To understand the story you must first understand a little about Bella. Bella, now 18, hasn't had it easy. She's never been given the easy road nor had material things handed to her on a silver platter. From an early age, she's experienced firsthand how immensely strenuous life can be.
She's always been shy...timid, even. Never quite seeing herself as very pretty, she had few boyfriends. Of course, like most young girls, she had the occasional stranger flirt, or stare. Nothing that stood out though...that was, however, until a quiet afternoon at home a few weeks after her 18th birthday.
Early Sunday afternoon, she sat in front of her computer as her favorite songs played. Waiting for the time to pass before she was to be dropped off to a local church she recently began going to. Dressed in a combo of her favorite pair of worn in jeans and a simple shirt, her silky straight hair laid just right. She wore makeup, but just enough for a natural look...she had no one to impress.
The afternoon went on as usual...finishing her chores just before showering and getting ready. Her music was her sanctuary. She played it whenever possible. It said more about her then her mouth ever dared. She sat quietly listening, getting lost in her own thoughts when he stopped at her desk.
His name was Liam . He wasn't tall, but he was taller than her...though, who wasn't. His hair was a shade between rough sandy blonde and brown. He had piercing blue eyes a smile that could melt you. She'd noticed that he was pretty easy on the eyes a few years prior, but never pursued anything...he was her step father. How could she. She'd had a crush on him for a while, but pushed it out of her mind.
On this particular day, however, he made it difficult. Standing over her, she glanced up. He smiled, his eyes wandering over her, and then walked away. She didn't think much of it.
As time passed slowly, she decided to finish the few dishes in sitting in the sink. Warm water running down her hands as she rinsed the soapy suds off a mixing bowl. Slowing her hands, she lifted her head to glance over her shoulder, feeling someone behind her. Just then, Liam walked up, hugging her from behind. He could be an affectionate person, but this surprised her.
She smiled softly just as he leaned in. "Mmmmm, you're so sexy...what I would do to be 16 again..." Her smiled was replaced by surprise. Utter surprise. She heard him smile and felt him pressing against her gently, "You drive me crazy, you know that?" Glancing back at him unsure of how to respond, she let a small smile say what she couldn't.