✓ | TWO YOUNG HEARTS ◦ 𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓

6 - JUST US

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THE BACKYARD WAS ALISSA's FAVORITE PLACE AT HER HOUSE. Her parents never really went out there unless they were hosting a work party or had distant relatives over for the holiday seasons, and Alissa was thankful for it. More often than not, she found herself seated out in the back with her legs dipped in the refreshing pool after a heated fight with one—or both—of her parents, and the occasional ones with her brothers. They all knew it was best to leave her alone when she went outside to cool off, knowing she would most likely get over it after some time away from them. And it usually did the job; it had become her own little safe haven.

Her brothers nor her parents appreciated the beauty and peace that their backyard provided, but Alissa did. The flickering yellow lights of lightning bugs that floated around in the cooling air, the mellowing sound of water running into the pool from the small waterfall in the bad, and the hum of crickets all in one place could make someone calm down rather quickly. Well, maybe not so much with the dozens of crickets that tended to grow too loud at times, but the outside was typically a peaceful place for the teenager. That was why she didn't really bring her friends out there unless she herself was having a party or if she had more than three friends over to hangout. However, Peter was different than the rest of her friends, and if that meant she gave him special treatment, well, that wasn't anyone's business but her own.

Alissa still had a hold of Peter's hand as she led him outside, holding on for just a few seconds longer until they were stood on the deck, standing side-by-side. She blushed, fiddling with her hands as a silence came over the two after she let go. Peter cleared his throat, readjusting the dark green jacket he wore.

"Wow, your backyard's really nice. I-I've only seen it at night, but it's just as great in the light," Peter said, eyes scanning the vibrantly colored backyard. Alissa softly smiled at his kind words, sighing to herself softly.

"Thank you, Pete. Not many people get to see it so. . ." Alissa dragged off, biting her lip.

Peter turned to her. "What're you talking about? There's always parties here. Dozens of people get to see it," he said in confusion. Alissa new cult sighed, plopping down in a chair at the wooden table. It was in the center of the deck, each chair in its correct place so that there was an even amount. Extra chairs were stacked in the shed, protected from harsh weather conditions that occasionally plagued New York. Peter took a seat next to her, wondering if he said something wrong to make her sigh. "I-I'm sorry, I—"

Alissa dismissively shook her head. "No, it's okay," she dismissed, sending Peter a comforting smile that calmed his nerves. "It's just. . .I don't know, not a lot of people actually see this. I mean, they see it, but they don't. That doesn't make any sense, does it?" Alissa asked, scrunching her face in embarrassment. She lifted her legs, pulling them into her chest and resting her chin on her knee, feet dangling over the seat.