Wanting You (Book 1)

Chasing Hearts

Astrid's POV

My heart picked up pace as he stepped closer to the feet of the bed before stopping himself. He looked around the room, taking everything in as he slowly nodded.

"I'm only here to see how you're doing," he answered, trying to sound the least bit concerned for my wellbeing.

"I'll be fine," I answered, trying not to put him in a point of forced conversation. He flashed a quick smile, nodded in understanding, and then left without another word.

I sunk my head into my pillow, contemplating on his visit even though it was for a minute. The butterflies fluttered around as my mind raced, and I battled with my thoughts.

"Was he thinking about me? Was this just a visit to ensure I was okay? Was it all that was? I must have really been on his mind for him to take the time to pay me a visit to the hospital while he was occupied with football and his studies. Don't overthink this, Astrid," I thought, already overthinking until I fell asleep.

~

My doctor performed a final examination the following morning, and at almost midday, I was discharged. Mom and Timothy were already there to pick me up, and they took me straight home.

"Sweetie, I made one of your favorite lunches, and I had your bedroom deep-cleaned. Fresh sheets are on the bed, new black-out curtains are hanging in the windows, I know how much you enjoy your privacy, and a new carpet is installed," mom said as she guided me to the table.

"Thanks, mom," I responded with warmth, "Maybe I should get sick more often," I finished with a joke.

"Don't even joke like that, Astrid. You gave us all a scare," she said, looking over at Timothy next.

"You really did, but we're happy it wasn't anything major, and you're doing much better now," Timothy spoke up.

I smiled coyly and started eating whilst him and my mother excused themselves to another room.

~

That very night, sleep was difficult to have. Every time I would close my eyes, images and flashbacks of my dad leaving came to the forefront of my mind. I tossed and turned in bed, trying not to think about the past, the pain, the heartbreak, the many times I saw my mom crying and heard her begging and pleading with him on the phone to come back and to not do this to us.

I couldn't forgive him for such a heartless act. I hated him.

~

I was staring at the ceiling when the sun came into the sky. I got out of bed in high spirits, got into the shower, got into my cheerleading uniform, and headed down for breakfast.

"Wow. Don't you look nice today," mom complimented as she came into the kitchen and joined me at the breakfast table.

"Thank you. So do you," I said, taking in her new professional outfit, "And your hair looks nice."

"Oh, that reminds me," she started.. then got up from her chair and neatly but quickly braided my hair into a single french braid hairstyle.

"It compliments your face, and your hair needs to be out of the way when you're practicing," she said.

"Thanks, mom. You're the best. I love you."

"I love you too."

~

At practice, I was a wreck, and by the looks on Annalise's face, I could have told she wasn't interested in being patient or lenient with me. It was the last straw when I tripped over my own shoelaces. The music stopped, and Annalise turned at me with rage in her eyes.

"Did you leave your skills on the hospital bed!?" she shouted at me. Everyone laughed except Keri.

"Come on, Annalise, that's not fair. She is recovering from a condition, but she found the strength to join us for practice," Keri defended, which only made her Annalise's new target.

"I wasn't speaking to you! You might be more polished than her, but I view you both the same. Get back in formation and get out of my face!" she bellowed again.

"And you have one more time.. Just one more time to mess this up, and you're out of here!" she warned me again.

The music resumed from the beginning, and I did my utmost best to not have a mishap occur, and when it didn't, I looked heavenward, thanking the God I believed in.

"Much better. Practice dismissed!" Annalise said, and we dispersed immediately after that.

Unfortunately for me, I ran right into Trent, who was on his way off the field.

"What is it with you and literally running into me?" he asked with a tone that made me puzzle as to whether he was angry or collected about me doing so.

"Sorry," I apologized, "Late for work."

"Hmm. I'm heading in that direction. Do you need a ride?" he asked me as he walked towards his car.

"Umm.. Sure," I answered. Keri winked at me and gestured for me to hurry along. As I got into the front passenger seat, Annalise came out of the gymnasium and spotted us. Trent started the engine and drove away without a glance in her direction.

"Are you two okay?" I asked him when he got onto the highway.

"Why we wouldn't be?" he asked, eyes locked on the road ahead.

"Because you left your girlfriend back there."

"She's capable of getting home herself. She owns a car," he sharply answered.

"Okay," I responded, ending the conversation. He glanced at me. "What?" I questioned.

"I can't believe you're going to be my stepsister."

"And I can't believe you're going to be my stepbrother."

He glanced in my direction again, which made my butterflies erupt, a feeling I was beginning to mentally cuss. It was an intoxication caused by his eyes. They appeared to be digging into my soul to discover my secrets and feelings. He focused on the road ahead until he pulled into the parking lot to the ice-cream parlor, and we got out of the car.

~

Sunshine was already there. I greeted her and got myself ready at the ice cream tubs where Trent was already standing. He had an unusual flavor and took a seat in the far corner while browsing on his computer.

I found myself admiring him afar. His brows creased in confusion from something he couldn't understand, but he looked on, navigating his fingers on the keyboard accordingly as he took small bites from the tub of ice cream.

"Your boyfriend is handsome," Sunshine said in a low tone of voice when she caught me in dreamland.

"He's not my boyfriend. He's actually going to be my stepbrother," I informed her.

"How scandalous," she teased, and we broke into laughter, which drew Trent's attention. He looked at me, and I quickly diverted my eyes back to the tubs.

After a couple of minutes more, Trent approached me. "Hey."

"What's up?"

"My dad just sent me a message. You and your mom are invited for dinner this weekend."

"Which restaurant this time?" I asked.

"At our house."