Page 3 of Branded Hearts

My father’s commanding voice cuts in. “I sent Liv down. Did shehelp out?” He raises a brow at my sister.

“Yes, Dad. In fact, we both did,” Liv answers, and I shoot a glance at her and Amelia before Dad nods.

Always so intense, this bloke. He then changes the conversation to me, asking when I’ll be enrolling in the academy now that I’ve graduated high school.

“Sent in my application last week. Should be hearing back from them soon.”

Dad grins, a twinkle of approval in his eye. “Bout time you took a step outta your comfort zone. That’s my boy.”

I give a nonchalant shrug, not wanting to admit how his approval actually means something to me.

As the conversation shifts, Amelia, who has been quiet, chimes in, “What academy?”

I glance at her, and for a moment, our eyes lock. Before I can say anything, Mum replies, “Bradley, here, has enrolled in the NSW Police academy.” Her voice is proud.

Amelia, breaking the brief silence, is shocked with awe. “Oh, wow. That’s so cool,” she mutters, her eyes wide with surprise.

Why is she so interested? I nod, uncomfortable with the sudden attention.

The atmosphere shifts, and I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. Amelia, obviously unable to contain her curiosity, asks another question. “What made you decide on that? It seems... intense.”

I glance at her, briefly meeting her gaze before looking away. “Just seemed like the right move,” I reply, keeping it vague. The weightof everyone’s expectations lingers, and I shake off the feeling.

Amelia presses further. “Do you, like, have a passion for it or something?”

I’m not a talker, never have been. I’ve always been the quiet one, letting the light shine on Xavier and Liv. Xavier stepped up to help out our father with the farm, and I just felt like that life wasn’t for me.

I’m observant, always seeking challenges, and this career path seemed like the right choice for me. So, yes, you could say I’ve always had a passion for it.

But I downplay my thoughts and shrug. “Yeah. Someone’s gotta do it.”

Xavier, with his usual sarcasm, remarks, “Yeah, someone’s gotta keep the town safe, ey?”

Liv jumps in, never one to remain quiet for long. “Well, I want to do something in business. An office job, maybe start my own company someday.”

Mum nods approvingly, then turns to Amelia. “And you, Amelia? What do you want to do?”

Amelia smiles shyly. “I’d love to be a teacher. It’s a passion of mine—working with kids, helping them learn and grow.”

Mum beams at her. “That’s wonderful, dear. You’d make a great teacher.”

I look at Amelia, seeing her excitement and determination. It’s clear she’s found her calling, just like I have. Her eyes continue to linger, and I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in her head. Why is she staring? I shake off the thought with a frown, returning my attention to themind-numbing dinner conversation.

Mum, always one to know everything, politely asks, “So, Amelia, dear, tell us about school. How did you and Liv meet? She hasn’t told us much.”

Amelia’s smile returns as she responds, “Well, I don’t go to Springbrook High. I’m at a smaller high school, about twenty minutes from town. Liv and I met at a school event not too long back. Our friendship just clicked from there.”

Liv chimes in with a big smile, confirming, “Yeah, it was like an instant connection.”

The girls giggle together, their bond evident.

Mum nods. “That’s lovely. It’s always nice when friends become family. You’re welcome here whenever, dear.”

Amelia’s eyes light up, and she responds sincerely, “Thank you, Mrs. Mitchell. I really appreciate it.”

In that moment, with the golden hues of the sunset dancing on her face, I see her young innocence—a kind of beauty untouched by the world.

She’s younger, way too young, and I feel a surge of discomfort.

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