A/N Welcome! This is a one-shot of mine. Unfortunately it won't be expanding into anything else. Please don't copy my work and if you find anyone who has, contact me as soon as possible. Cheers and I hope you enjoy J

It happened quick and fast.

The air squeezed from my lungs as his thick arms wrapped around me from behind, crushing my bones in a vice like hold. Pinches of pain erupted all around and it hurt to breath, but when I did I could smell that familiar rich and masculine scent mixed with leather. I used to love that smell. I'd always step closer to get a better whiff. I remember how it would make my mouth water and butterfly's erupt in my stomach, but not anymore. Now it burnt the inside of my nose like acid, and the once intoxicating fragrance now induced fear instead of pleasure.

The adrenaline that coursed through my veins had my heart pounding beneath my chest. It hurt. Struggling in his grip, branches crunched beneath our fluttering feet. I could hear the birds in the trees above flap their wings as I screamed. They flew up in the sky to leave me struggling on the ground.

Rational thought told me it was hopeless, it's over. The weight of his body sitting on top of mine pressed my back into the dirt and dry leaves. The large and soft hands that I wished would touch me are finally doing so; only not in the way I wanted them too. The very light of my existence is being drained to darkness. He continues to squeeze. At least he has the decency to look me in the eye as he does it.

The beating afternoon sun heated my skin and I wiped the slight sheen of sweat from my brow. Concentrating as I watered the brown soil, I peered down at the orange pot that was currently housing tomatoes. The size of a small handball, the green skin was now turning a nice juicy red. They'd be ready to harvest soon.

Starting a small veggie patch a couple of months ago, it gave me something to do in my spare time. Plus, I found it rewarding after all the hard work; fresh, home grown produce with no harmful chemicals or hormones. Nothing beats it.

"How's it looking?" questioned Dad from beside me; his peppering hair catching the sunlight along with his green eyes. Peeking over my shoulder to have a look, he stood with a cup of fresh coffee "Not bad" he nodded before taking a slurp of his brew "I have to admit though, I never thought this would be your kind of thing"

"I think it's more beneficial than wearing Forever Twenty-One's new summer collection" I replied with a slight mock as I sprinkled some water onto the next pot plant "You should be thanking your lucky stars I don't spend a fortune like most other girls. In fact, I'm saving you money instead. Just think" I said with a proud nod to the veggie patch "When all this ripens you'll be able to cut down on the next shopping bill"

"I guess your right" he muttered before smiling wide "Keep on at it then. I'll start calling you Green Thumb Mandy"

I gasped and turned to him "You will not!" I squeaked "The last thing I need is Rebekah overhearing and telling the whole school. I'll be the laughing stock for a month" but Dad just laughed, like fathers always do when they think they've cracked the greatest joke of all time.

"Calm down" he said with a chuckle "I won't say anything, I promise"

"I'll know if you do" my eyes narrowed but I knew I didn't look the least bit threatening.

People always said I have cute features, like a mouse; with my long brown locks and chocolate eyes. But I didn't want to be cute like a fluffy teddy you might see at the Valentine's Day stores. I mean, it might've been a decent compliment when I was twelve but I'm almost seventeen. I definitely don't want to still be called cute. I want to be attractive, like those women on the covers of swimsuit magazines.

However, my hope was slowly crushed after I went through puberty. I knew by then that I'd always be the cute one. Still though I wished for it to somehow happen. That the day would come when a handsome boy would come and swoop me off my feet like a Princess. I've read about it so many times and I'd sometimes fantasize how it would go, whether it be in my dreams or at school while eating lunch.

Finishing up with the plants and their nutritional needs, I went back inside and had a shower. Washing the dirt and grime off my body and from under my nails, I stepped out and dried off in front of the bathroom mirror "Not another one" I muttered with hate. Looking closer, my eyes zoned in on the red pimple on my chin.

Hormones. It's a hate love relationship. Now I'll have to walk around with a bullseye on my face. I swear if I had a dollar for every time someone would point it out, I'd be a millionaire by the end of the day. It's as if people think you're either blind or completely oblivious to the giant red dot and they feel the need to point and call you out. High-school, it's not a place of subtlety that's for sure.

Getting dressed I headed down to the kitchen to see Mum rolled up in a blanket watching Bold and the Beautiful. I rolled my eyes at the site of it. I don't know how she watches it but she's never missed a single episode, and she constantly watches replays. As if there isn't enough drama in life, she has to go add this to the list. It's not even that good, there's so many other good choices.

"Hi honey. How's the garden?" she calls out as I cross over to the kitchen.

"It's going good. Tomatoes are nearly done" I replied.

Opening the fridge door I took a quick look around but couldn't find anything interesting to eat. Even now I still find it fascination how everyone in my family including myself open the fridge and find it 'bare', but when my mother does it she can pull out a five course meal. It's one of those great mysteries of the world. It'll never be explained.

"Mum, what's for dinner?" I called out as I made myself a glass of milk.

"Roast chicken, but not until later. The Hanson's are coming over at seven" looking up, Mum's doe brown eyes never left the flat screen as she spoke.

