It is not everyday you hear unusual noises outside of your window.

I walk slowly towards my white blinds, terrified of what may be behind them. My palms start sweating and shaking as the noises continue. It is a familiar sound, like nails on a chalkboard. I approach my window hesitantly and slowly open the blinds...

A short, husky figure appears before me. His round, black glasses bring out his blue eyes and I stare into him. The brown hair on his head cascading into the red beard on his chin makes me feel relaxed. I open my window and let out a reassuring sigh.

"Dad, are you trying to make me have nightmares?" I tease and my little brother appears under him. He carries his tablet, and his blue eyes sparkle in the light. His blonde hair glistens in the dull light and I give him a smile.

"Maybe. Mom wants to see you," I say and look past him at my mom. She sits in the rickety, old lawn chair with a cigarette in her hand. Her phone lays on her black jacket, and the words 'Dark Tranquility' run across it.

Walking out of my room, I take a final glance at the jacket. I find my way outside and the smell of smoke fills my nose. Wincing in disgust, my mom looks at me with the usual you-are-gonna-get-it look.

"What took you so long to get home," she speaks with calmness as my brother arrives with my dad on the porch.

"I missed the bus," I dully say and my mom looks at me like she doesn't believe me.

"Alright. It's past your bed time and we have a big day tomorrow. Go get some rest," she says and I bid them good night. I head into my room and lay down on my bed, cradling the jacket in my arms. I slowly drift off to sleep, my mind not leaving the boy who I just met not even twenty minutes ago.

*****

I wake to my brother singing a song about Thomas the Train and let out a laugh. Rays of sunshine peak through my red velvet curtains, coating the walls with light. I get up and head to the white crib where my brother sleeps and lift him out.

My mother slowly opens the door as we stand in front of her. She lets out a soft grunt and heads into the bathroom, while I head to the kitchen to change my brother. We sit on the couch and grab our Wii remotes for a classic game day -- consisting of Fortune Street and popcorn -- and my brother picks out the characters for us.

During the game, my mom and I laugh. This is truly the one time that I get to spend with her because she works so much. We always have fun playing this game and beating each other. It has become our hobby -- a truly spectacular one -- and I dread the day where it ceases to exist in our lives.

"Lex, could you go over to the gas station for me and pick up a soda? I haven't run to the store yet to get some," she asks and I nod. Heading into my room, I get changed into my regular attire -- a T-shirt and shorts -- and head out into the morning sun.

While walking down the sidewalk, I squint my eyes to get use to the sunlight. When I open them, I spot a familiar figure in the distance. His black hair moves a little in the breeze and we walk towards each other -- unintentionally -- and he smiles at me.

"Gus . . . ." I whisper and he smiles.

"Alexa . . . ." he mocks my tone and I stick out my tongue.

"What are you doing here?" I wonder curiously and he lets out a loud laugh.

"I live here, silly," he smirks and my jaw drops.

"B-But . . . you . . . what?" I stutter, completely shocked by his words.

"Yeah, I just moved in yesterday," he laughs and moves his lips to my ear. My heart begins to beat faster as he lightly touches my arm.

"See you around," he whispers and a thousand sparks shoot through my body. I continue walking to the gas station to retrieve the soda. I return home to find my mother pacing back in forth in the living room.

"Mom . . .?" I ask with concern and she darts her eyes towards me.

"We have a problem," she states quickly and my heart drops into my stomach. I look behind her to see my brother laying on the floor, motionless.

All at once, my heart stops and I feel the life go out of me.

A/N

Hey guys! Thank you all for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed it, although it was sort of a filler.

Hope I didn't bore you too bad XD

If you liked, feel free to vote and/or leave a comment~ Anything is appreciated ^^

Love you guys <3