CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Alexia can I take you out " Mark asked Alexia when she was coming out of the school premises. Their relationship has improved since he confessed his feelings to her. He opened his car door for her to sit. He made it his priorities to always go and picked her from her school, since they started dating. After she sat down he closed the door and entered the driver seat and started driving.
"You look Disturbed what happened and by the way where is Juliana, why did I not see her with you?
"Juliana couldn't make it to school today," Alexia replied, her tone sounding slightly concerned. "She texted me this morning saying she was feeling under the weather and needed to stay home."
"That's a bummer," Mark said sympathetically. "But I'm glad you're here. I know you've been looking forward to this day for a long time. How did it feel to be looking forward to graduating in the next few months?"
Alexia's face lit up as she answered, "It's amazing. I can't believe I'm almost done with school in the next few months.
He drove her to a resort center , parking his car in the parking lot before they came down.
"Should we start "he asked Alexia, both of them looking at the place filled with people doing different activities .
"How do you get to know this place , is this where you always bring your girlfriends " Alexia asked feeling jealous ,she is not the only one he might have brought here .
" I can sense jealousy " Mark said smiling before holding her hand walking towards the house.
"Am not jealous" Alexia muttered slowly and Mark couldn't retain his smile." What, why are you smiling? It's funny, " Alexia asked .
"You are the first person I have ever and will be bringing here"Mark explained in an assured tone. " Ok"Alexia answered calmly ." Enough of all this talk let enjoy this place "Mark said and he walked towards a resort attendance .
"Wow so mark took you to all that places" Juliana said amazingly
"Yes, it was an amazing day," Alexia replied, a smile on her face as she recalled the events of the day. "We went on a boat ride, had lunch at a picnic area, and watched the sunset from the top of a hill. It was so beautiful and peaceful. And the best part was just being able to spend time with Mark. We really connected and talked about so many things."
"That's so sweet!" Juliana exclaimed. "It sounds like you two are really hitting it off. How do you think things are going to go from here?"
" Wishing for the best,"Alexia answered dreamingly.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting golden stripes across Alexia's closed eyes. Juliana burst into the room, her voice echoing with excitement, "Today's the big day, Alexia! Last project, remember? Don't be late!"
No response. Juliana approached the bed, her voice softening. "Come on, sleepyhead," she nudged Alexia's shoulder. It was then she noticed the subtle trembling, the tremor that betrayed more than just sleep.
Turning Alexia gently, Juliana gasped. Tears streamed down her friend's face, staining her cheeks. Panic welled up in Juliana's throat. "Alexia, what happened? Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I had a dream," Alexia choked out, her voice raspy with unshed tears. "A terrible dream... my parents..." she couldn't continue, the fear raw in her eyes.
Juliana sat beside her, concern etching lines on her young face. This was the first time she'd ever seen Alexia so vulnerable, so broken. "My parents was involve in an accident and there dead"Alexia explained feeling hurt as if it just happened real.
"It was just a dream," she soothed, pulling her friend into a hug. "Nothing bad will happen to them."
"But Alexia wasn't convinced. She fumbled for her phone, her fingers shaking as she dialed her parents' number. The silence that followed each ring stretched into an eternity, amplifying her fear. "They're not answering," she whispered, her voice thick with despair.
Juliana squeezed her hand. "It's probably just early. They're probably getting ready for your big day." But even as she spoke, doubt crept into her own voice.
**Just then, a notification illuminated Alexia's phone screen. A message from her parents. Relief washed over them both as they read the message telling her to make sure she came out we flying colors.
As they rushed to school, Alexia's mind buzzed with the lingering fear of her dream. Despite Juliana's assurances, the image of her parents in danger played on repeat. During their presentation, her voice trembled, and her focus wavered. Juliana, sensing her friend's struggle, discreetly sent encouraging smiles and thumbs-ups, but Alexia couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom.
However, as the day progressed, something shifted. The excitement of the project, the camaraderie with her classmates, and the gentle support of Juliana began to chip away at her fear. As they received positive feedback for their work, a flicker of pride replaced the anxiety in Alexia's eyes.
Later, during lunch, Juliana noticed Alexia staring intently at her phone. "Good news?" she asked, hoping for a message from her parents.
Alexia shook her head, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. "Just an email from my school counselor. She wants to talk about my dream , she saw my swollen eyelids this morning"she explained to her friend in other not to confuse her.
Intrigued, Juliana offered to accompany her. In the counselor's office, Alexia poured out her anxieties, the fear of losing her parents feeling suffocating. The counselor listened patiently, then spoke of the power of dreams and the importance of processing them.
"Sometimes, dreams are just reflections of our deepest fears," she explained. "But they don't define your future, Alexia. You have the power to control your thoughts and emotions, not the other way around."
The counselor's words resonated with Alexia. She left the office feeling lighter, a weight lifted from her chest. She still missed her parents dearly, but the fear had lost its grip on her.
The next morning, a call from her grand pa , filled their apartment with laughter. he reassured her they were safe and sound, sending their love and support for her upcoming graduation. Tears of relief welled up in Alexia's eyes, but this time, they were mixed with joy.
As the days flew by, Alexia channeled her dream into positive action. She started a support group for students struggling with anxiety, drawing inspiration from her own experience. Juliana, ever her pillar of strength, stood by her side, helping her organize meetings and offering encouragement.