True Hearts

I walk past the tiled floor, names scrolled on top of each stone. I shivered from the cold air surrounding the area. I couldn't breathe. I stopped my tracks as soon as I arrived in front of a stone, engraved in script was the name 'Stefan Delles'.

"Hey dad," I greeted, "It's me, Sophia, I know we haven't talked much lately, but today is really special. It's my birthday, remember? I'm 17 years old now. I've missed you, you know. 8 years is long enough and my life hasn't been easy without you. And, Mom? Well, she's doing fine and she's found her special someone again... Someone who's not you. Now, she wants me to go to a special camp, what did I do? I don't know. Remember when the day you died, she told me that she can never replace you ever? Well, she lied. My new stepdad and mom were the ones who lied to us. Now, they think they can brain wash me to like him and call him 'dad'. Are they for real? But if they do send me to that camp, I swear, I won't hesitate to run away. Well, I have to go now. Mom'll have a heart attack if I'm not there when she gets home, you know how she gets. Well, I think this means goodbye. I love you always remember that. Rest in peace, Dad." a single tear escaped from my eye and I wiped it before heading back to the car.

When I got home, I look around for any sign of my mom's presence around the house. I let out a sigh when I don't see her car, then got out and made my way to the house.

The house wasn't that big but it was enough to fit 10 people in it. It's walls were white with glass framings on the side. It had a small garden and pool at the back side. It wasn't anything fancy but to me, it was home.

I opened the door and was immediately tackled. My breathe was caught and I shrieked. I looked up to find hazel eyes staring down on me. It was my brother, Jake. I haven't seen him for a year and he comes back without me knowing. He chuckled at my reaction before releasing me from his hold.

"Happy Birthday Sophie! Haha. Nice to see you too." he smiled.

Getting over my initial shock, I finally let out a smile, "Jake! You're back! You should've called me!"

"Well, I wanted it to be a surprise.. So, surprise?" he smiled sheepishly, giving me another hug.

"Haha. I was really surprised but it's good to have you back home. I've missed you so much." I hugged him back.

"So... What have you been doing all day, Birthday girl?" he asked me curiously.

"I-I went to ...dad." I mumbled.

His hold on me tightened as his hand rubbed my back to soothe me. He knew that I still can't get over the loss of my dad, even if 8 years have passed. I couldn't face the fact that he was gone. I just couldn't.

After that, Jake led me to the couch to sit. We just sat there in silence until we heard the doorbell ring. Jake made his way to open it, me following behind him.

When Jake opened the door, in front stood a handsome man with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. He was wearing a shirt that shaped his muscled body perfectly. He was tall, lean and his smile was dazzling. He was, in a way, perfect.

The stranger then extended a hand and spoke, "Hi, I'm...-"