prologue

.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.☘︎ ݁˖(episode 0).𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.☘︎ ݁˖

Never in a million years Bea Taylor would imagine herself going to a school in the countryside, let alone living there. It's not like she dislikes the idea of living there, rather she thought of spending her life living in the big Washington D.C.. Born and raised at the city, she had already imagined the things that she'll experience once she'll finish high school. What college she'll apply? What would be her very first solo apartment would look like?

Well, that fantasy of hers shattered when her father filed a divorce.

In her eyes, her parents is the ideal couple; they loved each other, and had been with each other through thick and thin. She never thought that inside of their relationship was the complete opposite from the idealized version of themselves. Turns out, her mother had been cheating on her dad since Bea was in 7th grade. What's even worse is that her mom chose to cheat with her husband's boss.

Upon hearing this, her dad immediately left his job and filed a divorce. When Bea saw her mother leaving their home, she felt everything, but mainly anger because her mom turned out to be that way, and sadness because she witnessed her dad crying nonstop and had been in a slump. It's evident that her dad loved his wife very much, she was his first everything after all.

Not wanting to be a slump anymore due to his responsibilities of now being a single father, her dad started looking for a job and founded one. But unlike his previous job, his current job doesn't really pay him enough. Leaving with no choice, he took other part time jobs just to have money for the bills, for his daughter and for her future.

Seeing her father's state, Bea couldn't help but to cry silently in her bedroom. She couldn't even focused on her studies, her current situation always lingered in her mind. Guilty pang inside of her, wishing that she could do something to help him.

If it wasn't for her mother, none of this would've happened.

Apparently, months after getting the part time jobs, Bea started to persuade her father that she'll get a part time job at a local cafe beside her school. Her father's usual response is "no", saying that she should focus on studies first. Unfortunately, this discussion would always led to arguments, to the point that their peaceful home were sometimes filled with countless shouts and high-pitched voices.

This isn't what Bea envisioned in her mind about her family. She didn't think about being perfect, but rather feeling the sense of warmth. Now, she only felt fury of sadness, anger, and everything in between.

"Beatrice, you're going to live with the Jordans in Colorado."

Her dad's sudden announcement made her stomach dropped to the ground. Who would've thought something unexpected came unannounced at the last day of school, where she could just relax and be with her friends before the vacation? He even used her real name (which he rarely used), meaning he's very serious. Of course, Bea refused. Why would she live somewhere a thousand miles far away from the person that's only her immediate family?

"Dad, what -"

"Beatrice, do understand that this is for your future. You'll live there for... a little while."

Her father's voice cracked, tears started flowing without him noticing. Bea couldn't bear to see her dad crying, and so the two enveloped in a hug, feeling the warmth from each other. He continuously apologized, saying such things like how bad of a father he is. No matter how much she didn't like the decision, all she could respond of is "I understand."

"I'm sorry, sweetie. Come back here when you finish high school. I promise you'll study college here. I won't let you down."

Both felt that was a lie, but still hoping it'll come true.

_________________

Bea might be overacting, but being in the car with the Jordans for 40 minutes ever since they picked her up from the airport feels like a year has passed since she saw her father.

Oh how she missed him so much.

Looking at the car window, Bea reminisced being here. It's been many years since she step into this town, when they visited her aunt, Amelia, got admitted at the hospital. She remembered her younger self carrying a large basket of fruits, because she insisted that "she's strong" to her parents, but almost fell down when they went inside the hospital room. Their visit to the hospital coincidentally was the same time as Thanksgiving, so they celebrated there. Weird for some, but for them, they felt happiness as long as they have each other.

And that was the last time they set on foot here.

Bea's mother didn't like them, saying such derogatory terms and not being a good example of in-laws to her daughter. Decided to pleased her, her dad decided to "cut off" the Jordan family in front of his wife, but secretly kept in touch with them, such as visiting them from time to time (making excuses to his wife that he went on a "business trip"). Meanwhile, the Jordan family have the intuition that she was bad news.

Oh, and the news about the divorce? They felt sorry to Bea's dad, but happy at the same time. His ex-wife doesn't deserve him, they thought.

"You miss here, Bea?" Amelia asked, shifting herself in the passenger's seat and looked at her. Since picking her up from the airport, the whole drive was silent. "Yeah," Bea answered.

"Still can't believe you remember about a thing or two here in this town. You were like 5 years old the last time you visited here!" Bennett, her uncle, exclaimed, still focusing on the road. "I don't even remember what I ate last night's dinner." Bea couldn't helped but to chuckled.

"Sweetheart, always ask us if you need anything okay?"

Amelia looked at her with concern. She's still admired the fact that her once little cute niece turned into a mature, beautiful, young woman. "No matter how small or big that is, please don't hesitate." Bea nodded. "I'm sure Benjamin will be fine, Bea. I know he's a strong man." Hearing this words made Bea smiled a little. She knows this is true. Her father is a strong man, and he'll be fine.

"You want a cookie?" Bea looked down and saw a hand offered her a small chocolate chip cookie. Beside her was her cousin, Sebastian, who was two years older than her. Although the visit to his mom was the last interaction between the two, both of them continued to communicate via phone number and social media. Seeing each other again after a long time wasn't so awkward as they thought. Instead, they vibe well each other instantly.

"I'm fine, Seb." Bea thought Sebastian is too long for a name, thus the birth of one of Sebastian's first nicknames.

"Suit yourself, cous." Seb shrugged and chew the cookie afterwards. "Oh yeah, mom, can I go to the Walters as soon as I'm finished helping Bea moving with her things?" "You can baby, but remember, come back before dinner. You don't wanna miss your first dinner with your cousin." Amelia reminded him.

"Who are the Walters?" Bea asked out of curiosity. Upon hearing this question, Seb chuckled. "I think it's better if I'll formally introduce you to them." The girl got puzzled by his answer. What does he mean by that?

"What are they like?"

"They're okay. Well, I mean some are. Just be careful to the other boys."

Bea got confused more than ever. What does it mean?

Well whatever that is, she prayed she'll not bump one of them.