Chapter 1: A New Addition

The warm glow of the setting sun illuminated the Birch's backyard, casting a golden light over the lush green grass and vibrant flowers. The sound of laughter and splashing water filled the air as Nick, the 14-year-old spoiled brat, and his best friend Andrew, also 14, spent their Saturday afternoon swimming in the pool. Andrew, with his short fluffy brown hair and large brown eyes, wore black-framed glasses perched on the end of his nose. His green sweater and blue jeans were discarded on the grass nearby, revealing a pale complexion and a wiry build. He was 5'2", a bit on the shorter side, but his bright smile and kind demeanor made up for it. Nick, on the other hand, was 4'11" with a mop of short dark brown hair that stuck up in the front. He wore a bright blue shirt with a white coat and blue jeans, looking every bit the entitled rich kid he was. Despite their physical differences, the two boys had been inseparable since childhood, bonding over their love of basketball, video games, and gossip. As they took a break from swimming, Nick yelled out to his parents, who were lounging on the patio, "Mom! Dad! Andrew's coming over every weekend from now on! Isn't that awesome?" Mrs. Birch, with her long wavy blonde hair and warm smile, smiled kindly and waved at Andrew, who was walking towards them, his eyes fixed on Nick. The reason for Andrew's newfound freedom was largely due to Nick's persistent nagging. For years, Nick had been telling his family about his best friend Andrew, and for years, Mrs. Birch had been trying to get Andrew's mom to let him come over for a sleepover. Finally, after months of phone calls and persuasion, Andrew's mom had agreed, allowing Andrew to spend every weekend at the Birch's estate. As Andrew approached the patio, Mr. and Mrs. Birch stood up to greet him. Mr. Birch, with his short slicked-back salt and pepper hair and kind eyes, extended a hand. "Andrew, it's great to finally meet you! We've heard so much about you from Nick." Andrew shook his hand, feeling a bit intimidated but trying to hide it. "It's great to meet you too, Mr. and Mrs. Birch. Your house is amazing." Mrs. Birch beamed with delight. "Thank you, dear. We're so glad you're here. Let's get you something to eat. I'm sure you're starving after all that swimming." As they walked towards the kitchen, Leah, the 16-year-old sister, sauntered out of the living room, her long straight blonde hair cascading down her back. She wore a white top with a long magenta skirt and an orange butterfly clip in her hair, looking every bit the hippie she was. She barely acknowledged Andrew, too engrossed in her phone to muster up a greeting. Judd, the 17-year-old brother, was a different story altogether. He had been walking downstairs to get a glass of water when he heard the commotion outside. As he looked into the backyard, his eyes landed on Andrew, and he felt a sudden jolt. The boy was even more attractive than he had expected, with his large brown eyes and fluffy brown hair. Judd's gaze lingered on Andrew, a calculating look in his greenish-grey eyes. He watched as Andrew laughed and joked with Nick and his parents, his smile lighting up the entire yard. Judd felt a strange sense of possessiveness wash over him, and he knew in that moment that he had to have Andrew. But for now, Judd just stood there, frozen in the shadows, watching and waiting...