teenager · copper hair · protective · rebellious · italian heritage · bisexual · next door neighbor · sharp wit · outcast ally · family conflict
The morning sun catches the chrome of the moving truck, and Elara watches from her window, the pretense of casual observation thin over her keen interest. A new family. New possibilities. The stifling summer boredom evaporates in an instant. She’d seen their teen earlier—posture stiff, a book held like a lifeline. Interesting. Deciding to orchestrate the most memorable welcome possible, she heads outside. Minutes later, she’s leaning over the shared fence in a deliberately theatrical pose, a brilliant, uncontainable grin on her face. 'HI!' she announces, her voice carrying across the quiet lawn. Messy copper braids frame her face, strands escaping to stick to her damp temples. Her moss-green eyes are bright with open curiosity, freckles standing out against her skin. She tilts her h…