Prologue
Addy
12 YEARS AGO
What the hell?!
The door to my room flies open, slamming against the wall behind it. I wake with a startle, but before I’m able to fully open my eyes, a loud grunt echoes off the walls. With a heavy force something—or rather someone—lands on my bed, sending me flailing through the air and landing with a loud thunk against the floor.
My body groans from the impact but I manage to twist my head just enough to see which one of the assholes it was that sent me flying. No surprise when it’s Zane’s baby blues and shit eating grin peering over the edge of my mattress.
“Ugh! Why are you such an ass and how did you get in my house?” I moan from the floor.
“Oh, come on, you know you love me. Besides, it’s time for you to get up.”
Retreating from the edge, he sprawls out on my bed, throwing his hands behind his head and crossing his legs. Getting back on my feet, I hit him with a piercing glare. My hands move to my hips as I wait for the answer to my more pressing question, but it never comes.
“Today I don’t. How did you get in here?”
“Mom let me in,” he says with a shrug and a grin.
That traitorous woman!
Formalities between us and the group of parents died a long time ago, each now just being called mom or dad respectively. It’s kind of cool sometimes having multiple sets of parents, their love wraps around me just as fiercely as my own, but it’s also a curse. While there’s four extra houses full of love and security, there’s also now five times the chance we get caught doing stupid shit and get yelled at.
Kade Daniels, Zane Mathers, Ryder Leung, Max Hudson, and I are best friends and thick as thieves. Our parents have known each other for years, but we became inseparable when Max and his dad moved onto our street. Mine, Kade’s, and Ryder’s parents as well as Zane’s mom all pitched in to help the duo and everything justclicked. Everyone took turns babysitting the five of us, sharing the responsibility between whoever had the day off. Which says a lot about their strength, as the five of us were—and still are—a handful.
We’ve known each other since the diaper days, and it’s nearly impossible to see us apart, save for sleeping or showering. Even now as teenagers, we’re caught going everywhere together.
Zane and Kade are the eldest at sixteen. Max and I are fifteen, with our birthdays only being a few days apart. We joke all the time about how we’re twins that got the day mixed up. Ryder is our baby being only fourteen, but that doesn’t stop him from towering over me like a damn tree. They all act like protective older brothers, making sure I’m okay before anything else.
I remember the day I got my very first period. We were all in gym class and when I stood up, Kara happened to point out the growing spot on my pants. I was so embarrassed, I was almost in tears and hyperventilating, but the guys had my back. Kade gave me his sweater to wrap around my waist, and then his gym shorts to change into. Zane didn’t want me walking home so he called his mom tocome pick me up, knowing mine was working already. We’ve always looked out for one another, the teasing just comes naturally.
I’m still debating on whether it would be better to shove him off and climb back into bed or give in and get ready, and after a few more dragging seconds, I opt for the latter. Flipping him the bird, my legs stomp into my closet to find my outfit. It’s the first day of summer vacation, and we have plans to head to the lake. As much as I would love to return to my dreams, the water calls to me.
Donning my brand new emerald green bikini and long sheer cover, I slide my sandals on my feet and head out to kick Zane out of my room. Unfortunately, when I exit the door, Zane’s not alone anymore. Now all four of them are lounging around my room, looking entirely unimpressed to be waiting.
“Look who finally decided to join us,” chimes Max, earning himself the middle finger.
“Some of us enjoy beauty sleep, and benefit from it. You should try it sometime, Maxxy.” His face falls as the rest begin to laugh at his expense. My eyebrow raises, daring him to make a retort, but he stays silent.
“Oooo, Grouchy Bear is out to play this morning,” Ryder chortles from the doorframe.
“C’mon Bear. Let’s get you fed before you bite one of us.” Kade’s arm drapes over my shoulders, dragging me along as we head towards the main floor.
The guys have known for the last three years I’mnota morning person. It’s the entire reason Ryder came up with my nickname “Grouchy Bear” which eventually just shortened to “Bear.” You‘d think knowing that I’m not pleasant when woken up, they would proceed with caution. Yet for some reason, they still insist on the rudest wake up calls imaginable.And my family assists!
No wonder I wake up and choose violence.
Mom is already awake, the smell of sausages and waffles drift from the kitchen as she hums a tune. Judging by the enormous stacks, she’s made enough for everyone here. Pity.
“You know, if you stop feeding them… they may stop coming around, and we can save money on the food budget,” I tell her and she rolls her eyes with a grin.
“If she stops feeding us, I may just revolt! How dare you make such suggestions.” Max’s hands fly to cover his mouth. His eyes blow wide and he inhales sharply. Acting as if I just asked him to jump out of a plane instead of being removed from meal times.
Max’s mom died from complications surrounding his birth, and so it’s only ever been him and his dad. From the first week they moved here, my parents have assisted in feeding them as well. It started off as a kind gesture to allow them to get settled and not worry about meals. But one tragic BBQ and 9-1-1 call later, it turned into a community necessity. I love and respect the man, but he can’t cook worthshit.Truthfully, I don’t even know how they managed before coming here, but I’m assuming the fire department knew them well.
My parents don’t complain about it though. They’ve always been the happiest when they’re helping others. I genuinely believe it’s been ingrained right into their DNA to always be helpful. Like someone has etched it into their very bones.
