Page 8 of Branded Hearts

Funny how some things never change.

Back in the safety of my apartment, I try to shake off any lingering unease from the attempted robbery earlier today. The whole thing still feels surreal, like a scene from a crime drama rather than my quiet town’s reality. I move around the kitchen, putting dishes in thedishwasher, a task that offers a semblance of normalcy.

Only a few months ago, I made the decision to move out, despite my parents’ initial disapproval. Being the baby of the family, they found it absurd that I’d want to live anywhere but at home with them. But I wanted to experience living on my own, and this apartment is much closer to my school, so that’s a bonus. With some convincing, and the invaluable aid of my persuasive sister, I managed to win them over.

Moving out didn’t just shorten the commute to work—it also brought me even closer to OliviaandBradley.

Now, as I stand in my own space, I can’t help but appreciate the independence it brings. My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen to find an incoming FaceTime call from my sister, Kathryn.

Her voice fills my kitchen with a cheerful, “Hey, Meli!”

‘Meli’ has been a nickname thrown around for a while now. My sister, who has a delightful three-year-old bundle of energy named Millie, decided to name her after me. I was absolutely over the moon when Kat told me this. It’s a testament to our tight bond, and now little Millie, still mastering the art of pronunciations, has taken to calling me Meli, and so the nickname has stuck.

A warm smile spreads across my face as I answer, “Hey, Kat! What’s up?”

Kathryn’s laughter dances through the phone. “Not much. Trying to get Millie to have a bath, but she’s being so stubborn.”

“Sounds like you,” I tease.

“Oh no, no, no. She gets it from you,” Kat firesback.

“Me! No way, I’m not stubborn at all,” I retort.

“Mhm,” is all Kat says.

Despite the eight-year age gap, Kathryn and I have always been close. She’s been a protective older sister, and I’m immensely grateful for the bond we share.

“How was your day?”

“It was supposed to be a normal day at work, bustling with the usual energy and chaos…” I shudder as I continue, my voice soft. “But… I got caught up in an attempted robbery.”

Silence falls upon us like a heavy weight before Kathryn’s voice breaks through with an edge of panic. “Oh my God, are you okay? What the fuck? What happened?”

“I’m okay, it’s all good. Police rocked up, handled it. Paramedics came as well, to assess all of us, but I was fine. I am fine.” My body still runs cold at the thought of what happened.

“Did you tell Mum and Dad?” Kat asks hurriedly.

“Yes, I rang them just after I was free to leave,” I reassure her.

“Bloody hell. Well, thank goodness you’re okay,” Kat breathes, her voice shaky. “Was anyone hurt?”

“No, the police got there just in time to stop the man. It was pretty intense,” I reply. “And you won’t believe who one of the officers was.”

“Who?”

“Bradley Mitchell!”

“Wait, Bradley? LikeyourBradley, Bradley?” Kathryn exclaims. I can’t help but smile, but quickly wipe it off my face.

“Yeah,” I admit. “Seeing him there was a shock. Even though I know he’s a police officer, it’s still...”

“Intense,” Kat finishes for me, her tone softening. “How do you feel about it?”

“It was overwhelming,” I confess. “But I couldn’t help feeling... safer with him there.”

“Of course,” Kat says, her voice filled with understanding. “He’s always had that effect on you, hasn’t he? Don’t think I didn’t see yoursmilebefore, Meli.” She winks.

“I didn’t... it’s... Ugh, maybe? I don’t even know.” I sigh. But Idoknow.

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