"A family broken in variables."

[POV: Nova]

AT ONE OF THE LAST DAYS AT COUSINS, a mischievous yet adventurous Steven found himself standing outside my room, he had told me his heart was filled with anticipation. That day, he had something special in mind - a simple yet delightful request that would bring us closer together.

As I was reading one of my many poetry books, Steven gently knocked on my door, his knuckles whispering a soft tune against the rustic wood.

I slowly opened my door, revealing Steven with a bright smile and twinkling eyes. I had changed some stuff on my room before leaving, it was now a haven of enchantment like Conrad said, it was now even more filled with vibrant posters, art supplies, and shelves displaying countless wonders.

Steven: "Hey, beautiful." -Steven greeted, his voice tinged with excitement.

Nova: "This is...very random."

The boy chuckled softly, placing a soft kiss on my lips right after. I could tell he was hiding something behind his back, both of his arms were placed behind which instantly brought curiosity to me.

Nova: "What's going on?" -I asked, noticing a small smile forming on his face.

Steven: "Well, I have an idea, and I was wondering if you'd like to join me."

More curiosity danced in my eyes as I invited Steven inside, proceeding to beckon him to share his idea.

Steven: "Okay, so picture this." -Steven began, casting a mischievous smile.

The evening light filtered through the large window, casting an amber glow upon us.

Steven: "How about we build a Lego set together?"

A delightful gasp escaped my lips pretty instant, my eyes probably shining brighter than the stars.

Nova: "Steven!" -I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of joy and anticipation.

Steven: "Nova."

Nova: "That sounds like the best idea you could possibly come over. I have literally just the perfect set in mind."

As I was about to walk towards my closet and search for the Lego set I had recently bought, Steven's voice stopped me.

Steven: "Wait, no!"

I turned around with confusion flooding my face, noticing him moving his arms from behind his back. Then...I opened my eyes big enough for Steven to laugh instantly.

Nova: "You did not."

Steven: "I did it." -he mumbled, moving the box side to side.

Nova: "Steven!"

Steven: "Babe." -he chuckled, making me run towards him quickly to pull him into a hug.

He had bought the Lego set I had been begging to get for a while now, way before we got to cousins again. It was a big pink castle, I was pretty much obsessed with it since little.

Our excitement intermingled like a symphony, and as the hours ticked by, the magnetic energy between us fueled our artistic fervor. Side by side, our laughter filled my room, echoing through the walls as we placed tiny stupid but cute bricks, building the fortress of my dreams.

In that moment, we were basically architects of our own universe, lost in a world where anything was possible. We didn't even ate or interacted with anyone outside, except for mom who entered the room wondering what we were doing. She instantly laughed after taking a better look at the Lego set and joked around with Steven about it.

It was beautiful seeing her so happy and alive, after everyone else found out about her cancer, we all got very sad. But she was able to convince us to live life without worrying too much, so we did...we did it for her.

She eventually exited my room after placing a kiss on me and Steven's forehead, leaving us back to complete concentration and silence.

With each finished section, our Lego set obviously grew, it was starting to build up my excitement even more. For some reason, I liked to think the Lego castle was a physical embodiment of the love and support we offered to one another.

And as the clock struck midnight, our castle near completion, Steven and I sat back, our breaths mingling with the night air. Silently, we observed our castle fully built.

He glanced at me and smiled excitedly, high-fiving me quickly.

Steven: "Well that was fun."

Nova: "Yes." -I replied, carefully placing the castle on top of my vanity that was now empty since I had packed the stuff that rested on top already.

I then looked back and approached Steven, he sat up as I arrived in front of him. His eyes looking at me with admiration and love surrounding them. I smiled, grabbing his face gently and pulling him towards my lips.

His lips remaining soft like always, I felt how he smiled in between our kiss. In that moment, the room seemed to hold it's breath, as if the universe itself sensed the extraordinary moment happening with us. Steven's warm and steady hand found its way to the nape of my neck, his touch tender and filled with unspoken promises.

Time stood still as our lips continued to meet, a soft and gentle at first but quickly growing more assured kiss. It felt like it was a kiss filled with the excitement and contentment of shared dreams coming to fruition. A kiss that whispered of hopes and dreams that intertwined like the Lego bricks we had just assembled.

I know it sounds weird, but to me it was beautiful...it still is.

