“Broken.”

I was only a child when I moved from Scotland to Cornwall. 

I stayed in Cornwall all my life... well, until... mum... she-she got... a job in Australia. 

My dad lives in London. Just moved there after 15 years in Wales. 

I didn’t want to move away. Not one bit. I could at least stay in the UK. 

So, my mother thought it was best if I live with dad. He’s... nice. 

I was pretty upset that mum picked work over family, but I don’t control her. 

“Hey dad!” I said, walking through the door with my suitcase. 

“Is that my bumblebee?” My father asked. He seemed to be... up high. 

“Where are you?” I asked. 

“Up.” He said. 

I left my suitcase by the door and walked up stairs. 

I admired the carvings in the staircase. 

“Whoa...” I said. 

I walked up and looked around. 

“Bumblebee!!!” He said embracing me. 

“Dad!” I said. 

I hugged him back as I almost cried of happiness. 

“You are so old. What year?” He asked. 

“16.” I stated. 

“And so small.” He smiled. 

“Dad!” I said. 

I heard small rattles come up to us.

“Ah, this is Yuki. My godsons dog.” Father said. I looked down at the adorable fully grown springer. 

“Cute.” I said stroking the ear. “Who’s your godson?” I asked. 

“Mr. Tyler, I’ve finished th-oh... uh... sorry to intrude.” Said a tall boy. 

“Oh, no. Leondre, come meet my daughter.” Said dad. 

“Hi.” I smiled. 

“Hey.” He replied. 

“Leondre, this is my daughter Willow. Willow, my godson Leondre.”

“Hi Leondre. You look... nice.” I said. 

I slapped my head because that’s the worst compliment to ever say. 

“Uh... ha ha, hey Willow. You don’t look that bad yourself.” He smiled. 

“Oh, I don’t look bad? What happened to smoking hot? That’s what everyone used to call me.” I smiled. 

He laughed and looked at me. 

“Leondre is here because his... uh... Leondre, d-do you mind me telling?”

“Not at all. Go ahead.” He smiled. 

“Leondre’s father died and mother moved away. So I have the authority to look after him now.”

“Oh no. Leondre, I’m so sorry.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” He smiled. 

“Man, now I’m stuck in a house of boys.” I laughed. 

“Too bad.” Leo laughed. 

“Well, can’t be that bad. I mean, you’re gonna have to put up with all the boys outside waiting for me to get changed.” I laughed. 

“Oh, what perverts.” He laughed. 

I looked him in the eye as he smiled. 

“So... you have a choice between three bedrooms. 1: downstairs. 2: one floor up. 3: the very very top floor. Great view might I add.”

“I’m thinking very top floor. I like to be secluded.” I giggled. 

“Nice. That’s right by my room so... if you need anything I’ll be right outside. 

“Okay, cool.” 

 “Finding out”

“Morning, Bumble.” Said dad as I walked downstairs into the kitchen. 

My hair was scruffy and I rubbed my eye.

“Hey.” I groaned. 

“Hey, Willow, how are you?” Asked Leondre. 

“LEO! Oh my god I’m so sorry... I don’t look like this during the day, sorry!” I exclaimed. 

“Ha ha, it’s fine.” He said. 

“Why do you both look so fresh??” I asked. 

“I have to do some work around the house.” Leo said. 

“And I have real work.” Dad said, “so I’m leaving Leo in charge.”

“What?!” I complained. 

“Sorry, bumble.” Dad said. “I better get going then. Bye bumblebee.” He kissed my forehead. “See ya Leo, keep an eye out for this one.” He scruffed up Leo’s hair. 

“Alright.” Leo laughed. 

Dad left and I sat at the table. 

“So...... what we going to be doing today?” I asked. 

“Some friends are coming over to play some games and stuff, so you can meet them.” Leo said. 

“Cool. Just a heads up, don’t be surprised if they love me.” I flipped my hair behind my shoulder. 

“Maybe you should go get ready then.” Leo laughed. 

“Right.” I got off the chair and walked into my room. 

I walked downstairs when I heard voices. 

I checked my Instagram and SnapChat. 

“Oh! Willow, you’re here!” Leo said as he bumped into me. 

“Yeah... I live here.” I laughed. 

“Come meet my friends.” He smiled. 

As he led me to the living room, his hand went round my waist.  

I looked down at his arm and smiled. 

“Guys, this is my... friend, Willow. Willow my friends Zak, Daniel, Johnny and Tyler. Oh, this is my sister Tilly, and my best friend ever, Charlie.”

“Hey.” I said.

“Hi, Willow.” Said Tyler. 

“Hey beautiful.” Said Daniel. 

“Hey sexy.” Johnny said. 

“Hey.” Zak waved. 

“Hi!” Tilly Said. Excited to meet me. 

“Hello.” Charlie begun. “Leo, is this your girlfriend?” He continued. 

“Uh...” Leo said. He laughed and blushed. “No Charles. She’s not.” 

“Yet.” Tilly added. 

“We’ll see.” I teased. 

“Oh, I like her.” Tilly laughed. 

“Same.” Said all the boys. 

“My eyes are up here, gentlemen.” I said as I sat down. 

“Oh, baby, I ain’t a gentleman, I give ladies pain every day!” Johnny said. 

I laughed. “Oh please. I give men most pleasure every hour.” I competed. 

“Oh yeah? Why don’t you prove it and give some to me?” Johnny smirked. 

“Johnny, that won’t be necessary.” Leo said. 

“I’ll give you a kiss.” I begun. “But not yet, I’m saving myself for someone I like.” I smiled cheekily at Leo.   

It was 9:32 when everyone left. Leo and I were left to clear up everything. 

It was getting hot so I rolled up my sleeves, forgetting. 

“Uh... Willow... your arms?” Leo said. 

“Oh, damn.” I quickly rolled my sleeves down again. “It’s nothing. Probably the lighting or where I’ve been leaning in it.” I said. 

“Low, let me see.” Leo came up to me and grabbed my arm. 

“Ow.” I squinted.

“I’m sorry. Can I?” He said. 

“Fine.” I gave in. 

He rolled up my sleeve and opened his eyes wide. 

 “If you like.”

“Were you in some sort of accident?” Leo exclaimed. 

“No.” I sighed. 

“What is this then?”

I paused. “Birth marks...?” I said. 

“Please, tell me the truth.” He begged. 

I sighed and pulled 4 razors out my pocket. “They’re my scars.” I stated. 

“W-why did you do it?” He asked gently. 

I bit my bottom lip. “Girls...” I begun. 

“Bullies?” He sighed. 

I nodded. 

“Can I... treat them... for you?” He asked. 

I looked into his eyes and smiled nicely. “Sure.” 

He led me to the bathroom and put my wrists to the sink. 

“It’ll be okay.” He said. 

“I wish.”

“Promise me... you’ll never do it again... please.” He begged. 

I looked him in the eye and looked back at my wrists. “What will I do when I need to?” I asked. 

“Come talk to me instead.” He said. 

I looked at him once again. I nodded and said, “I promise.” 

He smiled and hugged me. Matilda walked in and saw us, “OMG guys!! You’re so cute together!!” She said. 

“What?! What are you doing in here?!” Leo exclaimed. 

“I forgot my phone.” She said, flipping her hair behind her shoulder.