I stared at myself as I glanced at our Honda Civic's mirror. My lavender laced dress compliments my fair complexion, and my long hair with wavy curls is adorned with a silver butterfly clip. I only applied light blush on my cheeks since the need to put too much make up is unnecessary, my lips already looked naturally red even without lipstick or gloss. I smiled and took out my phone for a quick selfie before I went out of the car.
The heat gradually touched my skin, it was indeed a great time for hiking or fun outdoor activities. Though, school ruined that thought for the students of Pleasant Hill's College. Due to the shift of educational perspectives, the current administration considered moving the resumption of classes mid-summer. Making our current vacation plans status: cancelled.
"Sera!"
I turned and saw a woman wearing a yellow tank top and jeans, but what shocked me was that her brunette hair now turned brownish-red.
"What did you do to your hair, Leonara?"
She gestured, and did a quick hair flip before answering, "Oh, you know, hair dye."
Confused, I asked, "But I thought you loved your black hair?"
She just smiled, "well, people change, I guess."
I shrugged it off and continued walking inside the wooden doors of our school. The walls screamed "Welcome Back, Students!" as you could smell it being newly painted. The corridors were as noisy as it has always been, and everything was exactly as it should be. Except for the fact that this will be our senior year, which changes a lot.
I looked around and saw faces that had been part of almost half of my life, and after this school year, these faces will only be partial memories of this glorious place. A place where I had grown, will now only be another stepping stone towards a bigger world for me.
We sat at our usual seats as we entered the classroom. All eyes looking at our direction, like always, checking what brand we are wearing for today.
"Isn't that the newly released, limited edition Coax bag?" Referring to the bag that I just placed on top of my chair.
"And, oh! Look at Leo's shoes. The same one that Anna Hatthaway has, right?"
"I thought stocks were limited? My mom tried ordering one but the company said they had no more."
"How the hell do they do it?"
"Well, connections, guys. Connections that we don't have."
These are common scenarios that me and Leonara had been so fed up with, given that these things happen almost everyday.
I mean, who wouldn't talk about Leonara? The sole owner of this College, and several other fashion boutiques around the globe.
And me, a Monte Riego at the land of Pleasant Hills. The only granddaughter of Constantine Monte Riego, former Mayor and elite member of a well known bloodline. The Monte Riego Clan.
Our professor went in, but he was not alone. Behind Professor Orlando was a guy whose eyes looked oddly familiar. The room settled down and I know everyone's attention was turned to the guy in front.
"Everyone, this is Kieran, your new classmate."
Leonara raised her hand, which was so unlikely, "Sir, isn't it a bit late for transferees, especially it's now our senior year?"
"His family just moved here and fortunately all his credentials and finished courses matched everything you guys had taken for the last 3 years. So, if you don't mind, Leonara, we have a class to start. Kiearan, please take a seat."
I nudged Leo but her eyes never left the guy in front who was now smiling, grinning while looking for a vacant seat. Then I felt a slight breeze of air suddenly pass through, and took my scarf with it. I was about to stand up and catch it but I saw the guy holding my scarf for me.
"Here, clumsy gal."
As I took my scarf, I looked up and saw his eyes. Then a thought hit me, this was the same guy that I met at my grandmother's funeral!
And for a brief moment, I felt that familiar feeling of being magnetized to this man's gaze. Our eyes locked, and everything just turned silent, once again, sulking me into a realm even I don't understand.
His eyes went down to my neck, which made him shut his eyes, and the feeling of being magnetized was gone. "Nice necklace." He said, with an expression I don't recognize. Is he confused? Mesmerized? Shocked?
With a polite tone I answered, "My grand mother gave it." He nodded and gave a slight smile before heading to the back where his seat is located, just right next to the window.
For some unknown reason I held on to my grandmother's pendant, which was now latched on to a necklace. It made me safe, calm, and peaceful. The same feeling my grand mother gave me whenever I have my recurring nightmares as a child.
"Welcome to History 101." Professor Orlando said as he written the subject name on the board. I heard some yawns and murmurs at the back. Irritated, I looked back and saw the same girls gashing about us earlier. A slightly bored stare made them shut up. I caught a quick glimpse of Kieran which was still staring at me.
Confused, again, I stared back. "Would you kindly share with us that story, Miss Monte Riego?"
I turned when my professor got my attention, apparently he was tackling about Pleasant Hill's history. I composed myself and got up.
"The story goes back for almost a century. It was my family that founded this place, led the people toward civilization and progression. Indeed, the place in their hands made it more beautiful and safe. This place is a home I will forever love. I always remembered the stories of my grandmother, about how our ancestors tried to protect this place."
"From what?" A voice interrupted me, I looked and it was Kieran, now wearing a small grin on his face.
"Well, I guess just outside bandits and other people that just wants to take advantage of the richness of Pleasant Hills."
"Is that so?"
"As it is said from old town history books and stories told by the legends themselves, Pleasant Hills has been protected by a certain group of people, not just our family, from enemies that wanted to invade our home."
He crossed his arms and looked directly at me, "Then, do you consider this town rid of harm now?"
For a moment, I remembered what my grand mother used to tell me. The famous line our ancestors passed down throughout the years. And so with eyes directed at him, I said with a stern voice, "As long as a Monte Riego lives, then yes, Pleasant Hills will remain peaceful and beautiful."