"How come nobody told me they were coming over?"

"I did honey, last night remember?" I shook my head even though she couldn't see. I'm certainly positive I would've remembered if she had. Why? Because I have the most silly, ridiculous and almost childish crush on Mister Hanson.

Ever since he and his wife moved into the house next to us, I was instantly taken with his handsome looks; like a moth to a flame. Perfectly tall with a chiselled body he somewhat reminded me of those classic good looking men back in the forties; with his dark brown hair neatly swept back, and it was especially when I saw him in a suit on his way to work in the morning.

Of course there's an eighteen year age gap between us, but somehow Mister Hanson just had this alluring aura about him and every time he'd look at me with those steel grey eyes, I'd have to cross my legs because of the tingling they stirred in my belly.

What I wouldn't give to be Misses Hanson.

Although like him, she was also beautiful in a stereotypical housewife kind of way; with her curled blonde hair and her luscious lips, painted a cherry red. She's also kind, like her husband I guess. She was the one who actually suggested I make a veggie garden. She even helped me plant and set up a few things to get me started. Such a lovely lady but also quite fragile. It was hard to explain, but every now and then she'd look so delicate. Like the slightest thing would break her, but maybe that's just because of her petite figure and feather light voice.

Heading upstairs to my bedroom I knocked on Elizabeth's door "What" she dragged out with an annoyed tone. She sounds like a gremlin when she does that. Opening up, I leant on the door frame.

"Did you know the Hanson's are coming over for dinner tonight?" I was genuinely curious to see if Mum had actually said anything the other night, and also I liked annoying her. Laying on the queen bed, she was flipping through a magazine when her green eyes snapped over to mine.

"No" she sounded shocked "When are they coming?"

"Seven" instantly she bounced off the bed, the magazine completely disregarded. Grabbing a towel and some clothes she barrelled past me.

"I need to get ready!" she groaned while rushing into the bathroom and slamming the door closed. Listening to the shower start, the door suddenly swung open again "You have a pimple by the way. Right here" she pointed to her chin before shutting the door again.

My eyes widened as I touched my face, feeling the small bump. I almost forgot about it. I groaned from the absolute bad luck I was now receiving. Turning, my back pressed up against the hallway wall. Not only do I have to go to school tomorrow with this offensive pimple, but now I have to go through an entire dinner with the one guy I've ever found attractive since tenth grade.

"Is there a reason you're rehearsing for drama class in my hallway, or is this actually just a bad time?" questioned Dad as he stood with an amused look on his face. I rolled my eyes with another groan.

Shielding my face with my hands, I muttered "I have a pimple"

"What was that mumbles? I can't here you" I took away my hands and inhaled a deep breath.

"I have a pimple, on my chin" I replied with clarification.

"Oh, and so the world ends" he said mockingly with a swing of his arms in the air "All shall perish by thy pimple. I don't know how you cope" looking at me he dropped his arms once he saw my unimpressed expression "Oh cheer up, it isn't the end of the world. I'm sure you'll survive Amanda" he said with a smile.

"The embarrassment" I mumbled as Dad looked at his watch.

"Are you planning on getting dressed soon or are you going to greet our guests in your pyjamas?" he asked with a gesture to my current state of dress; striped shorts and a black singlet. I sighed before turning and going into my room. Quickly stripping and getting changed into something more suitable, I fixed my hair and went down stairs.

"Amanda, can you set the table?" asked Mum as she stood in the kitchen doing dinner preparations. Nodding, I weaved my way around to get the cutlery and placemats. Laying them down nice and neat at the six seater dinner table, I placed down a few drinking glasses as well "Thank you honey. They should be arriving any minute now"

Coming to stand right beside me, Rebekah was pinning a lock of her brown hair when she turned to me "Well, who are you getting all dressed up for?" she teased "You never wear eyeliner unless it's for someone you like"

"That's not true. I just want to look nice for once" not a complete lie, but close enough. Rebekah was right about my make-up habits. I never put on eyeliner because it always makes me look a little older than I actually am, so I prefer a more natural look. But tonight it's different, I want to look older – mature. Maybe he'll notice me then.

"Don't be like that" said Mum as she looked up from the tray of veggies she was turning over "You always look nice. I hate it when you say things like that"

"But you're my Mum" I replied "You're supposed to think like that" giving me the look, she didn't reply but continued to turn over the vegetables when the door-bell rang.

Opening it up, Dad's voice echoed out in a friendly greeting "John, Elizabeth, it's good to see you. How've you been?" he asked with a man to man handshake with Mister Hanson.

"We've been rather great, and yourselves? Anything exciting happening on your side of the fence?" closing the door, Dad replied but I zoned out on his side of the conversation. I was much more interested in Mister Hanson. The way his voice was deep and seductive, and his words were firm yet polite. I could listen to him for hours and still want more.

Snapping out of my daze, I sat down beside Rebekah at the table. With Mum and Dad either end, I watched as Mister Hanson pulled out his wife's chair so she could sit. I wanted to sigh dreamily at his show of old school manners. He's such a gentlemen. Sitting down across from me, I tried not to stare at him for too long but I couldn't help myself.