As our lips danced in harmony, I melted into the embrace, relishing in the taste of Steven's presence. It was a kiss that painted vivid strokes of love, trust, and vulnerability across the canvas of our souls. In each passing second, the world around us faded into a blur, leaving only the tingling electricity of our connection.

The kiss held a universe of unspoken words, as if our souls were pouring out all the feelings that words could never truly capture. It was an expression of the boundless love and admiration we held for one another, a testament to the strength of our partnership.

In that moment, my heart swelled with a newfound depth of affection for Steven. The completion of the Lego castle had not just brought us together physically, but had solidified the foundation of our relationship. It was as if the castle held within it the foundation upon which our love would continue to grow, brick by brick.

Eventually, our lips parted, and we found ourselves looking into each other's eyes, gasping for breath yet lost in the sea of emotions that washed over us. My room, once filled with the buzz of creativity, now hummed with an intoxicating love that colored the air.

In silence, we sat, basking in the afterglow of that magical kiss. It was a moment etched into our memories, a moment that would forever remind us of the power of shared dreams and the strength of our love. And as we held hands, the Lego castle standing tall before us, we knew that this was just the continuation of our beautiful journey, filled with possible adventures and countless more kisses.

Nova: "I love you." -I whispered, smiling at him softly.

He brushed a strand of hair covering my face, pushing it right behind my ear. He then smiled back at me, kissing my hand.

Steven: "I love you too, always."
__________________________________

As I gazed upon the once-majestic Lego castle that stood before me, a profound sense of sadness enveloped my heart. Each brick, once a symbol of our shared dreams and unwavering love, now seemed to mock me, a painful reminder of the shattered pieces of our relationship.

The room that had once sparkled with creativity and laughter now felt cold and desolate, mirroring the emptiness I felt inside. It was empty, my posters were no longer up and my bed was now decorated as if a grandma used it.

The Lego set was still there fortunately, it was my first time coming back to the beach house after everything that had happened. Mom's death, my breakup with Steven, my constant arguments with Conrad and Jeremiah over how bad they were treating each other and more other stuff.

The loss of mom to cancer, coupled with the overwhelming challenges of college and our inability to communicate effectively, had taken a toll on my relationship with Steven. It seemed as if the weight of the world had crushed the foundations that we had once so lovingly built.

The castle, now a mere shadow of its former glory, stood as a testament to the beauty we had created together, but also as a painful reminder of the love we had lost. Each brick that we had joyfully placed now bore the weight of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises.

More tears welled up in my eyes as memories flooded my mind, the shared laughter, the cherished moments of togetherness. The castle, once a beacon of hope and a reflection of our rekindled connection, now only served as a bitter reminder of the irreparable cracks in our relationship.

With trembling hands, I began to dismantle the castle, brick by brick, as if erasing the fragments of a love that had once blossomed so vibrantly. Each piece that I removed felt like a stab to my already wounded heart, a stark realization of the void that now existed within me.

As the Lego castle crumbled before me, I couldn't help but weep for everything that I had lost. The future I had once dreamed of, the shared adventures I was no longer destined to embark upon. The sadness was overwhelming, as if the weight of the world had settled deep within me, suffocating any flicker of hope that remained.

But amidst my tears, a small glimmer of strength began to emerge. I realized that though the castle may crumble, the memories it held dear would forever remain engraved within my soul. It was a bittersweet reminder that love, even in its breaking, had the power to shape us, to inspire us to rise stronger and wiser.

As I stared at the scattered Lego bricks, I made a silent promise to myself. I would gather the broken pieces and rebuild not just the physical structure, but also the pieces of my shattered heart. I would honor our past, find solace in the memories, and embrace the lessons learned.

Although sadness lingered within me in that moment, it was coupled with a newfound determination. The Lego set may no longer represent the love shared between Steven and me, but it symbolized the strength within me to mend my broken heart and rediscover a path towards healing and self-discovery.

As I closed the sad chapter, I knew in my heart that my room on the beach house would continue to be a refuge, a space where my creativity could thrive once more. And while tears still stained my cheeks, I held onto the belief that the love I had lost would eventually be replaced with a love that was stronger, deeper, and meant for the beautiful chapters yet to unfold.

Pearl: "Nova?! Are you in here?"

I wiped my tears away quickly and looked towards the bedroom's door. Then, Pearl came inside and sighed out of relief as I she met my eyes.

Nova: "Hey." -I mumbled, flashing a faint smile her way.

Pearl: "Hi, I've been looking everywhere for you."

