BOND BY PASSION:FIERLY LOVE(ROMANCE NOVEL)

~CHAPTER ONE~

Chloe's fingers danced along the spines of books lining the shelves in her room, each title a familiar friend whispering tales of far-off places and thrilling adventures. She paused, pulling out a well-worn copy of "The Great heroine" and let it fall open to a page marked by a faded cinema ticket — a memento from her first literature class discussion that had sparked her love for the power of words.

Her gaze drifted to the window where sunlight played through. A gentle breeze ruffled the pages, drawing Chloe's attention back to reality and away from the roaring parties of the Jazz Age.

"Chloe!" Sarah’s voice, warm and imbued with the faintest hint of concern, filtered through the slightly ajar door, breaking into Chloe's reverie.

"Coming!" she called back, placing the book back on its shelf with a soft thud, a small cloud of dust dancing in the sunbeam.

She descended the staircase, taking two steps at a time, the sound of laughter and clinking dishes growing louder as she approached the kitchen. Aurora, her other mom, was at the stove flipping pancakes, her movements sure and practiced, the apron around her waist splattered with memories of meals past.

"Sit, sit," Aurora said without turning, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she smiled over her shoulder at Chloe. "You'll need a good breakfast before you tackle those assignments."

Chloe slid into her seat at the table, the wood cool against her skin. She looked around at the walls adorned with photos of their many trips and holidays, each frame a testament to the life they’d built together, a life full of love and acceptance.

"Are you excited about going back to school?" Sarah asked, setting down a plate stacked high with golden pancakes in front of Chloe, her eyes seeking out Chloe’s with that knowing look that always seemed to see right through her.

"Excited, nervous, I don't know," Chloe admitted, her fork tracing patterns in the maple syrup. "It's like standing on the edge of something huge and not being able to see the bottom."

Aurora joined them at the table, her presence a comforting solidity. "Whatever comes," she said, reaching across to squeeze Chloe's hand, "you know we've got your back, right?"

Chloe nodded, a lump forming in her throat as she met the steady gaze of her moms. The support within these walls was unwavering, but the world beyond held questions to which she didn't have the answers. Senior year would be a bridge to her future, and she knew the crossing might test the strength of the roots she'd grown here. But for now, she was home, and that was enough to still the fluttering in her chest.

"Let's eat," Chloe said, a determined smile tugging at her lips. "I'm going to need all the energy I can get."

As they fell into an easy conversation about the day ahead, Chloe felt the weight of her apprehensions lifting slightly, like early morning fog giving way to the promise of sunshine.

Chloe nestled deeper into the plush sofa cushions, her legs tucked beneath her as laughter bubbled from the kitchen. The muffled clinks and clatters of dishes being washed were the percussion to her family's symphony—a melody of voices weaving through the air like a comforting lullaby. Her moms' cheerful banter harmonized with the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional chirp of a bird outside, painting the soundscape of home.

Her fingers danced along the spines of books on the coffee table, each title a reminder of evenings spent curled up with stories that whisked her away to far-flung worlds. She paused, allowing her gaze to drift towards the mantle, where photographs stood proudly—snapshots of birthdays, holidays, and candid moments captured in the warm glow of belonging.

The clock ticked rhythmically on the wall, marking time in a place that seemed untouched by its passage, yet Chloe felt the pull of its hands toward a future just out of reach. School loomed on the horizon, a giant waiting to challenge her ambitions and dreams. The thought knotted her stomach, a silent battle between the yearning for growth and the desire to remain cocooned in this sanctuary of love and acceptance.

"Chloe, honey, you're miles away. What's on your mind?" Sarah's voice, edged with concern, cut through her reverie.

"Nothing, just... thinking about school," Chloe replied, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. The truth was, she wasn't just thinking; she was wrestling with the possibilities of what lay ahead—the triumphs and trials of a world that seemed both vast and intimate under the scrutiny of teenage hopes.

"Remember, sweetie, whatever happens at school, we're here. You'll never be alone," Aurora added, her voice an anchor in the sea of uncertainty that churned within Chloe.

"Thanks, moms," Chloe breathed out, her heart swelling with gratitude. The room filled with the scent of jasmine from the garden, carried in on a gentle breeze through the open window. It mingled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, a tangible token of the comfort only home could provide.

"Come here," said Sarah, extending her arms. Chloe unfolded herself from the couch and moved into the embrace, feeling the strength of her mothers' arms wrap around her. In this moment, enveloped in their love, Chloe knew that no matter how far she ventured or how high she reached, she would carry the essence of this haven within her.

"Group hug!" Aurora declared, joining them, and the three held each other in a circle of unity and support. The warmth of their bodies was a testament to the unspoken promise of unwavering encouragement on the path Chloe had yet to tread.

With a deep breath, Chloe soaked in the moment, etching it into the fabric of her memory. Here, in the heart of Evesville, within the walls that had seen her grow, she found the courage to face the unknown.

"Alright, let's get those cookies before they disappear," Sarah teased, releasing Chloe with a playful wink.

"Race you to the kitchen!" Aurora chimed in, sparking a burst of laughter that echoed through the house.

Chloe followed, a sense of resolve settling over her. She might be stepping into a world of new challenges, but she was fortified by the unconditional love that defined her past and would undoubtedly illuminate her journey forward.