"And how's school for the both of you? It's gotta be exam time soon, am I right? Studying hard?" he teased.

"As much as I can" I replied, my eyes flickering away from his own. A wave of warm flushed up my neck and onto my cheeks. I squirmed a little out of uncomfortableness. He's so close and he's looking right at me.

"Amanda will pass for sure" chimed in Rebekah "If she's not digging in her garden she's got her nose in a textbook" I wanted to kick Rebekah for her comment, but it would probably cause a dramatic scene.

"Oh, the garden" gleamed Elizabeth with her familiar cherry red smile "Is it doing well?"

"Yes" I said with a nod "The tomatoes are nearly ready"

"That's so good" she replied.

Smiling, I grabbed my glass of water and took a sip. Almost jumping in fright, the buzzer for the oven had gone off and Mum got up to go to the kitchen. Following behind, I thought she might need help. Helping her mash and serve a few things, we took the plates over to their allocated people. Thankfully Mum had Mister Hanson's.

Sitting back down at our seats, we started eating with a clink and clank of our cutlery. Listening to new conversation, I tuned into the sound of his voice "We're half way through our renovations for the new room. All we really need to do now is paint and move in some furniture"

"I'll have to come over and see once it's all done" suggested Dad as he took a swig of his golden beer.

"You're more than welcome to" replied Mister Hanson.

Picking up his own beer, I watch as his throat bobbed as he took a drink. How his hand and fingers wrapped around the bottle. It made me wonder about terribly bad, but oh-so-good things. How would they feel wrapping around me? Would they be warm and rough like I imagined? I didn't know, but she did – Misses Hanson. She probably knew what it felt like to have his touch, and the thought made me a little jealous.

How lucky she is to be his wife – to be the centre of his world. The one he chose to spend the rest of his life with. How very lucky indeed.

Finishing up our main dinner after a few more minutes, Mum started making the desserts and I had fallen into the realm of silence. Pouring myself another glass of water, I envied the adults for their ability to drink alcohol. It might have boosted my confidence to join in on the conversation, but alas, I'm stuck feeling completely sober and awkward.

"Plan on doing anything over the summer break?" asked Mister Hanson as he looked straight at me. I don't know what made him want to talk to me. Maybe he wasn't interested in what the other three has to say, or maybe he felt pity for me being the youngest. But I didn't mind his attention, even though I felt as if I were under a magnifying glass.

"Driving" I replied "I've been studying for the test. I'm hoping I'll get my license so I can practice over the break"

"That's good" he nodded "It'll give you a lot of freedom. Just be sure to watch out for all the crazies. There's a lot of them out there" he joked and I smiled.

Bringing over the desserts, Elizabeth spoke up after two mouthfuls "This is delicious Margret"

"I'm glad you think so" Mum smiled. She loves it when people compliment her cooking. A pat on the back for the hours she spent making it all. But Elizabeth is indeed right, the cinnamon apple pie and ice-cream is definitely delicious.

"Amanda was just telling me she plans on going for her learners. Where does the time go?" joked Mister Hanson as he scooped up a bit of his desert.

"I know" agreed Mum "It's just seems to fly. I remember the day she was born as if it happened yesterday. And now here she is, all grown up. My little honey bunch" feeling an instant blush of embarrassment heat my cheeks. I couldn't believe it. Why is this happening? It's such a typical and cliché thing for mother's to do this; ogle and coo over their children's baby years. But did she have to do it right now, in front of him?

I prayed she wouldn't keep going.

"Seems to be the way these days. Especially with all this technology" replied Mister Hanson "Kids just seem to skip all that in-between stuff. So eager to become adults. The next thing you know they'll be moving out into homes of their own"

"It won't be the same when they do" spoke Mum with a somewhat sad thought "The house will be so quiet"

"At long last" teased Dad and we chuckled.

Scooping a bit of ice-cream I took a bite and almost hummed at the mouth-watering flavour. The hot and cold of the dessert was nice against my tongue. Flicking my gaze over to Mister Hanson, his steel were looking at me and I watched as he pulled the spoon from between his lips. I focused my attention back to my own dessert with a slight cough to clear my mind of all the naughty thoughts coursing through my brain.

Finished with my ice-cream and pie, the rest were soon done with theirs and it was getting rather late. Caught in a daydream I was pulled back by the sound of chairs moving. Everyone was getting up from their chair so I did too. Trailing along to the front door, Mum said goodbye to Elizabeth while Dad shook hands with Mister Hanson.

"It was good having you over" spoke Dad.

"It was good being here. Thank you for the lovely dinner Margret" replied Mister Hanson with a friendly smile towards Mum.

"Anytime" she replied. Looking from Rebekah to me, Mister Hanson nodded his head "Girls" opening the door, Elizabeth stepped out and waited when a light breeze blew through the doorway where he now stood. I could smell it. That one scent I've always loved. It never changed and each time it made me melt inside.

That familiar rich and masculine scent mixed with leather.