Regan.
June 23rd, 18 years earlier…
My heart is beating fast as I ride my new bike down the street.
Dad got me a new bike, after I kinda destroyed the old one. Had a bad fall, months ago and it ruined the bike.
The wind blows in my face, as I ride my bike on top speed. You can't blame me. Am a twelve-year-old boy, running on adrenaline and other hormones kicking into me, now that am undergoing puberty.
My brother Frankie and I are having a race, while Lucas watches us, keenly, from the corners of his eye. Even though he's talking with his friends.
Am winning the race, I know I'd win this time. Frankie and I have a bet. We reach the hill of our street and decelerate, my bike on full gear.
"Whoo Hoo!" I scream on top my lungs, as I finally cross the finish line.
My friends and Frankie's friends cheer happily, while I finally bring my bike to a halt. I smile, receiving the well-deserved accolades.
"I let you win, smarty pants." Frankie sneers, with a hidden grin.
His 14-year-old facial hairs already encroaching his once smooth face.
"Yeah right, Frankenstein." I call back, smiling.
It's a get together for the dad and his friends this Saturday afternoon. Wine and foods, flowing like a river. It's cool when dad hosts parties like this among his friends. All the kids get to mingle and do games. While the grownups do what they love to do.
My eyes snag on a new girl in my class. She and her family recently moved in here from Colorado and since I saw her in class, weeks ago, I haven't stopped gazing at her. She's pretty, with this fall of black hair. Her eyes shining like one of my mum's diamond earrings.
Her name is Leah Alfredo. Her father is very loyal to my dad. I think he brought him here, for him to work in Heartstones' Holdings Inc. Dad said the guy's good with accounts.
Leah spares me a timid smile, as she's talking with her friends. I recognize them, but I don't talk to them. Spoilt kids of dad's friends. One of them I detest the most; Lucinda Grove. Her family owns Grove Styles.
I give Leah a smile of my own, before I tear my eyes away from her. Lucinda's staring at us, and I don't want her spreading any gossips about Leah.
Am talking to Derek, one of my friends, when I feel someone tug the hem of my T shirt. I turn to see Leah, smiling at me.
"Good race, Regan." She smiles.
God, her beautiful blue eyes are fascinating to watch. I falter, not knowing what to say to her. I usually know what to say to girls. My brothers have taught me plenty. But Leah, she makes me dumb. I like that she was watching me. Made me feel like a peacock.
"Thanks Leah." I breathe.
She nods, averting my gaze. The music picks up. An Italian folk dance. My grandma has taught it to me many times. Even though we weren't born in Italy, my grandparents and parents have never failed to drum it into us.
"Would you like to dance?" Leah asks.
I swallow.
Me, dance with Leah?
I've only danced with girls on weddings before. Dad's orders. Said it made me a gentleman.
"Sure." My voice cracks.
Ah…I hate it when it does that.
She nods and leads the way to the middle of our well catered garden. Our garden at the mansion is enviable. The kitchen staff are busy with the foods, while we party.
Leah and I sway to the music. I watch the others file in; adults, older kids. All dancing. Our mums have their eyes on us. Our fathers beam with pride watching us dance.
"I think my friend likes you." Leah's sing song voice comes.
I was busy admiring her dance.
"Who?" I ask, puzzled.
"Lucinda." She nods.
I follow her gaze and find Lucinda glaring at us.
"Those are daggers, not eyes, Leah." I scoff, referring to Lucinda's glares.
She hates me. We can't even stand each other.
Leah laughs. It's a beautiful laugh.
"Not the way she always talks of you. And my sister says when someone talks of you all the time, they like you." Leah smiles.
I scoff. "I think your sister just missed this one."
Her sister, Tory, is Lucas' girlfriend. I wish I could be smooth like my brothers. A devilish idea enters my head, my heart racing in anticipation.
"You, do you like me?"
She misses her steps. I got my answer.
"I don't know what you mean." She demurely lowers her eyes.
I smile again.
"Hey Regan, go find Juanita. Mum says she ran out of here moments ago." Frankie whispers as he comes to dance close to us.
"But you're older. You go." I retort.
He raises his brow.
"You want me to tell your pretty girlfriend how you talk of her all the time." Frankie whispers in my ear.
I open my eyes, my face heating in embarrassment. Reluctantly, I leave Leah and go in search of Juanita.
I find her close to the dumpster, crying.
"Anita, why you crying?" I hold, her. She shoves me off.
"Leave me. David says am a baby. He says babies are good for nothing. Only big girls with pretty hair and makeup matter." I frown, my breath ragged at David Pascal's audacity; insulting my sister in her home.
I hate that boy. I don't even know why dad invited his family.
No one insults my sister and gets away with it.
I pull Juanita with me, grab a bottle of hot sauce from a table and match furiously to David.
While David isn't looking, I pour the hot sauce over his head, staining his white T shirt.
"What did you do that for?" David whines, his body stained in hot sauce.
"That's for insulting Juanita."