Nova: "Sorry, I just wanted to see if I forgot anything." -I apologized, noticing a shadow slowly approaching the room both of us were in.

Pearl glanced back after seeing me look, opening the door to then seconds later reveal Ethan.

Pearl: "I found her." -she spoke proudly, flashing a smile to the pink haired boy.

Ethan and Pearl's relationship had blossomed into something so beautiful, they were closer than ever. I was surprised by how long they had lasted, Ethan usually breaks up with whoever his dating a couple of weeks after building a good relationship. But this time, it was different.

Ethan: "Good job, everything okay?"

They both glanced at me with worry, making me nod in agreement as I then started to grab the Lego pieces on the vanity and placing them inside my backpack.

Ethan: "You came back to cousins...for a Lego set?" -he asked awkwardly, pointing at the pieces of the collectible.

I chuckled and looked over to him, seeing his confused expression.

Nova: "No, not for this. I came looking for some of my mom's old stuff. My dad said he found the box and it had my name on it, but he knew all of the stuff belonged to mom."

Pearl: "Did you found the box already?" -she asked, fidgeting with her hands.

Nova: "Yeah, they are still inside her room but I don't know if I should take it all."

Ethan: "You should, Nova. She left them just for you, so why not take it?"

Nova: "I don't know, for some reason it feels weird." -I replied, scratching my hair as I spoke.

He moved his head side to side in a "no" way, approaching me and pulling onto my arm.

Ethan: "Let's get that box and put it inside my car, come on."

I grunted and walked alongside him, slowly walking towards my mom's room. I lied though, I hadn't found the box and didn't even knew if it was there actually. I just didn't dared entering her room again, I was scared to find out what my reaction was going to be like.

So as I reached the door of her room, watched it being opened by Ethan, I couldn't help but let a tear fall down. Stepping into her room after such a long time felt like being transported into a world of bittersweet memories. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air, wrapping me in an embrace that was both comforting and heartbreaking.

My heart ached as I looked around, taking in the familiar sight of her cherished belongings. Each item held a story, a piece of her essence that seemed to whisper her love and warmth. The room itself felt frozen in time, like a sanctuary that had preserved the essence of who she was.

Walking towards her dresser, more tears welled in my eyes as I gently ran my fingers over the delicate trinkets that adorned its surface. Each item seemed to hold a fragment of her spirit, memories of a time when she was here, alive and vibrant. It was overwhelming, as if a floodgate of emotions had been unleashed within me.

Pearl: "Woah, her room is beautiful." -the girl whispered, looking around the space completely mesmerized.

I walked towards her bed, noticing that on her bedside table, her favorite book lay opened, pages worn from countless nights spent immersed in its words. I could almost hear her voice, reciting snippets of the stories that had captivated her imagination, as if she were there beside me. It was both comforting and devastating to remember those moments, knowing that we would never share them again.

I grabbed the book and placed it inside my backpack as well, I knew she would've wanted me to keep it since she planned on handling it to me once she finished reading.

My gaze shifted to her beloved photographs, capturing moments frozen in time. Smiles, laughter, and celebrations danced across the frames, a poignant reminder of the joy that once filled our lives. I instantly smiled by the sight of the photo she had, it was all of the kids posing in front of the house. It was the iconic photo we took every summer we arrived at cousins.

But beneath the joy, a longing for her presence tugged at my heartstrings, a deep yearning for just one more moment to create new memories.

As I stood there, surrounded by the echoes of her love, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow for the loss that pierced my soul, for the void that her absence had created. Yet gratitude, too, for the love and guidance she had bestowed upon me during her time with us. Her spirit continued to radiate through the room and house, offering solace even in her physical absence.

Wiping away my tears, I took a deep breath, allowing the love that still resided within those four walls to infuse my soul. Though her presence may be gone, her impact would forever remain, guiding me through life's challenges and reminding me to embrace each cherished moment.

Ethan: "Nova, is this the box you were talking about?" -the boy asked, gaining my attention instantly.

I glanced back and looked at Ethan, he was currently placing a large box on top of my mom's bed. My footsteps quickly approached, as I then stared at the box fully mesmerized. It was indeed all of mom's old stuff, just for me.

Nova: "Yeah, this is it." -I replied, smiling faintly as I rubbed my hand against the plastic material.

Ethan: "You can place it on my car, I don't mind."

Nova: "Can you keep the box at your house until night? I have to go somewhere for a couple of hours."

Ethan: "Sure, but...where are you going?" -he asked, making me feel nervous by the question.

