but smile at their innocence.

They make even the most awkward moments endearing.

As the bell rings for lunchtime, the kids pack up their things and say goodbye to me before running out the door, their laughter fading down the hallway.

My conversation with Bradley from earlier triggers a sense of déjà vu, unlocking a memory I thought I had buried. We were at a party at his place. He was drinking, and he said things to me... things I’ve tried so hard to forget. He almost kissed me that night, and since then, I’ve tried to bury that memory deep down, along with my stupid crush on him.

But now, seeing him again, that night is resurfacing. Does he remember? I don’t think he does. He was intoxicated, after all. But surely, he must remember something?

Why would he? You’re nothing to him now; you’ll always just be his little sister’s best friend.

As I gather my things and head to the staff room for lunch, I can’t shake the unease that has settled in my stomach. Maybe it’s just my imagination, or maybe it’s something more.

Either way, I can’t help but wonder.

5

Hometown - Kane Brown

It’s the first summer after high school, and Xavier and I have the place to ourselves while our parents are off visiting family friends a couple of hours away. Mingling with ‘family’ we don’t know? Yeah, no. Not our idea of a good time.

So we’ve opted to stay put. Xavier, being Xavier, decided we should throw a little shindig to celebrate our graduation. To our parents, it’s just a simple BBQ with a few friends. Little do they know, Xavier’s definition of ‘a few friends’ is a bit... generous.

Our backyard is buzzing with activity, the smell of steak sizzling on the BBQ filling the air. Xavier’s mates are here in full force, along with Harrison and Michael, and of course, a bunch of my own mates. People are scattered all over the place, some chilling by the barn, others lounging around the pool. The sun has set, but the warmth of the day still lingers, making the evening just right for a swim.

Jackson and Luke, two of my mates, clap me on the back as theypass by, congratulating each other and me on finally being done with school. In passing, Luke hands me a red party cup with clear liquid. Cautiously, I look at it, and Luke notices, laughing.

“Relax, bud, it’s just vodka and lemonade.”

“Cheers to us, mate,” Jackson says, raising his beer bottle in salute.

“No more exams, no more teachers breathing down our necks,” Luke adds, grinning from ear to ear.

I take a large sip of my drink and nod in response, my smile a little forced. I’m grateful school’s over, but I’ve never been one for loud celebrations.

“Come on, Brad,” Jackson says, patting me on the back again. “You’re joining the police force soon. It’s time to loosen up!”

Luke chimes in, grinning, “Exactly! No more studying or stress. Let’s enjoy tonight!”

Their words linger in my mind, sparking thoughts about the path ahead. Joining the police force is the dream I’ve always wanted to pursue. My father had been ecstatic about it, and I don’t want to let him down. The pressure is on to make something of myself, to prove that I can succeed. But right now, surrounded by friends and the sounds of laughter and music, I can’t help but feel a sense of freedom. Tonight is about letting go of the past and embracing the future, whatever it may hold. Fuck it. What’s a couple of drinks?

“I guess you’re right,” I finally respond, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. I down the rest of my drink in one gulp.

“Oh yeah! Let’s go!” Jackson exclaims.

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