I took a deep breath as I started to try and find a way to explain where I was going, but I couldn't. For some odd reason, I was too nervous to reply even though it wasn't actually a big of a deal.

Pearl: "Someone's nervous." -the girl spoke, eyeing me up and down with confusion.

I sighed and stared at Ethan, watching how he signaled me to speak but I couldn't.

Ethan: "Nova, what?"

Nova: "Okay, okay! I-I'm going to Steven's graduation party."-I replied, seeing the pairs expression changing to a surprise one.

Ethan's eyes widened completely, making me sigh after knowing where this was going.

Ethan: "Are you actually being serious?"

I nodded shortly, glancing at Pearl who looked at Ethan filled with surprise as well.

Nova: "Guys, it's not that big of a deal."

Pearl: "Um, yes it is." -she shortly said, crossing her arms.

Nova: "Why?"

Ethan: "Because this is literally the first time you are seeing the boy after a month of not seeing him."

Nova: "Exactly, it's only been a month." -I mentioned, a confident tone leaving my lips.

Ethan: "A month ago was Susannah's funeral, Nova. Like, are you sure you are mentally prepared to see the Conklin's again?"

I stared at the boy for a couple of seconds, slowly rethinking my decisions after replying to Belly's text. She had been the one that invited me to the party, not Steven. What if he actually didn't wanted me to go? What if I actually ruined the party by being too depressive or weird?

But then again, I had already agreed and Belly sounded happy to hear me saying yes. I couldn't disappoint her after saying yes, not at all.

Nova: "I'm going to the party, Ethan." -I spoke, watching how the boy nodded and looked at Pearl.

I walked towards mom's dresser, opening one of the drawers and seeing a black jumpsuit inside. It was really pretty, I was confused as to why mom had something like this on her drawer. She never wore stuff like this, literally.

I placed it on my bag as well, continuing to look through the drawer.

Ethan: "Fine, but we are going too."

I turned around after hearing Ethan's words, opening my eyes widely by his comment.

Nova: "What are you talking about?" -I quickly asked, seeing Pearl's surprised expression too.

Pearl: "We are?"

Ethan: "Yes."

Nova: "Absolutely not." -I firmly said, receiving a glare from the boy.

Ethan: "Uh, why not?"

Nova: "Cause I know what your intentions are."

Ethan: "And what are those?" -he asked, standing up from my mom's bed.

I stepped forward, pointing at him then.

Nova: "You are going to not party and only maintain yourself spying on me like a creep."

Ethan: "No I'm not!" -he rapidly said, a defensive tone leaving his mouth.

I knew he was lying, he wasn't good at it at all.

Nova: "Ethan...stop lying."

Ethan: "Okay! Look, I just want to make sure you are safe and don't get sad all of a sudden alone." -he explained, walking towards me.

I sighed and held onto his shoulders as well, he glanced at me with pleading eyes making me close mine shut to avoid his stare from tricking me into saying yes.

Ethan: "Pleade, please, please." -he begged, moving me around aggressively.

I could hear Pearl's laughter coming from aside, this one making me laugh as well. The boy continued to shake me around until I finally answered.

Nova: "Fine."

He stopped shaking my body and obligated me to open my eyes by touching my face.

Ethan: "Really?" -he asked, a smile beaming on his face.

I nodded while rolling my eyes, suddenly being embraced into a hug by the boy.

Ethan: "Thank you, thank you, thank you." -he repeated, picking me up in between embrace.

Minutes later, we left mom's room. Then, I left the house with a heavy heart, yet a newfound strength, I carried her love with me. With each step I took, I knew that she would forever be a part of me, always guiding me from within, her love forever shaping the person I would become.

And as I closed the door behind me, I silently whispered my love, knowing that her spirit would forever be entwined with mine. But also, she would not feel scared for me cause she probably knows I'm protected by my friends and family all the time.

Now, it was time to start a new challenge. Beginning the new chapter, seeing familiar people again...ones that I was far too nervous to see.

[End of chapter]

Sofia's notes:
Act Two finally here!!! I couldn't force myself to continue waiting to upload a new chapter for ya'll.

I'm just hoping you are all patient enough with me since I'm going to be trying to update this book and two other books of mine at the same time.

Thank you for continuing to read and vote for my book all the time, I truly appreciate and love every single one of you 🫶🏼

I'll see you soon, once again thank you 🫶🏼 be ready for an emotional roller coaster.

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